Mods for touring.

[Lou Girardin]

These aren't just for touring, but they have made a difference.
Ohlins rear shock with higher rate spring - Traxxion front springs, it's made the ride fully loaded unbelievably good. I haven't bottomed it out yet despite the 180 kg load and it's completely removed any wallow at 'slap upside the head' speeds.
Rider custom seat, the standard Bandit seat is not pillion friendly. This has increased my wifes range from 150 to 300 k's.
Handguards, not as good as heated grips, but they certainly helped when it got cool (10-11 degrees)
Givi bags, it's much more civilised to unlock them from the bike and walk in like a real tourist and not a look like a rickshaw driver doing house removals.
I haven't used the GPS on a trip yet, but I'm sure it's got enough functions to entertain me for hours.

[XP@]

Scotoiler (or similar): essential.
Daytona grips: hmmm warm hands, makes the rain survivable.
Sheepskin: too tight to buy a new seat
GPS: good to know where you have been or for accident locations.
Cycle computer: not much value apart from average speed and clock
Soft bags: I ride a rikshaw.
tank bag with map holder: Very useful (but watch out putting your wallet in magnetic bags)

[OLD MAN BJ]

I'm thinking about doing some mods to my 900 Hornet to make it more comfortable. Sheepskin on seat ( where do you get them, and do they need to be tailored to each seat ). Raising the bars about 1 inch. Got some Givi hard luggage and its great. Also, when its time go get a new chain, I think I will go up a tooth on the front sprocket. I keek looking for another gear.
But isn't that what makes a bike fun to own?

[Blackbird]

I'm thinking about doing some mods to my 900 Hornet to make it more comfortable. Sheepskin on seat ( where do you get them, and do they need to be tailored to each seat ). Raising the bars about 1 inch. Got some Givi hard luggage and its great. Also, when its time go get a new chain, I think I will go up a tooth on the front sprocket. I keek looking for another gear.
But isn't that what makes a bike fun to own?

The sheepskin shop on SH1 between Putaruru and Tokoroa will custom make a fully fitted one for about $110 in black or common or garden cream. Alternately, you can buy a bit and make your own. I used one for years before going for a custom seat.

[avgas]

Dont forget the tool roll above the headlight

[Big Dave]

XB12X Mods required for touring:


XB12X mods required for gravel-road touring:


XB12X mods rquired for excellent sports riding:
Replace dunlop front tyre.


XB12X mods required for urban/stunt riding:


bloody good bike - first one I've owned that doesn't need 'something' doing to it.
It could use better lights is about all - but i don't tour at night anyway so not bothering.

[Lou Girardin]

XB12X Mods required for touring:


XB12X mods required for gravel-road touring:


XB12X mods rquired for excellent sports riding:
Replace dunlop front tyre.


XB12X mods required for urban/stunt riding:


bloody good bike - first one I've owned that doesn't need 'something' doing to it.
It could use better lights is about all - but i don't tour at night anyway so not bothering.

Don't forget the Human Growth Hormone so that normal people can touch the ground. (or training wheels)

[Kendog]

I'm thinking about doing some mods to my 900 Hornet to make it more comfortable. Sheepskin on seat ( where do you get them, and do they need to be tailored to each seat ). Raising the bars about 1 inch. Got some Givi hard luggage and its great. Also, when its time go get a new chain, I think I will go up a tooth on the front sprocket. I keek looking for another gear.
But isn't that what makes a bike fun to own?

I have one that was made by Charmans in Napier especially for the Hornet.
As Blackbird said, I am sure other places can do the same.

Was invaluable on my last long trip, as the stock seat is a little firm.

If you or anyone is seriously thinking of doing something for the seat, I highly recommend getting a Rider seat.

[Buster]

Some useful items I have found to make touring more comfortable are a good pair of earplugs. Not that my bike is loud, but it takes the harshness out of the wind blast which can really wear you down after a few hours.

[Bonez]

BUNGIES!, BUNGIES!!, and BUNGIES!!!

[Bonez]

XB12X Mods required for touring:

The luggage system is standard then?

[Bonez]

XB12X mods required for gravel-road touring:

See above re laggage system

[Big Dave]

The luggage system is standard then?

Yeah - it kinda was on mine - I did a deal on working for AMPS for it.
It's an optional extra - and quite expensive too. good gear but.

[Karma]

I haven't bottomed it out yet despite the 180 kg load

Geez Lou...

You might wanna try getting down the gym a bit, then you wouldn't need all that expensive gear

[Lou Girardin]

Geez Lou...

You might wanna try getting down the gym a bit, then you wouldn't need all that expensive gear

Yeah, yeah, I was waiting for that. Did I not mention being two-up and having the contents of my wifes hair and make up department on board?
I only make up 85 kg's and two pairs of undies in that load.