Bike Equipment
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Tank Bag
Using a tank bag to more evenly distribute the weight of my luggage seems essential to safe riding. I chose to use a Pacsafe Tanksafe tank bag. It’s constructed with a high-tensile stainless steel mesh lock-and-leave security system that makes it slashproof, snatchproof and tamperproof. You lock it closed then secure it to your bike using a coated heavy duty cable. I’ve used a variety Pacsafe travel security products for several years and they have never let me down. The bag is capacious at 26L and it looks very much in keeping on a classic bike.
Mine came from UK motorcycle accessory distributors Motohaus. Amongst other goodies, their website features the full Pacsafe motorcycle range including an equally secure tail bag and a helmet bag. Contact: Motohaus Website Tel: (+44) 01256 704909 |
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Bike Cover
A good cover not only protects your bike from the elements, it can act
as an extra deterrent to prying eyes and hands. Being able to securely cover your bike when you want to explore a new place gives peace of mind and makes for a more enjoyable trip. My cover was tailor made for my bike by experts Specialised Covers. I have to say that the quality is excellent and the company have gone to great lengths to accommodate my panniers and fly screen. Watching their expert patternmaker at work was an education and my cover fits like a Saville Row suit. One feature I really like is the brass eyelets to allow a padlock to secure the cover in place. Contact: Specialised Covers Website Tel: (+44) 01943 864646 |
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Straps
I've tried many ways to hold luggage on bikes in the past, with only limited success.Rok Straps do the job superbly; they're specially designed for motorcycles. The larger pair I'm taking can hold up to 40KG. They're adjustable and can be fitted a number of ways. I've also got a pair of smaller straps which are neat for adding extra items on top of your main luggage. The product is excellent and the company great to deal with. Contact: Rok Straps Website New UK Distributor Motohaus (from October 2008) |
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Lock
It is reported that over 100 motorcycles are stolen on average per day yet more than half are
left unprotected. As my Bullet has no ignition key, a good chain and padlock are
essential.
Tel: (+44) 01993 862300 The 10mm Barrier chain lock from Oxford meets my needs perfectly. It is relatively light but also tough. It's heat treated to resist attack and the lock is pick resistant. I especially like how the padlock is integrated into the chain - one less thing to remember or fiddle about with. Contact: Oxford Website |
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Cleaner and Polish
I have spent a considerable amount of time and money restoring my motorcycle. The journey to India is sure to take it's toll so I want to protect the paintwork as well as possible before departure.
Autoglym is respected worldwide as a manufacturer of leading car and motorcycle care products. I use their Motorcycle Cleaner product, which is safe on all surfaces including polished alloy. Tough polish protection is then provided by a coat of Super Resin Polish follwed by a coat of Extra Gloss Protection, an extra tough protective sealant that contains a blend of hard resins and waxes. Contact: Autoglym website Tel: (+44) 01462 677766 |
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