This is a list of items I added to the bike and my opinion
of their performance:
Rear rack – I replaced the plastic and smaller OEM rack with
the AltRider rack. It was fantastic. Provided good secure tie down point for my
large red bag plus rain gear and it was the mounting point for my RotoPak
reserve fuel tank. I also stored extra oil, lifting strap and brush under the
rack in a storage shelf. Good quality and extremely strong.
Crash Bars – I used AltRider crash bars and they proved
their strength when the bike dropped due to my incompetence. Didn’t even
scratch the bars and they are mounted solidly to the frame at multiple points.
They protect the radiator on the left and all the electrics on the right.
Skid Plate – I used AltRider (see a trend) skid plate. Again
top quality and strong.
Head Light Grill – I believe this is a Hepco & Becker
unit but anyone of a number of ones will work. Some are clear and use just
Velcro to attach. I didn’t like that approach so went with the bolt-on type.
Windshield – I used a CalSci (California Scientific I think)
and it was excellent. Great optics and did great job keeping wind blast down.
Be sure to use their directions on determining height from the web page. I
wanted to be able to ride looking over the windshield since it will get most of
the bugs while deflecting them over your helmet keeping helmet shield cleaner.
If you elect to ride looking through your windshield, carry lots of rags and
cleaner. As a side note, I also had installed the OEM lower wind deflectors. I
thought this combination would keep most of the wind off of me and it did
fairly well. The only issue I had was the top of both arms got lots of wind and
it generated turbulence around my helmet causing lots of wind noise. If I
lowered my arms the noise and turbulence went away.
RAM Mounts – Love Ram-Mounts. They have every type you will
ever need and are good quality products.
Foot Pegs – My crash bars are higher than the OEM bars so
don’t work real well for foot pegs, at least that’s what I thought at first.
After the 2400 mile ride to Washington I determined I needed something so I
could stretch my legs while riding. I bought cheap ($19) pegs at the Yamaha
dealer and they worked perfectly to extend my butt tolerance range.
Side Stand Foot – Several different brands available but a
must have item on this bike. You will park a lot on soft dirt up north including
even at the gas pump. Jim had to use a round plastic item under his kick stand
while all I did was use my normal stand with added foot.
Throttle Lock – MUST HAVE. I would not have been able to
make this ride without a throttle lock. Several different types but I used the Excel
Throttle Control and it was a fantastic product. Top quality construction and
easy to use while riding. Small operation but very customer focused. He
actually sent it to me before receiving payment because I ordered close to
departure time.
Fender Extender – The OEM fender is a little short and puts
road spray/mud right on the front of the engine and header pipes. I added a
good quality extender (carbon fiber) and it kept the engine almost mud free. My
only concern would be riding real heavy mud and it jamming up the front wheel.
Bike fender is easy to get off for cleaning if this became an issue.
Tank Bag – Must Have. This is where I stored everything for
which I needed ready access; bill fold, sunglasses, cell phone, extra gloves, windshield
cleaner, etc. Get one that is water proof or has a tight fitting cover. I used
just a generic waterproof bag cover and it was a pain because it would keep
flapping in my face.
Spare fuel – RotoPak is the only way to go. Great locking
mount. I wish I had carried two instead of just a single 1 gallon.
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