Bruce Sabin's Road Trips
The Bike    †    The Trips    †    The Gear
 
 


 

I ride a 2005 Suzuki C90T, purchased April 29, 2005.

     
    This picture shows the Lindby Customs Linbar I installed June 2006. MSRP was $335, but I found it on eBay for $282 with shipping. Installation was a bear; I had to physically pull apart the top connecting points and use a 4x4 to leverage in the bottom points to get the bar to fit. Installation is a two-person job. But, once on, the Linbar is rock solid.
 
 

These are my Harley-Davidson boots. MSRP was $145, but the local Harley dealer had them on clearance for $84. While I try to avoid H-D merchandise, they do have some decent products at reasonable rates, especially when things are on clearance.

Pros: Motorcycle boots at an affordable price. They look good and seem well made (except for not being waterproof). The velcro closures improves fit and safety.

Cons: They're not waterproof; the velcro closures make it impossible for the boots to be completely waterproof, but H-D could have at least treated the leather. Maybe H-D riders don't ride in the rain. I use mink oil to keep the water out.

   
    In Aug 2006, I bought a $35 Beadrider seat cover. It has those little wooden beads, like in a stereotypical taxicab. One of its biggest advantages is that it ends "monkey butt" by allowing air to circulate. No more sweaty rears. I read a review in Motorcycle Cruiser that ranked this the second best seat cover, behind only the $200 Airhawk. I certainly think this was a better investment.
     

 

 

 I wear an Arai Quantum II. This is my first expensive helmet (above $100) and there really is a big difference in quality. The airvents on this helmet are amazing. I can actually feel the breeze go through the helmet, even when I'm standing still. I spent about $300 on the helmet. I also added some $16 reflective decals to the helmet. They're black but reflect white. You can barely see them in the day (photo at far left without flash), but they show up clearly when headlights are shining on your head (right photo with flash).