Motrax Light Ring review

Well. this was one of the most useless expenses ever made....The device does indeed detect mobile phone calls and when it does two little red lights come on and off.

The problem is: it also flashes when the unit vibrates, which basically, on a motorcycle, is ALL THE TIME. So, buying this is a form of donation to Motrax. Buy it if you feel extremely generous.

Fitted a Hawk alarm. (http://hawkcaralarm.com/). Thought I would do it myself, then decided to get professional help. I felt that I didn't want to mess up the electrical system...So, although I knew where the wires should go I thought I do it the safe way.

The alarm was very good quality. Even the guy that installed it didn't believe me on the price. For the money (GBP £35 shipped) it was a steal. It also included a tilt sensor which was not functioning. The seller said he would replace that sensor immediately. Will see.

The alarm works fine to date and had no false alarms. Scares those cats away too :D

UPDATE: The tilt sensor was functioning normally. The instructions included a typo...it should be connected to permanent ground. The instructions indicated non-permanent ground. So issue has been resolved. I am not happy with the tilt sensor though, it only causes false alarms and does not offer any additional protection.

I am just saying if you are interested in this alarm, go for the one without the tilt sensor. Still a good product, just don't pay for the tilt sensor.

Tankslapper Kit

As far as paint protection was concerned, at first I settled with a clear tank pad. Looked neat and took all the abuse from zippers, belts and other sharp objects. After a year or so the sun got to it and started to become yellowish. It was time for a new one!



Was it? I thought I should try something different this time. A single tank pad would not protect the sides of the tank or the point where the saddle meets the tank. I heard about some membranes that are attached to the bike only with water.....great staff. Invisible to the eye, cheap and easy to install. What more would you want? These guys also sell "complete" kits, covering other parts of the bike, such as the headlight lenses etc. I ordered a kit for the tank. It covers the side of the tank, the back and the top (protection from tank bags).

http://www.thetankslapper.biz/



The only drawback of these pieces is that they don't allow power washing. This is the only way to loose these pieces. As you ride, they won't budge. Watch the video on their site. They have a good customer support too. Believe it or not there is one on this tank.

Motorcycle Cover and disc lock

I consider this one of the most inexpensive and most effective anti-theft security equipment. If you cover your precious with a black cover it's less visible. If it's less visible it's safer. Plus the dust is just unbearable where I live. You wash the bike today, dust will be all over the place within the same day....A cover is cheap and serves quite a few purposes.

If you are interested, just make sure it can be secured on the motorcycle (otherwise it will fly off when the wind speed picks up). I also consider a vent at the top essential. Prevents moisture bultup and the "baloon effect". Got one off ebay for $16 shipped and I am quite happy with it.

Disc locks: I bought one with the alarm (Oxford Boss). Very loud....when you don't put your finger over the siren....if someone does, the alarm will not be audible. So much for the alarm. Also make sure you are not buying an old model with the round key. Those can be picked with a pen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zy8sEj8etU

Always lock the rear disc. The thief will have a difficult time removing the rear wheel instead of the front. Locks with less than 1.5mm width can be instantly cropped. Oh, and always use a disc lock reminder so you don't try taking off with the disc lock in place.

Was also thinking an Almax chain but the price is just crazy.

Soft luggage

Before spending money on anything else I though it would be nice if I purchased some luggage. My taste could not allow any hard luggage so I went with a large, expandable tank bag for a start. I got a nice hiking backpack as well which I use often.

The tankbag is from Oxford and the model's name is Expander. It has many cool features too. The front pocket can be removed and worn as a waist bag. It comes with a rain cover, a safety strap to attach on the bars for extra safety, expands to 38L of capacity etc. Very happy with this product.

http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=47&pid=6&p=

In the bag I have the tire repair kit in, my rain 2pc suit, some toilet paper, winter/waterproof gloves, maps, registation and license, my camera, MP3 player, utility knife, first aid kit etc. It was more than enough for a 2 day trip I had planned for the followin January.