Best piece of kit you own

tom_e

tom_e

tom_e

Man of Honour
Joined
26 Dec 2003
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31,468
Location
Shropshire
So what does everyone think is the number one best thing they've bought for riding?

I think mine has got to be my kriega luggage, I've got the R35 along with 2 10L tail packs and a 20L tail pack yes it's £LOL expensive but to be honest at least one of them comes with me pretty much every time I ride which has been daily since I passed in July so I'm more than getting my money worth and I can't see it giving up any time soon.

Also after using a cheap drybag rucksack on my 125 there's nothing worse than uncomfortable backpacks especially if you're carrying anything vaguely heavy and my R35 is perfectly comfortable for 5+ hours wear.
 
probably my weise necktube,still looks like new after years of use

next would be my £4.99 karrimoor rucksack,still holding up well and a bargain
 
I find my Kreiga US40 luggage a complete PITA to use so I couldn't say it's the best piece of kit I own, even though it is well made. In fact I tend to use an Oxford tail/tank bag in preference to the Kriega because it's much quicker and less hassle to pack and mount on the bike, though probably not as water proof.

My Shoei XSpirit 2 is probably the best bit of kit I own, comfortable, good ventilation and vision and just feels like a top quality item compared to the Shark and AGV I had before.
 
My Alpinestars SP-8 are probably my favourite, although the leather layer on the cuff is coming off on the left. Shouldn't be a problem though as it isn't causing any problems with the main glove.

My Kriega R30 (waterproof one) is alright, although it doesn't put the weight on my chest like a lot of people say... it just seems to pull down on my shoulders like every other backpack. I have tried on all the different sizes but can't quite get it right. You can see where the money went, and I'm sure I'll have it in 20 years time, but I'm not as impressed with the fit as some.

My Sena 20S headset is amazing. Somehow no wind noise, can hear perfectly. Made mine and my brother's trip to Scotland earlier this year infinitely more entertaining.
 
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Probably my kriega R30. Craig, on yours, can you get a finger or 2 under the shoulder strap at the top? The strap should be a little loose, if I have any weight in the bag I can feel the weight on the section where the connectors are.
 
ttaskmaster said:
Toss-up between Scottoiler and SatNav... probably the latter as I watch the road so much I don't always watch where I'm going, if that makes sense?
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I had a Scottoiler on my Hornet, but it just seemed to make a big mess, regardless of the drip rate, which was never right because of the changeable weather. The electronic one might be better, although I don't think that even adjusts itself, you still have to check it?

On my new bike I've just used Castrol stuff which has kept my chain in just as good condition as my Scotoiled one, plus being down on my knees by my make makes me aware of any potential rust, issues or whatever.

I guess for really long treks, Scottoiler would be good as if you're doing a few hundred miles then you don't want to stop and lube, but not sure it's worth the mess for general short-ish commuting when you can just lube on the weekend, or after heavy rain.

My Hornet's chain also stretched way more over 1k miles on a Scottoiler compared to my Speed's chain over 4k.
 
Givi v47 topbox, sod messing around with bags etc :p

Put stuff in and no worries about rain. Can leave my helmet in it locked up no worries along with anything valuable such as laptop etc. Leave it whilst parked up in town or at old trafford without a second thought.

Getting the brakes lights for it I think just because they're cool.
 
Careful with putting valuables in there though! Somebody tried to force the lock on the top box I had on a courtesy bike a while back. People do target those as well :(
 
Craig321 said:
My Alpinestars SP-8 are probably my favourite, although the leather layer on the cuff is coming off on the left. Shouldn't be a problem though as it isn't causing any problems with the main glove.
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Another +1 for the SP-8 gloves, my girlfriend got them for me for my Birthday and I love them.

I also have a Givi top box which is invaluable when commuting, however I feel any other top box with similar capacity would likely do the job just as well.
 
Craig321 said:
I had a Scottoiler on my Hornet, but it just seemed to make a big mess, regardless of the drip rate, which was never right because of the changeable weather. The electronic one might be better, although I don't think that even adjusts itself, you still have to check it?
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It works off the engine vacuum, so if you're revving the pants off it in town, it will drip a lot more. Turn it up for distance riding, turn it back down for slower in-town stuff. Seems about it, really.
Mine has a little bit of fling, but nowhere near what I'd call 'mess' and is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the road muck. Goes away when you clean the bike easy enough.

Craig321 said:
My Hornet's chain also stretched way more over 1k miles on a Scottoiler compared to my Speed's chain over 4k.
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Which is more torquey?
Which do you hammer more?
What is each chain like with and without the Scottoiler?
 
ttaskmaster said:
Which is more torquey?
Which do you hammer more?
What is each chain like with and without the Scottoiler?
Click to expand...

To answer the first two, the Speed - it's a 1050cc with near enough double the torque.

The Hornet's chain, without the Scottoiler would get a bit dirtier, but stretch was the same.

I have never tried the Speed with Scottoiler, but it isn't stretching nearly as quickly as the chain on my Hornet with the Scottoiler.

ttaskmaster said:
It works off the engine vacuum, so if you're revving the pants off it in town, it will drip a lot more. Turn it up for distance riding, turn it back down for slower in-town stuff.
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I realise that, but that's just a pain. Take seat off, adjust flow (probably getting it slightly wrong compared to what's recommended if you don't stand and watch it for a couple of mins), then ride. Too much hassle for my liking! They're also extremely sensitive to the weather, so this time of year for example when one day it can be freezing and the next relatively warm, your drip rate will be all over the place.
 
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Craig321 said:
I have never tried the Speed with Scottoiler, but it isn't stretching nearly as quickly as the chain on my Hornet with the Scottoiler.
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Can't compare different chains... because they're different.
Have to compare the same chain on the same bike under the same conditions with and without the SO.
How do other owners with Scotties find it?

I am surprised as so many people (jokingly) threatened to never speak with me again unless I got a Scotty for my bike, and so many people bang on about Scotties, that it's pretty much a no-brainer once you have it set up for your particular needs.

Craig321 said:
I realise that, but that's just a pain. Take seat off, adjust flow then ride. Too much hassle for my liking!
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That's why I put mine outside the fairing. :p

But that takes, what, 30 seconds?
Do you need to warm the bike up pre-ride? That's when I alter mine, if it needs it. Small thing to do while gioing about your daily POWER checks, really.

Craig321 said:
They're also extremely sensitive to the weather, so this time of year for example when one day it can be freezing and the next relatively warm, your drip rate will be all over the place.
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Mine ain't... Are you using Blue or Red?

I only have two settings - About 4 for in-town and 8 if I'm doing business miles that day.
It takes a little trial and error to find what's best for you and your specific bike, which you figure out in a week or so, but that is it.
 
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