Buying Bikes & Accessories?

[Manchop]

Hey;

I made a post and have received feed back, but I thought I would make a new thread as it's I guess a different question. I've skimmed the forums and haven't found much more information on it, so I'll ask directly.

(Original thread about being a New Rider etc: https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=289764)


- Basically I've been looking at bikes for a while now and have come across some really nice ones, and ones which I would buy if after some time I cannot find a special one I would like, It will be my first bike which I will have for some time to come. I am wondering if anyone else has any information or links to where you can buy motorbikes, preferably used ones as I have been searching for some time but obviously I'd love to see what you guys/girls do when it comes to searching for a new bike.

I have spoken to "wr6133" and "he/she" did inform me about the usual Gumtree and eBay, and I have Google'd used bikes and read up on a lot of websites and checked over a lot of bikes.

- Are there any bike accessories that are a must have generally? I was told prior that a bag/backpack is a must have, though I did find that pretty much common sense as, well... you don't have much room for storage on a bike obviously haha .

Thanks in advance

[Az]

[Manchop]

[Rogerborg]

[wr6133]

For storage, panniers. If your looking at cruisers most come with them, hard are best as they are lockable which provides at least some illusion of security. If you plan long trips away then a magnetic tank bag. Stuff can be bungeed to the pillion seat too and the sissy bar. I'm with roger on not wearing a backpack if it can be avoided it bloody hurts if you land on one with lumpy stuff in it.

Security. Big chain. Ground anchor at home if you can install one. Alarms can be handy they don't stop theft but if you are nearby you hear it so can attend the scene with your choice of blunt or pokey instrument.

and the obvious jacket, trousers, boots, gloves and lid. If the lid is open face don't forget sunglasses/goggles and a bandana or the like to cover face.... 60 MPH fly to bare skin is annoying, 10 of them in a few minutes is infuriating.

[Minty]

Anodise anything you can. People round these here parts go mad for it.
____________________
My fingers smell of your mum.

[Manchop]

[Az]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Manchop. Did it hurt?
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Manchop]

[randymartin]

Whether you need a brand new bike or even an accessory of a motorcycle. you can get it from J&S Accessories store that offers everything to bikers under one roof.

[-Matt-]

[Bunny Lingus]

Join some forums or owners clubs specific to the bikes you like & hit up their for sale threads. You will usually find what you want at a reasonable price from people who are enthusiasts. The same goes for parts, servicing, clothing, tools - anything. Sure beats the 'blind date' buying experience of eBay, impersonal dealers & rip-off private sales. Here's a list of top items that have kept me warm, dry, saved me shit loads of cash &/or my neck.
Loobman chain oiler, £20 - Your chain & sprox will thank you & they will last a lot longer. https://www.loobman.co.uk/
Crafty Plugger (tubeless tyre repair), £20 - Plug it, pump it up, carry on. Not supposed to be permanent. https://www.craftyplugger.com/
Military waterproof DPM, £20 ish - Don't buy expensive waterproofs. Get govt surplus DPM. Its ten times cheaper, does the same job. Any army surplus stores, eBay, online.
Hi-Viz jacket/trousers, £20 each - Warm & waterproof. Bright yellow for those dark raining winter nights.
Welding boots, £20 - Lace up leather steel cap boots with thick soles & a flap which seals the laces. Had mine for a year & despite having no waterproof membrane (Goretex), I still can't get them to leak. Beats the shit out of any motorcycling boots for wear, feel, protection, price & comfort. Welding suppliers, eBay.
Thermals, £20 - Uniqlo Heat Tech. Absolutely essential stylish Japanese textile technology. Marks & Spencer's version are also excellent.
Part worn tyres, £20 (set) - I get Michelin Pilot Sportys from a guy in Gloucs. Find your personal fave tyres & your personal fave tyre guru.
Handlebar muffs. Dunno how much 'cos I make my own out of despatch bags & cable ties. Allows you to wear thin gloves in winter & stops frostbite.
A hundred & fifty quid well spent! All that for the price of one budget mock waterproof motorcycling jacket that'll last three months if you're lucky & not a courier.

There's loads of other stuff out there. See what the motorcycle version retails at & cross ref that with similar items from other outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hiking, camping etc. You'll be amazed & you won't be skint. Sure there'll be boys on here that will laugh at this - they're the guys with one piece Dainese leathers & ultra light Prexport GP boots who ride to work & back & to a couple of meets in the summer on a ten grand bike. If you've got it, flaunt it. I ain't, so I don't...
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Bunny Lingus & The Flipside Faggots

[delsol]

[bamt]

[delsol]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Rogerborg]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

^^^Agree with the stop n go kit but would recommend some extra CO2 cannisters.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[wr6133]