I have wanted to know what all of you think about purchases related to our love of riding for awhile now, so I will ask each of you.

I like to purchase only the best and, as a result, only have to buy it once, at least for a long, long time considering it should be the best.

The equipment doesn't all have to match or be from the same brand, but coordination with other equipment is a plus. Some name brands have really good product lines, while other products that they make are not worth much. So, if I were to gear up with the best item for each need, what in your opinion and experience are the top reccomendations based on your, or others, ownership?

Other responses and reccomendations can be for body apparel or bike equipment. So what items did you buy that you have really gotten your money's worth? What stuff has outlasted your expectations? What would you recommend as an absolute must have? Not really interested in anything that doesn't cut it, unless it is pertinent to your successful purchase.

For me, I absolutely recommend a headlight modulator. Kriss makes a great one and there are others out there that are sufficient also. But, I have been noticed more often and I know that cars have seen the headlight modulate and I have witnessed them stop in their tracks when seeing it, where as without it they would pull right out in front of me. I would not ride a bike nowadays without one, at least in the urbs and burbs.

Your participation can benefit all of us, especially when others are in agreement.

Now, fire away.

Two items.

1. Every time I've riden this winter I appreciated the heated grips.

2. It's a small thing but the jiffy stand extension on the SG makes parking a lot easier.

Not a v rod....

A rico air horn, very loud, works everytime.
An HD fxrg jacket.
Easy brackets.
Fork mount wind deflectors.
Windshield if rain is expected and foe long rides.

J&S Jack...invaluable for cleaning and minor repairs.
Heated vest and Gloves for cold weather riding
GPS for long distance rides in unknown areas
J&M CB radio for trips
Kuryakan Adjustable Passenger pegs to keep the wife happy

Enclosed trailer.

Easy Brackets which allow my bags to go on/off VERY easy. Kuryakyn run/brake/stop kit.......for added safety, and a little nice convienence is my windsheild bag!

I know this may not be popular with all and I believe in our right to chose but my recommendation is a good quality Helmet. Trust me, there was a time when I thought I would never say that. The last time I went down I really don't think I would have survived had it not been for my trusty Nolan full face flip up helmet. A lady pulled out in front of me on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The amazing thing I found was you eventually get used to them and then you don't feel right without one. Again, I don't mean to open a can of worms but don't knock it until you have tried it......CJ

My glide is loaded with bare essentials. XM, Radar (saved me today), Navigation, CB. Loud horn. (saves me every day). Tour pak, T bags, Mustang seat, Sorry, can't pick just one.

ORIGINAL: cjackson

I know this may not be popular with all and I believe in our right to chose but my recommendation is a good quality Helmet. Trust me, there was a time when I thought I would never say that. The last time I went down I really don't think I would have survived had it not been for my trusty Nolan full face flip up helmet. A lady pulled out in front of me on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The amazing thing I found was you eventually get used to them and then you don't feel right without one. Again, I don't mean to open a can of worms but don't knock it until you have tried it......CJ

I couldn't agree more. I have been riding motorcycles since I was 8 yrs old, always have and will wear a helmet.

comfortable handlebars and seat.

Adjustable rider backrest, without question.

A good looking blonde femalepassenger with long legs and big yaboes!

Rinehart true dual pipes.
Any leather product from Fox Creek Leather.

Kurykan ISO grips

FXRG Nylon Jacket & pants, They are awesome! Windproof, waterproof & They prtect well in heat & cold

Im goin to go out on a limb here and think you already have your protective gear takencare of. I.M.O. if i were ridin a bagger I'd probably have to have a first-aid kit in there somewhere.IfI stillhad my '78 H.D. id say a spare set of sparkplugs area must-have.ROFL!
But seriously:
*Perhaps a good multi-tool. ie. Leatherman, Gerber, etc.
*Maybe a road-side safety kit, these usually have small first-aid kits in them along with flares, tire fixer, flashlight, and such.
*.45 cal. model 1911 A-1, provided you carry a C.H.L.:D
Am I getting funny looks yet? lol Got to be prepared when the sh-t gets deep.

Lyndall Racing Pads Because I really like to stop. http://www.lyndallracingbrakes.com/home.

Rinehart TrueDuals
HD FXRG Midweight Leather jacket
Arai helmet
HD FXRG gloves
HD heated grips

Earplugs. On a trip they make an incredible difference in overall comfort.

good seat with a backrest

My Vanson Leather jacket, bought it in 1988, has outlasted most things in my life, and still looks great

HD Split Mirrors, provide a panoramic view of what's coming up behind you.

I think so far is the Gaurd Dawg Security system I put in my 03 Glide Classic. I have a real bad habit of not locking the stearing wheel so now when I walk away the starter on the bike is disabled. Hell I liked so much I became a dealer for them.Half off of what Harley is offering on the 07 bikes now. Email me and I'll shoot you a price if interested.

Lots of nice stuff listed for sure, but if you can't see where you are going, whats the point?? I GOOD pair of high end riding glasses/goggles. I have had many (cheap and expensive) and right now prefer the Harley brand auto tinting ones. You can't replace the peepers!!!:eek:

The Ride Like a Pro DVD and practice!

http://ridelikeapro.com (http://ridelikeapro.com)

Heat seeking missles to take care of the cages anda good quality seat. If the bottom is sore, so goes the rest of the body.

I'll take one of each!

AEROSTICH riding gear. Particularly the Darien jacket and pants. They are expensive, but you won't buy another pair of pants or another riding jacket. They double up for just riding/cold weather protection and rain. Absolutely best over garments made in my honest opinion.

I would say a full face chatter box helmet! Keeps the bugs out of my teeth.

me too! count me in. I meant to put this next to the heat seeking missile thing?

A Guardian Bell and Frogg Toggs Rain Gear!

My custom made Wesco boots. No substitute for boots that fit exactly right.