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After 25 years riding, across 10 bikes of different styles, i just got my first bike with an electronic cruise control. What a game changer. Love my RnineT.
@@dreamcrusher112 F900R rider here too! Got the full option 2024 and cruise control & QuickShifter are those things you never knew you needed in your life. Ill never go back to one without.
+1 for helmet lock. But also every bike should come with a radiator guard, it should also be the first mod for every bike that isn't just a track toy. I'm a bit surprised it wasn't mentioned in this video at all, it is a cheap and easy mod that greatly improves the ease of cleaning and protection. Bonus that it's a great way to learn about how your bike is put together without changing anything critical; anyone can do it!
Yes, I had a SV650S many years ago and there was a metal hook under the passenger seat that thr D ring would hook onto, then there was a small notch in the plastic so you could lock the seat in place and you would be locking the helmet without anything additional, I was surprised my new bike doesn't have anything like that, then I look into it more and find out most don't have a spot to lock the helmet
+1 even if my air cooled motorcycle has no radiator. But I did install an optional (and pretty pricey for a piece of sheet metal ...) part called a sump guard. It's really just a mud guard for the engine that bolts to the botom front portion of the frame and it was my very first mod! Followed by bar end mirrors so I can see more than just my elbows and heated grips. And that's pretty much it!
38:50 "We're a couple of hours into the podcast" 😂 I *do* wonder sometimes how much recording time is actually required in order to make these ~2 hour episodes. Whatever it is it's appreciated, helps to wake my brain up while I have my coffee on a Saturday morning and scratches that "motorcycle talk" itch, even if I'm just listening.
As a tallish glass of water, the first thing I modify is ergos, bar risers for standing off road and slightly lower/wider pegs for some leg room, beefy hand guards also a must for off road. I will pretty much always bend the stock bars straight away, they always seem to be made out of cheese
very nice episode, the first mods I did was to get a small tankbag that holds first aid kit and flat tire kit, crashprotection mostly for the peace of mind and phone mount.
I'm a 67 year old rider with a Kawasaki Vulcan S bought brand new last year. The only mods are Puig Naked New Touring windscreen and crash bars and a R&S Racing fender eliminator. The later is helpful in actually keeping the turn signals in place that fall of if brushed against a couple of times a season. I commute on it in the season here in Maryland and it's really turned out to be a nice ride.
Heated grips make chilly mornings much more comfortable and cold winter days possible. They're always ready to go and always with you when you may need them unlike heated gloves. Heated gear is great too though :)
I'm a fan of your shows. I'm off road guy that lived a 1/2 mile or so Atco race way. Spurge will know this area well. However this is a sore subject for me. People spend/waste more money on upgrades than makes any sense. I use to to love running in the front of the pack of the Jersey Hammer run. Of course I did upgrade this 97 DR350. I did some self porting, flat side card and a RM 250 front and rear suspension. My investment was a 1/4 of all the fancy KTM and Gas Gas guys. Their stock bikes on paper were much better than my modified DR350. Still I passed most of them with ease. My point is most of these guys on expensive bikes loaded with mods couldn't even ride a DR400 to it's capability. Yet they dump thousands on a 12k bike. You want the best mod? Learn how to ride, it's free
I definitely agree. Sometimes I think it's a case of having money but not time to ride. So you throw money at it because that's where you want to be. Of course, some people are just posers. 😂
1:18:00 Turn your head! Developing the habit makes you an all around better driver. It also makes you a more aware human. Even at the grocerybstore, I always check my blind spot before changing direction. It's just a good habit and requires 0$
Not a bike mod but I recently got a set of earplug earbuds, absolutely awesome game changer. They reduce wind and background noise by 25 db and actually sound good, plenty of bass and I don’t have to crank em to full volume to hear them. If you like listening to music while riding I can’t recommend them enough.
I bought a 2005 Honda VTX1800C last summer. Came with a Mustang seat, switchblade windshield, sissy bar and rack, light bar, and engine guards. Mods since purchase: LED lighting upgrade for all lights. Aftermarket Exhaust ** Both of these mods were to make seeing deer here in the Midwest easier and to let them know I'm coming. Front fork spring upgrade Rear shock upgrade Saddlebags and top case Stainless bolt upgrades Desmog kit Mirror Extensions Phone mount Fabricated a sleeker license plate mount Still planning: Shorter or taller windscreen as buffeting is a problem Throttle lock or cruise control Heated grips. Maybe some highway pegs for the engine guards. Considering handlebars to give me an easier reach to the grips. I have all of the paint to black out some of the chrome but just need the time and the courage. 😂
2up touring.... A comms system is essential. Initially my wife did have one. Then I got her a Cardo freecom2 while I was still using the Interphone. It was a bit of a fuff to connect the two. One time I had to repair the connection one the 3rd day of our 8 day trip. My wife was super frustrated that she couldn't communicate her needs during our longest day of our trip. When we returned home, I had to find myself a Cardo as well. 4 to 5 tours later we both agree that comms are #1 essential.
As I tall rider, the bane of my riding existence are windshields...they all send turbulent air to my head. The only solution I've found is a tiny windshield, or no windshield. Clean air is surprisingly tolerable and pleasant after I've ridden with a bad windshield that makes me feel like someone's playing my helmet like a bongo.
I recently purchased a leftover 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 (with an excellent factory discount!) and was pleasantly surprised to find a tool kit under the seat. I’ve used some of it to adjust the rear shock pre-load and as part of the first oil change/tappet adjustment. Great quality, approachable, and fun at a bargain basement price.
@@JW20236 I’ve really enjoyed my time with the bike but I’ve only put about 600 miles on it to date. I’m a big fella and have found it to be quite comfortable with adequate power for side road trips here in the US as the highway speeds these days are outrageous. The suspension is setup well and find the handling to be more nimble than my Bonnie T120. I’m in the process of kitting it out with a windscreen, hand guards and bags for some light touring. It’s tough to beat for the price and versatility it offers, imo.
Gotta say I was surprised by this omission.. especially because I hear TH-camrs/road testers say all bikes should have them... Heated Grips. I understand Zack gets the benefit of living in sunny California, but for us riders North of the border up in Canada, rides in the early and late season are made infinitely more enjoyable having toasty digits. Maybe everyone doesn't need heated grips, but they are a choice mod for many people in cold and rainy climates. Keep up the great work and looking forward to what season 9 has in store for we, your loyal followers.
Great discussion! New 2023 KTM Adventure here. Very first addition is an SAE connection for my battery tender, which can also be used to jump my bike or help another's. You didn't mention this (or a tender), but these should be first for everyone. Sure, tool kit (OEM) & tire/tube fixes. Next, a helmet lock and a hard top case on a luggage rack. (Is that 3 or 4?) A wireless charging phone mount for Android navigating plugs into the SAE connector from my battery when riding (that SAE plug is exceptionally useful). I carry my iPhone and use it via a BT helmet unit (not bike-to-bike, I ride alone). I also switched my cheap, heavy OEM lead-acid battery to a light, compact, more powerful, long life, quick charging, slow discharging LiP04, a good idea for anyone. I like a throttle lock -- a wise man once wrote that in an emergency you can do a lot worse than squeeze both levers and press both pedals all at once. (ABS & traction control makes this safer.) I could not come up with any good reason to buy a steering damper or modify the exhaust either. No need to change the mirrors until the OEMs break off. For this model and using it off road, at 6'1" I had to add bar risers, and the tilted foot pegs have to be replaced with flat ones in order to stand comfortably. A smaller front sprocket improves low speed, low RPM torque. Strong hand and radiator guards and an aluminum bash plate protect it. Side racks serve as rear crash guards for my legs. A windscreen extension makes high speeds more comfortable. And obviously, tire selection matters, based on one's priorities in on & off road riding. That really is a lot, but all with good reason. No bike comes from the factory exactly as any purchaser would prefer. With all these offerings to the KTM gods, I hope to experience a modest level of reliability.
I added a 1st generation sv650 two years ago because I wanted to start doing a few track days per season. With q5s being my only upgrade from stock, I had a blast on my first track day. After 4 or 5 sessions however, it became pretty clear from talking with the coaches and getting lots of feedback, I was going to have to make some changes to the ergos if I was going to make progress on developing better rider position. Before my 2nd track day I swapped my low rise bars for clip ons and my stock pegs for adjustable rearsets. Immediately noticed that following the coaching body position instruction was 10x easier. Maybe not a big deal on a sportier sport bike, but if you want to be a better track rider on a standard bike some changes to rider position may really go a long way!
A really great and inexpensive mod is Carry a hexagonal shank padlock - doubles as a helmet lock or a disk lock and fits in your jacket pocket. The Hex shank prevents someone bolt cutting and twisting to remove. Masters have a range that will fit the holes in the disc and a longer loop that can then go around frame to secure your helmet.
I remember the old bikes with the helmet locks and almost all of them had a hinged seat. I also prefer the steering lock integrated into the ignition instead of being separate. I love cruise control and believe in extra lighting to be seen and being able to see after dark. For touring I would add some type of secondary foot pegs so you can change your foot position for longer rides. One of the worst mods ever is the integrated tail light and blinkers. They are really hard to distinguish what is going on for someone behind you. I like for the person behind me seeing exactly what I'm doing. The CBX sounded like an inline 4 while revving, but it almost sounded like a V-8 when idling. I knew something was different, but didn't come up with the CBX either.
Helmet lock! What a great thing I never think about. And I install them on every bike I own. I usually get the slick Brogue locks that go under the saddle. Every bike should have REVERSE
For a long trip, my first mod would be alternate (highway) footpegs - where possible, of course. No having leg cramps makes any trip better, especially when you eventually have to stop for fuel and find you can't get your leg to unbend and a foot on the ground before the bike takes a nap on top of you. My second mod would be a wrist rest on the throttle grip to let me hand relax a little. (My zero-eth mod was a comms system and phone mount, but I don't count that because I feel that a GPS you can hear more of a safety feature/necessity than a creature comfort on long trips.) I don't mind going sans windshield (I tend to stick to back roads with lower speed limits anyway) and I can strap a duffel over the pillion seat without too much trouble. Happily, my daily rider ('79 Honda CB750-F) came with a decent tool kit from the factory, and a centre stand, and a helmet lock, and a fork lock, and good mirrors...and a 5.2 gallon tank so I don't have to stop too often for fuel.
1:21:40 A quality throttle lock that is properly adjusted should release when you go for the brakes. Having used both, I can definitely say that a throttle lock is not a replacement for cruise control. If you try to use a throttle lock for too long, you will find that your speed will get out of control in certain circumstances, like going downhill. It doesn't adjust to keep the speed the same. The only thing they are good for is to be able to rest your right hand for a bit on a flat straightaway. Better than nothing, but a cruise control is definitely superior.
I had a feeling the mystery bike sounded a bit like an inline Honda - I have a '79 CB750F and there's a similar feel about the sound, particularly that slight rattle from the cam chain. That said, the "6 into 1 exhaust" hint did have other possibilities, like the Benelli 750 Sei, and the Kawasaki z1300. Incidentally, the CBX is 1047cc - not as large as you'd think for such an imposing-looking engine. And yes, you can balance a cigarette or a coin on edge, then start the engine and give it a rev without anything falling over. They really are that smooth.
@@TheSlowbomb Then you are a rare breed, most people are totally dependent on modern crap. I used to remember up to 10 phone numbers, now I have like 2 or 3 in my head. Pathetic I know.
0:04 The fender eliminator addition to my motorcycle solved a problem. The interface to the fender uses two "washers" that squeeze a rubber boot and holds it against the hole in the fender. As the rubber is squeezed, the clamping action loosens up. The rear signal stalks tend to fall out and hang by the wires if just brushed when loose. The fender eliminator solidly mounts the rear signal stalks to a metal bracket. Problem solved. I'm told that windshield sealant/glue also works but then it's a bit too solidly mounted.
Mods currently on my bike (duke 390). Crash bars and usb power from ktm parts. Rear wheel bobbins, Dna air filter, fuelx dongle, swmotech tailbag with tools and airpump and a basic waterproof phone holder. And fitted Dunlop Mutants but it wasn't really a mod because the OEM tyres needed replacing.
I have a heavily modded ex500 that's been turned partway into an adventure bike. front end has been lifted, and as a result when the back is loaded, the bike will occasionally wobble when you drop the throttle at moderate speeds (40-50ish mph.) I don't plan to put a damper on this bike. I've taken the bike to 120, and it's rock dead stable. As long as have my hands on the bars, the bike isn't going to do anything crazy.
The blind spot monitor on my Pikes Peak is a luxury. However, I have a neck issue that doesn’t allow me to fully turn my head as much as most people. The system helps.
A Spurgette? A Spurgetto? Conrats to you both on whatever you got. (Typing this at the start of the vid) Disappointed my Triumph 660 Sport doesn't have cruise control. Still love it though. I used to use lollipop sticks on the Kawasaki 500 as 'cruise control'. Put a hole in it and used fishing line to hold it to the handlebar.
Communication is key. I had to skips some parts, because of the friendly arguments and cut each other off You guys said it! @31:21. That said, this video was helpful. Thx! :D
The biggest problem with Hydrogen as a transportation fuel is that there’s no fueling infrastructure in place in America. And storing & transporting hydrogen is hard! The second problem is most hydrogen is made from natural gas so it’s not carbon neutral. It could be, but it isn’t now.
Hard agree with Spurg on late summer and fall being the best time to ride. I just got done with my first big trip after riding for about a year, 1500 miles round trip for a motorcycle rally in SW Colorado. Super hot during the day and freezing going back to our campsite at night in the mountains. Just kept thinking if it was one temp or the other, I could have brought a lot less clothes! Edit: another good point on seats. My Enfield Interceptor stock seat looked very cool for 1500 miles but didn't feel great about an hour in. Lmao
41:50 Perfect call out on the Ninja 1000. I own one, and it is truly awesome. But the stock screen is too short. The optional OEM extended screen is perfect.
My Norton Commando came with a throttle lock which is very useful and I have added Kaoko throttle locks which work great and are safe. Not to be confused with real cruise control, but still useful. Part 2 , I would pay to see Spurg, pull my tire off the rim on my BMW with a tiny 6 inch tire iron.
1999 Buell X1 when you locked the bars to the left it seemed that they were unlocked very very misleading,,, found that out the hard way and blasted into my beer garden fence ohh it was a good one 😅
Most fascinating thing to me about the hydrogen fuelled H2 is the fact that it still utilizes internal combustion. All other hydrogen powered vehicles as far as I know use a fuel cell to produce electricity for an electric motor.
This is Dual Purpose specific but a bigger aftermarket fuel or an auxiliary tank (IF legal where you live) is a great mod for your bike that came stock with a 3 gallons fuel capacity.
This is underrated. So are skills, I feel like in high school when were taught CPR we should also learn the basics of applying a tourniquet or the basics of doing stitches.
@@nickb638 The skills more so that the kit...at least when touring. Back-country/solo survival training means you have almost anything you need on the bike already. I only carry bandaids, antibiotic ointment, skin adhesive, a little gauze and emergency butterfly "sutures". For those not willing to go that deep into training, an inflatable emergency splint is about all I would add plus minimal first aid training. Yeah, I have NSAIDS, Imodium, etc but that is not usually first aid.
Really good point! I didn't think to say this in my list of mods, but as a physician it is such an ordinary piece of kit that it's automatic. It should be first.
All my street bikes get a washable & reusable air filter like BMC/K&N/Sprint etc. Factory ones are over priced and the higher flow ones can give you a little performance boost too with the exhaust & remap.
Stock suspension components are probably good enough for most riders, but check your spring rates. If you're over 200-210 lbs and the manufacturer springs the bike for a 140-190 lb rider, the bike isn't going to handle as designed with you on it. Spend the money to drop some stiffer springs in there.
took a long time to get there, but Mirrors... I did a slight upgrade, and only people who know both bikes will be able to spot it. others with the same bike will understand why. but the original mirrors are designed to sit flat, and thar means it's harder to see behind you mid turn, So Whites replica Africa twin mirrors were the perfect and cheap solution to see behind me while at a lean, while still looking factory and not just twisted up at the maximum angle they could go (which looked stupid as the mirrors were out of alignment with the stem) Literally an unscrew, re-screw fitment too! a Phycological tip... If you change your mirrors to something you really love. you look at them more often... and it becomes habit to look at your mirrors. this can't be a bad thing, even if they are small! (I just like that I can see that guy coming up real fast so I know to get to where he can pass as he exits the corner alongside me) Phone mount... there's enough shit in my phone without adding More Apps to slow it down to a stall, it doesn't work with gloves on anyway, so it can stay in the pocket till the gloves come off! Disc lock. a couple of padlocks that fit snuggly on the rubber sleeve of the mirror when not in use (so you remember them) is more than enough to make a thief choose a different bike if they are in a hurry, just be sure to park where it can be seen by people who are honest! because it won't stop someone who really wants to steal it and has the privacy to do so! first thing to modify for touring? well there's obviously some time to answer before the actual answer is brought up... I'm going to say "seat" but it could be the windscreen too, as that was the first thing that bugged me out on the open road... the seat issue came later on in the trip! and somewhere to put stuff, yes it was one of the first thing I thought of when I was looking at bikes to buy. but my solution is too simple to keep thinking about, it's just habit now.
Agee with Spurge 100% ninja 400 or whatever you have if you want to go, get on and go you might need a break now and then but you won’t ever regret taking the ride .
I'm all for multipurpose bikes like my Heritage and Sportster. They cruisers and great for touring. I also like my helmet locks on my XT250 and my ZX4RR with a Nelson tail bag which is great for cruising around town and blasting on country roads. It is becoming my daly rider. I love my quick shifter on my ZX4RR. I do love my cruise control on my Heritage. I only use it on long trips that involve interstates. Having spoke wheels are a problem for touring unless you get a tubeless spoke wheels of which I am looking into getting.
1:16:38 just yesterday I was on a mellow cruise on the 890 and was in the left lane on city streets about 25-30mph and felt something on my right boot. An older woman apparently didn’t see me and started coming over on me! Boots took most of the scuffing, but I’m thinking a proximity detector might have alerted me that she was headed my way!
Tool kits...Old school R1100GS could do anything but the final drive or swingarm removal but interestingly enough, also has the only wrench I have found that can remove the spark plugs. Does a thinwall socket exist that can do it...I am sure there is but I have not found it yet. Conversely for new bikes it can run the gammut. 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 came with not a damned thing for tools. My 2019 Z400 had a pretty standard UJM-grade tool kit with various wrenches including everything needed to adjust the chain, preload on the shock and adjust the mirrors. The latter was also the easiest bike ever in the history of the world to do an oil change on.
I bought a used triumph tiger 1050. It has a small but useful triumph tool kit under the seat. I don't know if it is OE or an accessory, but its there.
can I just say, with the hydrogen bikes; the Big 4 should just lean into the Akira styling at that point. I mean, anyone old enough to remember that movie/anime (but mostly movie) wants that red bike, wants to do the Akira slide (or maybe that's just me?) Besides, in the film, the bikes appear to have been built by Michael Bay, what with all the explosions, but maybe they were all just running on hydrogen?! 10k PSI is, in scientific terms, a fuck load of pressure so any rupture in that tank would, I assume, get it to...POP. Love these new ideas for sustainable biking but we definitely have some ways to go.
I have a ninja 400 with wood craft frame alider the long ones and then I have impaktech adjustable subcage is that ik mod for faily rider? I crashed 2 times and hate buying new fairings. My friend thinks is dumb set up but I think it slides safer now what do u guys think?
Comes kits can at least theoretically use noise cancellation, which is a very good idea. Does revzilla offer a comma kit with built in noise cancellation?
Hey guys asking for a little insight. I’m 5’9 150 pounds and have been racing motocross since I was 5, so more than 20 years. I could run the pro class at local races and do alright. I’m 27 now and don’t really care to race anymore so I’m turning to other 2 wheeled vehicles to help with the fire I still have inside to do so such as mountain bikes and ADV bikes as of late. The question is what ADV bike should I look at for around $7500? With the way I tend to ride I’ll most definitely need to get the suspension done. I can find used Yamaha Tenere around my budget but that doesn’t leave room for suspension upgrades. And after riding 2 different ones I already know it would have to be done. So should I go for something older so I can afford to get the suspension done? I’ve seen KTM 990’s and BMW 800s in my area for reasonable prices that I’d be able to get the suspension done on. should I even entertain buying them? Or just buy an old Honda Transalp and put a rally kit on it and do the suspension for cheaper than all of them. Thanks guys I really enjoy the podcast!
I happen to have purchased the chassis from the $1k special track Blackie CBR300R. I got it minus the engine as I was looking for spare parts for my CBR250R track motorcycle.
I think you did miss an important aspect of modifying bikes: Ergonomics. Shorter riders lower their bikes or get low seats. Tall riders get lower pegs, taller seats or raise handlebars. I just bought myself a Tracer 9GT plus. It's great, except for the seat. It's way too hard. I'm going to get a custom seat made. I will have them raise it up at least an inch. That might make me decide to get risers for the handlebars. The windscreen is too tall. I'm going to get a shorter one. I have a DR650, but this is just a comment. I'm not going to list the MANY modifications that have been made to that bike comfy. I surprised you didn't address this very practical aspect of modifying bikes.
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After 25 years riding, across 10 bikes of different styles, i just got my first bike with an electronic cruise control. What a game changer. Love my RnineT.
Cruise is so good. I love that my F900 can be set at 20mph and 2nd gear.
Even the old throttle lock is nice.
@@dreamcrusher112 F900R rider here too! Got the full option 2024 and cruise control & QuickShifter are those things you never knew you needed in your life. Ill never go back to one without.
+1 for helmet lock. But also every bike should come with a radiator guard, it should also be the first mod for every bike that isn't just a track toy. I'm a bit surprised it wasn't mentioned in this video at all, it is a cheap and easy mod that greatly improves the ease of cleaning and protection. Bonus that it's a great way to learn about how your bike is put together without changing anything critical; anyone can do it!
Why would you guard a thing that's not on yer bike....
Yes, I had a SV650S many years ago and there was a metal hook under the passenger seat that thr D ring would hook onto, then there was a small notch in the plastic so you could lock the seat in place and you would be locking the helmet without anything additional, I was surprised my new bike doesn't have anything like that, then I look into it more and find out most don't have a spot to lock the helmet
+1 even if my air cooled motorcycle has no radiator. But I did install an optional (and pretty pricey for a piece of sheet metal ...) part called a sump guard. It's really just a mud guard for the engine that bolts to the botom front portion of the frame and it was my very first mod! Followed by bar end mirrors so I can see more than just my elbows and heated grips. And that's pretty much it!
38:50 "We're a couple of hours into the podcast" 😂 I *do* wonder sometimes how much recording time is actually required in order to make these ~2 hour episodes. Whatever it is it's appreciated, helps to wake my brain up while I have my coffee on a Saturday morning and scratches that "motorcycle talk" itch, even if I'm just listening.
As a daily commuter, even in the winter season, I know how important heated grips have been for me.
One of the best mods I did on my bike
As a tallish glass of water, the first thing I modify is ergos, bar risers for standing off road and slightly lower/wider pegs for some leg room, beefy hand guards also a must for off road. I will pretty much always bend the stock bars straight away, they always seem to be made out of cheese
very nice episode, the first mods I did was to get a small tankbag that holds first aid kit and flat tire kit, crashprotection mostly for the peace of mind and phone mount.
I'm a 67 year old rider with a Kawasaki Vulcan S bought brand new last year. The only mods are Puig Naked New Touring windscreen and crash bars and a R&S Racing fender eliminator. The later is helpful in actually keeping the turn signals in place that fall of if brushed against a couple of times a season. I commute on it in the season here in Maryland and it's really turned out to be a nice ride.
Best touring mods I made for my SV1000S
1. Corbin Seats
2. Double Bubble Speedscreen
3. Givi Bags
4. Heated Grips
5. Heli Bars
6. SV650 rearsets.
It's great to see you back. Congrats, Spurg, on the little bundle of joy.
We need a chime and a drink counter in the corner. Also I'm going to add every time Zach says "Fair enough" we have to drink. 🍻
Ktms come with good tool kits because they know your going to need them
🤣
Heated grips make chilly mornings much more comfortable and cold winter days possible. They're always ready to go and always with you when you may need them unlike heated gloves. Heated gear is great too though :)
I'm a fan of your shows. I'm off road guy that lived a 1/2 mile or so Atco race way. Spurge will know this area well.
However this is a sore subject for me. People spend/waste more money on upgrades than makes any sense. I use to to love running in the front of the pack of the Jersey Hammer run. Of course I did upgrade this 97 DR350. I did some self porting, flat side card and a RM 250 front and rear suspension. My investment was a 1/4 of all the fancy KTM and Gas Gas guys. Their stock bikes on paper were much better than my modified DR350. Still I passed most of them with ease.
My point is most of these guys on expensive bikes loaded with mods couldn't even ride a DR400 to it's capability. Yet they dump thousands on a 12k bike. You want the best mod? Learn how to ride, it's free
I definitely agree. Sometimes I think it's a case of having money but not time to ride. So you throw money at it because that's where you want to be. Of course, some people are just posers. 😂
The guys are back, hours at work will go much faster 😂😂❤❤.
Great podcast keep up with great work and greetings from sLOVEnia 😊❤
1:18:00
Turn your head!
Developing the habit makes you an all around better driver. It also makes you a more aware human. Even at the grocerybstore, I always check my blind spot before changing direction. It's just a good habit and requires 0$
Not a bike mod but I recently got a set of earplug earbuds, absolutely awesome game changer. They reduce wind and background noise by 25 db and actually sound good, plenty of bass and I don’t have to crank em to full volume to hear them. If you like listening to music while riding I can’t recommend them enough.
About friggin time!!!!😂
I bought a 2005 Honda VTX1800C last summer.
Came with a Mustang seat, switchblade windshield, sissy bar and rack, light bar, and engine guards.
Mods since purchase:
LED lighting upgrade for all lights.
Aftermarket Exhaust
** Both of these mods were to make seeing deer here in the Midwest easier and to let them know I'm coming.
Front fork spring upgrade
Rear shock upgrade
Saddlebags and top case
Stainless bolt upgrades
Desmog kit
Mirror Extensions
Phone mount
Fabricated a sleeker license plate mount
Still planning:
Shorter or taller windscreen as buffeting is a problem
Throttle lock or cruise control
Heated grips.
Maybe some highway pegs for the engine guards.
Considering handlebars to give me an easier reach to the grips.
I have all of the paint to black out some of the chrome but just need the time and the courage. 😂
2up touring.... A comms system is essential. Initially my wife did have one. Then I got her a Cardo freecom2 while I was still using the Interphone. It was a bit of a fuff to connect the two. One time I had to repair the connection one the 3rd day of our 8 day trip. My wife was super frustrated that she couldn't communicate her needs during our longest day of our trip. When we returned home, I had to find myself a Cardo as well. 4 to 5 tours later we both agree that comms are #1 essential.
As I tall rider, the bane of my riding existence are windshields...they all send turbulent air to my head. The only solution I've found is a tiny windshield, or no windshield. Clean air is surprisingly tolerable and pleasant after I've ridden with a bad windshield that makes me feel like someone's playing my helmet like a bongo.
Yeah bro, I’m 6’5… same deal. Small or none is the smoothest air, but sadly tough to ride at high speeds for long periods of time.
I recently purchased a leftover 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 (with an excellent factory discount!) and was pleasantly surprised to find a tool kit under the seat. I’ve used some of it to adjust the rear shock pre-load and as part of the first oil change/tappet adjustment. Great quality, approachable, and fun at a bargain basement price.
Hello, how are you finding the bike please? I've been looking at the scram to slow myself down here in the UK with its ever decreasing speed limits.
@@JW20236 I’ve really enjoyed my time with the bike but I’ve only put about 600 miles on it to date. I’m a big fella and have found it to be quite comfortable with adequate power for side road trips here in the US as the highway speeds these days are outrageous. The suspension is setup well and find the handling to be more nimble than my Bonnie T120. I’m in the process of kitting it out with a windscreen, hand guards and bags for some light touring. It’s tough to beat for the price and versatility it offers, imo.
@@one.man.scram411 thanks for your feedback. Enjoy.
Gotta say I was surprised by this omission.. especially because I hear TH-camrs/road testers say all bikes should have them... Heated Grips. I understand Zack gets the benefit of living in sunny California, but for us riders North of the border up in Canada, rides in the early and late season are made infinitely more enjoyable having toasty digits.
Maybe everyone doesn't need heated grips, but they are a choice mod for many people in cold and rainy climates.
Keep up the great work and looking forward to what season 9 has in store for we, your loyal followers.
A big game changing mod that I added to my Heritage Classic was a rider back rest for my messed up back oh lord is it infinitely better.
If not for the seating position of the Heritage Classic you wouldn't need the back rest.
@@jameshisself7375True. Most cruisers are hell on the back. No support from your legs.
Nice. Perfect timing as I'm packing to move across the country to the desert.
Great discussion! New 2023 KTM Adventure here.
Very first addition is an SAE connection for my battery tender, which can also be used to jump my bike or help another's. You didn't mention this (or a tender), but these should be first for everyone. Sure, tool kit (OEM) & tire/tube fixes. Next, a helmet lock and a hard top case on a luggage rack. (Is that 3 or 4?) A wireless charging phone mount for Android navigating plugs into the SAE connector from my battery when riding (that SAE plug is exceptionally useful). I carry my iPhone and use it via a BT helmet unit (not bike-to-bike, I ride alone). I also switched my cheap, heavy OEM lead-acid battery to a light, compact, more powerful, long life, quick charging, slow discharging LiP04, a good idea for anyone. I like a throttle lock -- a wise man once wrote that in an emergency you can do a lot worse than squeeze both levers and press both pedals all at once. (ABS & traction control makes this safer.)
I could not come up with any good reason to buy a steering damper or modify the exhaust either. No need to change the mirrors until the OEMs break off.
For this model and using it off road, at 6'1" I had to add bar risers, and the tilted foot pegs have to be replaced with flat ones in order to stand comfortably. A smaller front sprocket improves low speed, low RPM torque. Strong hand and radiator guards and an aluminum bash plate protect it. Side racks serve as rear crash guards for my legs. A windscreen extension makes high speeds more comfortable. And obviously, tire selection matters, based on one's priorities in on & off road riding.
That really is a lot, but all with good reason. No bike comes from the factory exactly as any purchaser would prefer. With all these offerings to the KTM gods, I hope to experience a modest level of reliability.
Seat can make a big difference. After going numb after riding to work, it was critical.
I added a 1st generation sv650 two years ago because I wanted to start doing a few track days per season.
With q5s being my only upgrade from stock, I had a blast on my first track day.
After 4 or 5 sessions however, it became pretty clear from talking with the coaches and getting lots of feedback, I was going to have to make some changes to the ergos if I was going to make progress on developing better rider position.
Before my 2nd track day I swapped my low rise bars for clip ons and my stock pegs for adjustable rearsets. Immediately noticed that following the coaching body position instruction was 10x easier.
Maybe not a big deal on a sportier sport bike, but if you want to be a better track rider on a standard bike some changes to rider position may really go a long way!
A really great and inexpensive mod is Carry a hexagonal shank padlock - doubles as a helmet lock or a disk lock and fits in your jacket pocket. The Hex shank prevents someone bolt cutting and twisting to remove. Masters have a range that will fit the holes in the disc and a longer loop that can then go around frame to secure your helmet.
Wooohoo, you guys are back! I've been missing you fellas!
Thank you for the most useful high side low side episode to date! 👍🏻
I remember the old bikes with the helmet locks and almost all of them had a hinged seat. I also prefer the steering lock integrated into the ignition instead of being separate. I love cruise control and believe in extra lighting to be seen and being able to see after dark. For touring I would add some type of secondary foot pegs so you can change your foot position for longer rides. One of the worst mods ever is the integrated tail light and blinkers. They are really hard to distinguish what is going on for someone behind you. I like for the person behind me seeing exactly what I'm doing. The CBX sounded like an inline 4 while revving, but it almost sounded like a V-8 when idling. I knew something was different, but didn't come up with the CBX either.
Helmet lock! What a great thing I never think about. And I install them on every bike I own. I usually get the slick Brogue locks that go under the saddle. Every bike should have REVERSE
For a long trip, my first mod would be alternate (highway) footpegs - where possible, of course. No having leg cramps makes any trip better, especially when you eventually have to stop for fuel and find you can't get your leg to unbend and a foot on the ground before the bike takes a nap on top of you. My second mod would be a wrist rest on the throttle grip to let me hand relax a little. (My zero-eth mod was a comms system and phone mount, but I don't count that because I feel that a GPS you can hear more of a safety feature/necessity than a creature comfort on long trips.)
I don't mind going sans windshield (I tend to stick to back roads with lower speed limits anyway) and I can strap a duffel over the pillion seat without too much trouble. Happily, my daily rider ('79 Honda CB750-F) came with a decent tool kit from the factory, and a centre stand, and a helmet lock, and a fork lock, and good mirrors...and a 5.2 gallon tank so I don't have to stop too often for fuel.
1:21:40 A quality throttle lock that is properly adjusted should release when you go for the brakes. Having used both, I can definitely say that a throttle lock is not a replacement for cruise control. If you try to use a throttle lock for too long, you will find that your speed will get out of control in certain circumstances, like going downhill. It doesn't adjust to keep the speed the same. The only thing they are good for is to be able to rest your right hand for a bit on a flat straightaway. Better than nothing, but a cruise control is definitely superior.
First 3 Mods for me:
1) Short Levers for two finger action
2) Radiator guard
3) Phone / GPS mount
This episode is the best products ad ever. I am on min 48 but Loving it so far👌 well done guys, well done!
Congratulations Spurg, welcome to the club!!
Yes new seasonnn!!! Been waiting for so long! Haha
I had a feeling the mystery bike sounded a bit like an inline Honda - I have a '79 CB750F and there's a similar feel about the sound, particularly that slight rattle from the cam chain. That said, the "6 into 1 exhaust" hint did have other possibilities, like the Benelli 750 Sei, and the Kawasaki z1300.
Incidentally, the CBX is 1047cc - not as large as you'd think for such an imposing-looking engine. And yes, you can balance a cigarette or a coin on edge, then start the engine and give it a rev without anything falling over. They really are that smooth.
One of my first modifications on the bike are a set of tank pads for extra grip.
As an old school person.... I memorize maps.
As a young person... I memorize google maps before the ride. Skip the phone mount
@@TheSlowbomb Then you are a rare breed, most people are totally dependent on modern crap. I used to remember up to 10 phone numbers, now I have like 2 or 3 in my head. Pathetic I know.
For mirrors on my R1 I installed a camera on the back above my plate and a small screen below the dash. Best mirrors I have ever seen on a bike.
Oh yeah, let's go 🎉
Have you watched the accident video on my channel? The worst accident in the world 🥲
0:04 The fender eliminator addition to my motorcycle solved a problem. The interface to the fender uses two "washers" that squeeze a rubber boot and holds it against the hole in the fender. As the rubber is squeezed, the clamping action loosens up. The rear signal stalks tend to fall out and hang by the wires if just brushed when loose. The fender eliminator solidly mounts the rear signal stalks to a metal bracket. Problem solved. I'm told that windshield sealant/glue also works but then it's a bit too solidly mounted.
If you are the fastest thing on the road why do you need mirrors?
Mods currently on my bike (duke 390). Crash bars and usb power from ktm parts. Rear wheel bobbins, Dna air filter, fuelx dongle, swmotech tailbag with tools and airpump and a basic waterproof phone holder.
And fitted Dunlop Mutants but it wasn't really a mod because the OEM tyres needed replacing.
took my 1200 RS Thruxton to track a bunch of times. worked great; also use it to commute.
RE: Tool kits. My 2021 RE came with a tool kit.
Yes, I have needed it, it's an RE.
I have a heavily modded ex500 that's been turned partway into an adventure bike. front end has been lifted, and as a result when the back is loaded, the bike will occasionally wobble when you drop the throttle at moderate speeds (40-50ish mph.) I don't plan to put a damper on this bike. I've taken the bike to 120, and it's rock dead stable. As long as have my hands on the bars, the bike isn't going to do anything crazy.
The blind spot monitor on my Pikes Peak is a luxury. However, I have a neck issue that doesn’t allow me to fully turn my head as much as most people. The system helps.
A Spurgette? A Spurgetto? Conrats to you both on whatever you got. (Typing this at the start of the vid)
Disappointed my Triumph 660 Sport doesn't have cruise control. Still love it though.
I used to use lollipop sticks on the Kawasaki 500 as 'cruise control'. Put a hole in it and used fishing line to hold it to the handlebar.
He did a such a wonderful pronoun dance at the beginning it shocked me when he said "my son" about 47 mins in. So, I guess Spurge Jr. Jr. it is lol!
Communication is key. I had to skips some parts, because of the friendly arguments and cut each other off You guys said it! @31:21. That said, this video was helpful. Thx! :D
The biggest problem with Hydrogen as a transportation fuel is that there’s no fueling infrastructure in place in America. And storing & transporting hydrogen is hard!
The second problem is most hydrogen is made from natural gas so it’s not carbon neutral. It could be, but it isn’t now.
Hard agree with Spurg on late summer and fall being the best time to ride. I just got done with my first big trip after riding for about a year, 1500 miles round trip for a motorcycle rally in SW Colorado. Super hot during the day and freezing going back to our campsite at night in the mountains. Just kept thinking if it was one temp or the other, I could have brought a lot less clothes!
Edit: another good point on seats. My Enfield Interceptor stock seat looked very cool for 1500 miles but didn't feel great about an hour in. Lmao
Gentlemen, one person speaks, we listen. When you both raise your voice for control, we reach through our screens and slap you both. Good show…
It's Spurge. Spurge tries to compete with Zach. I find him super annoying. Zach, on the other hand, great sense of humour and articulate.
BIG luggage (I have a giant plastic footlocker), heated grips, bar risers, phone charger, phone mount, Plugfones.
My SPConnect phone mount. A game changer. Magnetic tank bag mount. Quick and easy.
You should have had Barry henning on and have him list anodized bolt on bits
41:50 Perfect call out on the Ninja 1000. I own one, and it is truly awesome. But the stock screen is too short. The optional OEM extended screen is perfect.
My first things I bought for my new 800de recently was luggage and a phone mount for touring.
Congratulations on becoming a father Spurg! Keep riding, Keep shining!
Performance street tires and upgraded suspension were the best mods I ever did to my bikes over the years.
The Benelli Sei is also a vintage inline 6, but the CBX is more common so it was certainly more likely.
My Norton Commando came with a throttle lock which is very useful and I have added Kaoko throttle locks which work great and are safe. Not to be confused with real cruise control, but still useful. Part 2 , I would pay to see Spurg, pull my tire off the rim on my BMW with a tiny 6 inch tire iron.
Of all the things I've purchased for my bike the Corbin seat I put on my old bike is the best investment I've ever made.
1999 Buell X1 when you locked the bars to the left it seemed that they were unlocked very very misleading,,, found that out the hard way and blasted into my beer garden fence ohh it was a good one 😅
Most fascinating thing to me about the hydrogen fuelled H2 is the fact that it still utilizes internal combustion. All other hydrogen powered vehicles as far as I know use a fuel cell to produce electricity for an electric motor.
This is Dual Purpose specific but a bigger aftermarket fuel or an auxiliary tank (IF legal where you live) is a great mod for your bike that came stock with a 3 gallons fuel capacity.
On the Off Road section, I would add disc brake guards and foot control safety wires, especially if you ride rocky trails.
One thing missed, First Aid kit.
This is underrated. So are skills, I feel like in high school when were taught CPR we should also learn the basics of applying a tourniquet or the basics of doing stitches.
@@nickb638 The skills more so that the kit...at least when touring. Back-country/solo survival training means you have almost anything you need on the bike already. I only carry bandaids, antibiotic ointment, skin adhesive, a little gauze and emergency butterfly "sutures". For those not willing to go that deep into training, an inflatable emergency splint is about all I would add plus minimal first aid training.
Yeah, I have NSAIDS, Imodium, etc but that is not usually first aid.
Really good point! I didn't think to say this in my list of mods, but as a physician it is such an ordinary piece of kit that it's automatic. It should be first.
All my street bikes get a washable & reusable air filter like BMC/K&N/Sprint etc.
Factory ones are over priced and the higher flow ones can give you a little performance boost too with the exhaust & remap.
Stock suspension components are probably good enough for most riders, but check your spring rates. If you're over 200-210 lbs and the manufacturer springs the bike for a 140-190 lb rider, the bike isn't going to handle as designed with you on it. Spend the money to drop some stiffer springs in there.
took a long time to get there, but Mirrors... I did a slight upgrade, and only people who know both bikes will be able to spot it. others with the same bike will understand why. but the original mirrors are designed to sit flat, and thar means it's harder to see behind you mid turn, So Whites replica Africa twin mirrors were the perfect and cheap solution to see behind me while at a lean, while still looking factory and not just twisted up at the maximum angle they could go (which looked stupid as the mirrors were out of alignment with the stem)
Literally an unscrew, re-screw fitment too!
a Phycological tip... If you change your mirrors to something you really love. you look at them more often... and it becomes habit to look at your mirrors. this can't be a bad thing, even if they are small! (I just like that I can see that guy coming up real fast so I know to get to where he can pass as he exits the corner alongside me)
Phone mount... there's enough shit in my phone without adding More Apps to slow it down to a stall, it doesn't work with gloves on anyway, so it can stay in the pocket till the gloves come off!
Disc lock. a couple of padlocks that fit snuggly on the rubber sleeve of the mirror when not in use (so you remember them) is more than enough to make a thief choose a different bike if they are in a hurry, just be sure to park where it can be seen by people who are honest! because it won't stop someone who really wants to steal it and has the privacy to do so!
first thing to modify for touring? well there's obviously some time to answer before the actual answer is brought up... I'm going to say "seat" but it could be the windscreen too, as that was the first thing that bugged me out on the open road... the seat issue came later on in the trip!
and somewhere to put stuff, yes it was one of the first thing I thought of when I was looking at bikes to buy. but my solution is too simple to keep thinking about, it's just habit now.
Agee with Spurge 100% ninja 400 or whatever you have if you want to go, get on and go you might need a break now and then but you won’t ever regret taking the ride .
I'm all for multipurpose bikes like my Heritage and Sportster. They cruisers and great for touring. I also like my helmet locks on my XT250 and my ZX4RR with a Nelson tail bag which is great for cruising around town and blasting on country roads. It is becoming my daly rider. I love my quick shifter on my ZX4RR. I do love my cruise control on my Heritage. I only use it on long trips that involve interstates. Having spoke wheels are a problem for touring unless you get a tubeless spoke wheels of which I am looking into getting.
I always thought bar end mirrors were for style only but wow. Get ones with slightly convex lenses and holy shit the visibility increase is awesome.
Hand warmers and cruise control
As a 6’5 dude, the mods I do most often are comfort mods.
Blind spot is great. They indicate in your mirrors, so you have to check your mirrors to see it so it is another layer of safety.
1:16:38 just yesterday I was on a mellow cruise on the 890 and was in the left lane on city streets about 25-30mph and felt something on my right boot. An older woman apparently didn’t see me and started coming over on me! Boots took most of the scuffing, but I’m thinking a proximity detector might have alerted me that she was headed my way!
Ohlin's steering damper was the most transformational upgrade I've ever experienced on a motorcycle outside of tires.
Well this was a nice suprise.
Z and I felt like we were getting a little lazy on our respective summer breaks. We missed each other’s company and biting jabs!
@@spurgeondunbar879 As did we.
Tool kits...Old school R1100GS could do anything but the final drive or swingarm removal but interestingly enough, also has the only wrench I have found that can remove the spark plugs. Does a thinwall socket exist that can do it...I am sure there is but I have not found it yet.
Conversely for new bikes it can run the gammut. 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 came with not a damned thing for tools. My 2019 Z400 had a pretty standard UJM-grade tool kit with various wrenches including everything needed to adjust the chain, preload on the shock and adjust the mirrors. The latter was also the easiest bike ever in the history of the world to do an oil change on.
Enjoy your pods fellas 👍
#1 mod.... I would go with rear spools,
I bought a used triumph tiger 1050. It has a small but useful triumph tool kit under the seat. I don't know if it is OE or an accessory, but its there.
After 50 years of doing probably as many bad mods as good ones, I’ve settled on these top three;
1) Tank bag
2) Frame sliders
3) Radiator guard
can I just say, with the hydrogen bikes; the Big 4 should just lean into the Akira styling at that point. I mean, anyone old enough to remember that movie/anime (but mostly movie) wants that red bike, wants to do the Akira slide (or maybe that's just me?)
Besides, in the film, the bikes appear to have been built by Michael Bay, what with all the explosions, but maybe they were all just running on hydrogen?! 10k PSI is, in scientific terms, a fuck load of pressure so any rupture in that tank would, I assume, get it to...POP.
Love these new ideas for sustainable biking but we definitely have some ways to go.
I have a ninja 400 with wood craft frame alider the long ones and then I have impaktech adjustable subcage is that ik mod for faily rider? I crashed 2 times and hate buying new fairings. My friend thinks is dumb set up but I think it slides safer now what do u guys think?
Heated grips. The answer is heated grips.
In the construction industry we have been using Propane for years. It is far better than electricity. I feel that this fuel deserves a better look.
When I heard the engine sound, I was thinking 6 cyl Goldwing. Do I deserve and award? Well, I'm proud either way.
Yaaaay!!!! You’re Back!
I think putting on spike handlebar weights is the best mod for the discerning rider.
Comes kits can at least theoretically use noise cancellation, which is a very good idea. Does revzilla offer a comma kit with built in noise cancellation?
Hey guys asking for a little insight. I’m 5’9 150 pounds and have been racing motocross since I was 5, so more than 20 years. I could run the pro class at local races and do alright. I’m 27 now and don’t really care to race anymore so I’m turning to other 2 wheeled vehicles to help with the fire I still have inside to do so such as mountain bikes and ADV bikes as of late. The question is what ADV bike should I look at for around $7500? With the way I tend to ride I’ll most definitely need to get the suspension done. I can find used Yamaha Tenere around my budget but that doesn’t leave room for suspension upgrades. And after riding 2 different ones I already know it would have to be done. So should I go for something older so I can afford to get the suspension done? I’ve seen KTM 990’s and BMW 800s in my area for reasonable prices that I’d be able to get the suspension done on. should I even entertain buying them? Or just buy an old Honda Transalp and put a rally kit on it and do the suspension for cheaper than all of them. Thanks guys I really enjoy the podcast!
I happen to have purchased the chassis from the $1k special track Blackie CBR300R. I got it minus the engine as I was looking for spare parts for my CBR250R track motorcycle.
I think you did miss an important aspect of modifying bikes: Ergonomics. Shorter riders lower their bikes or get low seats. Tall riders get lower pegs, taller seats or raise handlebars. I just bought myself a Tracer 9GT plus. It's great, except for the seat. It's way too hard. I'm going to get a custom seat made. I will have them raise it up at least an inch. That might make me decide to get risers for the handlebars. The windscreen is too tall. I'm going to get a shorter one. I have a DR650, but this is just a comment. I'm not going to list the MANY modifications that have been made to that bike comfy. I surprised you didn't address this very practical aspect of modifying bikes.
An ecu flash is the first thing I do