Alarm Peace of mind is priceless. I chose to fit an alarm to act as a deterrent to potential thieves, especially at night. Acumen, a British electronics company, make a range of very high quality alarms. I have fitted the CAT 3.1 self fit DIY alarm to the front section of the rear mudguard and an extra loud external siren behind the air filter box. Unusually in this price range, the alarm comes with a key fob remote and has both a nudge sensor and a proper movement sensor. The current draw is very low; less than 5mA, and it's fully waterproof. Contact: Acumen Website Tel:  (+44) 0870 240 32 57
Lights I want to run the bike all day with good lighting. The sensible choice was to fit an LED tail light. Not only is it brighter than a standard lamp; it also lasts longer and uses very little current. At the front, I’m running a quartz halogen 12V bulb that draws 23W as a daytime running light fitted into the pilot light hole. For the main beam, I’ve fit a British pre-focus quartz halogen 12V 35W. Paul Goff, a specialist supplier of classic motorcycle electrical parts, has supplied the lights. Contact: 62 Clare rd. Prestwood, Bucks, HP16 0NU. Tel: (+44) 01494 868218
Magneto The magneto is probably the most vulnerable part of my motorcycle. I toyed with carrying a spare but they seem to be made from an alien metal from the planet Zog; it weights over 5KG and would certainly destroy anything else carried in a pannier with it. Tony Cooper of TC Motorcycles, magneto and dynamo restoration specialists, has come up with a great solution. Tony has made me a spare armature, complete with bearings and spacer ring. If the magneto does fail, I'll replace the main components in one go and the armature weighs only a fraction of a complete magneto body. Tony has also provided spare points, HT lead and pick up, so hopefully I will be able to deal with any ignition issues I encounter. Contact: TC Motorcycles, 110 Olive Lane, Halesowen, B62 8LT. Tel: (+44) 0121 559 2405