gosh, tips and tricks?
• progressive springs up front
• change out the brake fluid every year
• spare bulbs in the tail piece (never needed them, but hey)
• all tools on the bike
• mag lite in the tool tray
• old rags in the fairing pocket to clean the bike on the road
• double reserve trick with the twin petcocks
• 65/100 watt bulb up front (cheap upgrade; high beam melts road signs)
• used boat-cover-style snap studs to mount my front tank bag straps inside the fairing.
• rear strap is bolted to the gas tank, underneath, easily hidden in the frame tube when not in use.
• drain and clean tank every season
• full-size Leatherman in the tool tray
• quick-connect trailer-style lead on both sides of the bike for a floating charger and electric vest hookups
• all torque specs for regular maintenance bolts jotted down in back of manual. easy to find, see, with simple diagrams
• tire pressures for various bikes in magic marker on the pole by the air compressor. tire gauge always right there; one in bike jacket, too.
• spare earplugs in tool tray (amazing how many people have borrowed them — no, not the same pair!)
• a "road bag" on the shoulder side of my saddlebags with rain gear, first aid kit, electric vest, tire pump, emergency space blanket, neck gaiter, long underwear, zip-neck polypro. Anytime, anywhere, good to go.
• as of this weekend, spare spark plugs. buddy's harley plug went bad; major headache for such a small part.
• S100 and a cut up sponge stored with wash gear (for the rims)
• sealed battery from Westco (yes, others are cheaper. Guess what: Don't care. This one fits, works and lasts.)
• all riding gear in one closet. No more hunting!
• sears ratchet box-end combo wrench. That thing is awesome for turning out the bolts on the oil filter cover, which are hard to get to under the fairing lowers.
• glove your hand and turn out those filter bolts while the engine is still nice and warm.
• Luftmeister temp dipstick. I hear they aren't too accurate, but it gives me a real good read on how hard the bike is working, especially two up in July.
• i'm sure I'll think of more
ymmv
