Modern bikey conveniences

[crofty1984]

I'm sure we're all rufty-tufty grr manly man bikers here (of course!) but what modern conveniences on motorcycles have surprised you or would you rather not do without?

For me:
Electric start on a tall bike
Just bought my first pair of heated gloves - oh my!
I'm not fussed about traction control and ride modes, but given the choice between two bikes differing only in having ABS, I'd rather have it than not.
My Himalayan has built-in Sat Nav. I wouldn't necessarily need it built into a bike, but it's nice to have, even as a phone clamped to the handlebars.
Flick-down dark inner visors.

I can take or leave injection, don't like bluetooth music as I ride, and I'm happy with sub-100bhp.
Actively dislike quickshift and auto.

[CHLEMCBC]

similar.

Electric start (1400 V Twin would be a bh to kick over I expect)
I love my Android Auto unit and Cardo for comms and music
Pinlock for colder rides
Rokstraps are the single best bike related invention of the last decade or so, IMHO.
I wouldn't be without heated gear these days
Fuel injection for near perfect fuelling cold or hot throughout the rev range.

[Wildfire]

GoreTex Pro Shell
Pinlock
Bluetooth coms kit that links to my phone
My phone - because it does music and sat nav.

I do like my heated grips on the Ducati, but I could live without it.

[GSA_fattie]

cruise
credit card pocket at the end of the jacket sleeve – saves a lot of faff when paying for petrol just tap on the device
LED lights

[Linksmas]

Just because we're hairy arsed bikers doesn't mean we can't be comfortable too.

I don't have all the mod-cons yet but we acquire these things over time anyway. Love my heated seat cover though, a warm bottom cannot be underrated.

[Drawweight]

When I first started biking my first few bikes were kick start. Then I got my first electric start bike.

Anything more than that I could quite honestly do without.

[matt-devon]

I thought I wouldn't be bothered about cruise control but it's a game changer.

Beeline satnav has been transformative - next bike will have built in Sat nav.

Heated grips.

[Austin Prefect]

Pinlock
Rockstraps
Satnav

Also topboxes and shaft drive..

[Rubin215]

Rear suspension.

Absolute game changer.





Edited to add the smiley, I'm not that old really

Edited by Rubin215 on Monday 27th October 18:19

[Jazoli]

Cornering ABS, absolutely amazing what it can do but it wouldn’t be a deal breaker on a used bike.

Heated grips, a comfy seat and a screen that is quiet, plus Bluetooth, A pinlock and clothing that works.

[OutInTheShed]

Mirrors that don't vibrate.
Heated grips.
A fuel gauge that still actually worked would be nice.
Waterproofs that were actually still waterproof likewise.

Things you don't get on new bikes that were good?
Centre stand.

Things I don't miss:
6V lights.
Drum brakes
Oil leaks

[Mr Squarekins]

Cruise
Heated grips

Loads of other stuff, but these two I'd miss.

[bogie]

I remember commuting daily by bike in the 80s, on cold mornings struggling to see where I was going and keep warm, my modern conveniences that are must haves:

LED headlights that illuminate the road
heated grips
pinlock visor
ABS
waterproof armoured warm clothing
dual compound sports tourer tyres

[looksfast]

I actually really like quickshifters. If I say disc brakes it dates me. I agree with not missing 6 volt electrics as I failed my first test due to the indicators taking so long to come on. (I m sticking to that)

Heated grips are nice to have. A fuel gauge would be nice to have. I think traction control is nice to have but don t think I ve ever really troubled it.

I don t need cruise control but can see it might be useful.

You could add modern tyres, suspension etc to the list too.

Pin lock is probably the most brilliant non bike gadget thing though.

[Time4another]

Pinlock - Went a ride with my pinlock removed. Quickly realised how much difference they make.
Heated grips - Nicety rather than necessity. Although I'm never out when it's seriously cold.
Quickshifter - Making everything smoother.

I'm now heading towards a dediated sat nav or android auto unit, cruise control and dare I say heated seat. All niceties.

[srob]

I can honestly say that the only thing in this thread I've ever owned on a bike is electric start

If I ever do get a new bike it's gonna be like a new hobby for me!

Actually I missed Rubin’s one on rear suspension. Three of my seven bikes have that

Edited by srob on Tuesday 28th October 08:24

[Mogsmex]

srob said:

I can honestly say that the only thing in this thread I've ever owned on a bike is electric start

If I ever do get a new bike it's gonna be like a new hobby for me!

yup

My Triumph T595 went last weekend after 23 years together and I'm shopping now and it's a whole new world !!

but currently Kick start and Fuel gauges.........

[Steve_H80]

Tubeless tyres. Wonderful things that change a nail from a long nightmare to a short inconvenience.
There is lots of other stuff, but for me, this is the big one.

[John D.]

Bumbag.

[PorkInsider]

Photochromic visor.