My Triumph 400 needed a new petrol tank, then had a variety of little glitches which seem to be quite common - on/off throttle response (ride by wire), engine light staying on and wouldn't always start, software update for that could put the immobiliser light on (mine was OK), occasional engine cutting out when slowing down, condensation in instrument panel, then when I had a small bump the repairer couldn't get parts! Others have had oil leaks and major faults which, last time I was on the forum, Triumph were still throwing new parts at! Some are great, but quality seems to be variable.
I was going to ask what the aerial on the front was for until I zoomed in and saw it was some electrical conduit on the wooden post!
Set of four indicators for my water cooled 250 Katana, two wheel bearings for my Seat Arosa TDI and yet another work lamp,
I don't plan to crash anytime soon, but realizing that I'm in my 60s and not my 20s or 30s anymore, bought an air bag vest. One of them saved the life of an older rider that I knew, but the price always put me off. But after thinking about it more they cost about the same as a good helmet and I don't think twice about getting nice helmets. Looked at the electronic ones as well as the ones with just a rip cord, I decided to keep it as simple as possible and went with the rip cord - no dependence on batteries and electronics, only a dependance on remembering to attach the lanyard. Also like the idea of being able to "recharge" it for the cost of a new CO2 bottle without having to send it in. I tried to order a Motoairbag M1, but right now they seem to be unobtanium for a reasonable price here in the USA. Ordering from Europe it's either unavailable for the US market, or if available comes with a disclaimer that there might be a 20-30% tariff charge upon receipt (thanks to the Idiocracy going on with our government). So, settled on what's still available here and ordered a French made Helite Turtle 2 vest from Revzilla. Pluses and minuses compared to the others, but I like that it can be worn over any of my gear, is purely mechanical, and replacing the canister is a 5-minute job. Ordered the black one to blend in with my black or gray riding gear.
Hi Marco, An excellent choice, my grandson, son and I all have Helite air bag vests, as you say they are about the same price as a decent helmet and could save a serious injury. Don't be too worried about walking away from the bike without detaching the lanyard and setting the airbag off, they need about 35kg of 'pull' to fire so you will get a decent reminder before the thing goes off. My son had his air bag go off a few weeks ago, he 'rear ended' a car that stopped sharply without warning his bike was written off but his injuries were limited to a bruised shoulder, the airbag deployed and saved any further injury. Airbag recharged with a £20 CO2 gas cylinder.
I'm glad your son was okay. I've broken a few ribs, some fingers, and pulled tendons riding off-road, but hardly any injuries on a street bike. Hopefully will stay that way - I'm a much better street rider than dirt rider. But one never knows, especially as we get older. Much more experienced than I was in my 20s and 30s, but as we get older reaction times begin to slow and our bodies can't take as much abuse without serious consequences. I'm glad that air bag vests exist - it may extend my riding years with a little bit less to worry about in case of a crash.
Last splurge? A set of Michelin Road 6 tires bloody brilliant. Stuck like glue in the wet, and they’ll last longer than my patience balancing carbs. Zero regrets.
I have a new purchase coming the first week in August, I have had this on order from Japan for a very long time, and there is not another one to be had in my size anywhere. It's coming via a well known race team whom I am eternally grateful to. I will upload the photos when I receive it.
Set of Henchman 3.6m pro tripod ladders,seemed like a good idea at the time,but realised I don't have a head for heights
A new (to me) higher seat for the Multistrada, it was re upholstered with extra padding but the original cover. It now sits slightly higher and not quite so sloped with the added bonus that the Cool Cover still fits.
Let us know how you like the cool cover for a long ride. Even though the seat on my touring bike is pretty comfortable I wouldn't mind having more grip and increased airflow.
