Going the Distance
A rider on the road wants to stay on the road--to find that next bend, next view or next stretch of clear highway. But stiff arms and sore seats keep many from straying too far from home, and a lack of passenger comfort can force riders to choose between touring and time with a spouse. By offering a little added comfort and convenience, like specialty seats, protective windshields and quality audio systems, you can make sure your customers and their passengers are ready and eager for the long haul. Deck out your floor models with some of these hot touring accessories and you'll turn day-tripping clients into long-distance road warriors.
Seats
"For a long-distance ride you need to have your back straight and your pelvis in alignment," says Rollin Karoll of Mustang Motorcycle Seats. With an upgrade from a stock seat to one designed for distance, both riders and passengers can maintain comfort and stamina over an 800-kilometre trip. Mustang seats have deep contours to remove hard spots, angles that keep the back aligned and a specially formulated foam that covers the bike edge to edge, unlike stock seats, which carry weight only on the centre strip. Mustang uses the same foam on the passenger seat, ensuring that everyone on the bike enjoys the ride start to finish. Steel or fibreglass base pans and rust-proof aluminum rivets improve durability and protection from the elements. Add a quick-mounting armrest, and your rider is set for a road marathon.
The 2008 Mustang line includes a new Ultra Touring model that fits both the Harley Road King and FLHT. The seat is large and comfortable, but is designed to complement the lines of the bike and "look sleek," says Karoll. He names models for the Harley Softail and Honda VTX as Mustang's best sellers, but notes they carry seats for the entire metric cruiser line. Free technical support is available to buyers and dealers via phone and Internet. Mustang seats are available through Custom World International, Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties, or visit <www.mustangdealer.com>.
Windshields
The body acts as a wind scoop when exposed to the road, and the resulting pressure on the chest can exhaust riders as they experiment with longer trips. "It's just too punishing," says Bob Eggerich of Slipstreamer Windshields. Instead of letting this discourage your clients against trying multi-day tours, show them how a well-chosen shield can easily turn a bike meant for short cruises into a touring machine, while preserving their bike's look and styling.
Slipstreamer's latest Billet Series shields come in bullet and b-wing styles and have universal mounts that fit on any motorcycle. The chrome-plated billet aluminum hardware allows for up and down adjustment to suit a wide market, and the brackets can be used with any Slipstreamer windshield, so customers can buy two and alternate according to climate - like using an 18" b-wing screen for colder Canadian riding and switching to a bullet for warm southern tours. Billet Series shields can also be removed completely in under five minutes, leaving no unsightly hardware hanging off. Check them out through Parts Canada, Les Importations-Thibault, Kimpex and Full Bore Marketing or at <www.slipstreamer.com>.
GPS mounts
When you're in unfamiliar territory, it's reassuring to know where you're headed and how to get there. GPS systems are quickly migrating from the automobile market to motorcycles, and accessory manufacturers like Tulsa Enterprises are making sure they have a suitable place on the instrument panel. Their mounts, made from powder-coated billet aluminum with stainless steel hardware, attach to either side of the handlebar, and have acrylic cradles that keep electronic systems in clear sight without obstructing the view ahead. Tulsa's latest mounts are designed for Garmin GPS and Delphi satellite radio units, individually or in combination, but can also be used with several other systems. Available direct through <www.tulsaenterprises.com>.
Wrist rests
An exciting stretch of road can often trigger the unconscious response of squeezing too hard on the throttle. Maintained for hours a day over a multi-day tour, this "death grip" takes a serious toll on a rider's wrists. A quick solution is a device called the Throttle Rocker, which allows riders to rest their wrist and keep the hand relaxed while using a slight downward pressure to rotate the throttle. The original Throttle Rocker, which clamps on, and Throttle Rocker 2, which uses a velcro strap and has left and right models, were designed by Dale Chastagner, who felt that other versions of the device were uncomfortable. Terry Chastagner, his wife and business partner, says that once he put it on his bike, he received so many requests that ''it was either take the darn thing off or go into business." Only Throttle Rocker 2 is sold in the US, but both models can be sold in Canada. Available through Gamma Sales or <www.prodinov.com>.
Communication systems
Riding two-up is more fun if driver and passenger can communicate - pointing out wildlife, choosing the next stop or just sharing the joy of the scenery. Motorcycle communication goes far beyond standard radios: they must be comfortable, unobtrusive to the driver, stand up to wind, harsh weather and roaring noise and cooperate with the bike's electrical systems. Baehr’s Silverline series features automatic step-less volume adjustment, automatic continuous wind noise suppression and user defined prioritization of devices (music, cell phone, GPS and radar detector). For many years Baehr Silverline intercoms have been a top choice for demanding European sport touring riders travelling at Autobahn speeds. Now Baehr is opening up to a wider market by releasing the Blackline series of quality intercoms that retail for half the price of the popular and fully loaded Ultima series. "The Blackline is a very good intercom for a lower price," says Jeff Wolbers, Baehr USA. The Blackline Active intercom has wind noise suppression, mp3 player compatibility and a stereo input-output interface for a two-way radio or cell phone. Baehr USA advises setting the system up on a floor model to demonstrate Baehr intercoms to customers. The Blackline series is available through Baehr USA, the North American importer. Visit <www.baehrusa.com> for full details.
Luggage
A two-week, two-person road trip can involve a lot of gear, and many riders don't want the hassle of packing and securing a collection of mismatched bags and rolls. An attractive, easy-to load luggage system can help convince your customers that they can take it with them. The Iron Rider system, released in 2006 by Dowco Inc., is a modular luggage set with a strapping system that allows riders to easily adapt load to distance. The five pieces are sold separately and can be combined to create up to 20 different configurations. "Someone going cross-country can strap together two main bags to have up to 100 litres of storage space," says Angela Lettenberger, marketing coordinator for Dowco. She adds that the modularity makes it uniquely suited to design a "his and her" set-up for couples. The system also includes a roll bag, an overnight bag, a commuter briefcase and a garment bag. Customers can begin short tours with one or two bags, then expand the system as they expand the length of their rides.
Iron Rider bags stack vertically and work on any cruiser in conjunction with a sissy bar and luggage rack. Lettenberger says that due to popular demand they are also developing saddlebags for the system, which they plan to release in the fall of 2008 and a large roll bag set for release in early 2008. Dowco products are available through Motovan, Parts Canada and Kimpex or visit <www.dowcopowersports.com>.
Seats
"For a long-distance ride you need to have your back straight and your pelvis in alignment," says Rollin Karoll of Mustang Motorcycle Seats. With an upgrade from a stock seat to one designed for distance, both riders and passengers can maintain comfort and stamina over an 800-kilometre trip. Mustang seats have deep contours to remove hard spots, angles that keep the back aligned and a specially formulated foam that covers the bike edge to edge, unlike stock seats, which carry weight only on the centre strip. Mustang uses the same foam on the passenger seat, ensuring that everyone on the bike enjoys the ride start to finish. Steel or fibreglass base pans and rust-proof aluminum rivets improve durability and protection from the elements. Add a quick-mounting armrest, and your rider is set for a road marathon.The 2008 Mustang line includes a new Ultra Touring model that fits both the Harley Road King and FLHT. The seat is large and comfortable, but is designed to complement the lines of the bike and "look sleek," says Karoll. He names models for the Harley Softail and Honda VTX as Mustang's best sellers, but notes they carry seats for the entire metric cruiser line. Free technical support is available to buyers and dealers via phone and Internet. Mustang seats are available through Custom World International, Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties, or visit <www.mustangdealer.com>.
Windshields
The body acts as a wind scoop when exposed to the road, and the resulting pressure on the chest can exhaust riders as they experiment with longer trips. "It's just too punishing," says Bob Eggerich of Slipstreamer Windshields. Instead of letting this discourage your clients against trying multi-day tours, show them how a well-chosen shield can easily turn a bike meant for short cruises into a touring machine, while preserving their bike's look and styling.
Slipstreamer's latest Billet Series shields come in bullet and b-wing styles and have universal mounts that fit on any motorcycle. The chrome-plated billet aluminum hardware allows for up and down adjustment to suit a wide market, and the brackets can be used with any Slipstreamer windshield, so customers can buy two and alternate according to climate - like using an 18" b-wing screen for colder Canadian riding and switching to a bullet for warm southern tours. Billet Series shields can also be removed completely in under five minutes, leaving no unsightly hardware hanging off. Check them out through Parts Canada, Les Importations-Thibault, Kimpex and Full Bore Marketing or at <www.slipstreamer.com>.GPS mounts
When you're in unfamiliar territory, it's reassuring to know where you're headed and how to get there. GPS systems are quickly migrating from the automobile market to motorcycles, and accessory manufacturers like Tulsa Enterprises are making sure they have a suitable place on the instrument panel. Their mounts, made from powder-coated billet aluminum with stainless steel hardware, attach to either side of the handlebar, and have acrylic cradles that keep electronic systems in clear sight without obstructing the view ahead. Tulsa's latest mounts are designed for Garmin GPS and Delphi satellite radio units, individually or in combination, but can also be used with several other systems. Available direct through <www.tulsaenterprises.com>.
Wrist rests
An exciting stretch of road can often trigger the unconscious response of squeezing too hard on the throttle. Maintained for hours a day over a multi-day tour, this "death grip" takes a serious toll on a rider's wrists. A quick solution is a device called the Throttle Rocker, which allows riders to rest their wrist and keep the hand relaxed while using a slight downward pressure to rotate the throttle. The original Throttle Rocker, which clamps on, and Throttle Rocker 2, which uses a velcro strap and has left and right models, were designed by Dale Chastagner, who felt that other versions of the device were uncomfortable. Terry Chastagner, his wife and business partner, says that once he put it on his bike, he received so many requests that ''it was either take the darn thing off or go into business." Only Throttle Rocker 2 is sold in the US, but both models can be sold in Canada. Available through Gamma Sales or <www.prodinov.com>.Communication systems
Riding two-up is more fun if driver and passenger can communicate - pointing out wildlife, choosing the next stop or just sharing the joy of the scenery. Motorcycle communication goes far beyond standard radios: they must be comfortable, unobtrusive to the driver, stand up to wind, harsh weather and roaring noise and cooperate with the bike's electrical systems. Baehr’s Silverline series features automatic step-less volume adjustment, automatic continuous wind noise suppression and user defined prioritization of devices (music, cell phone, GPS and radar detector). For many years Baehr Silverline intercoms have been a top choice for demanding European sport touring riders travelling at Autobahn speeds. Now Baehr is opening up to a wider market by releasing the Blackline series of quality intercoms that retail for half the price of the popular and fully loaded Ultima series. "The Blackline is a very good intercom for a lower price," says Jeff Wolbers, Baehr USA. The Blackline Active intercom has wind noise suppression, mp3 player compatibility and a stereo input-output interface for a two-way radio or cell phone. Baehr USA advises setting the system up on a floor model to demonstrate Baehr intercoms to customers. The Blackline series is available through Baehr USA, the North American importer. Visit <www.baehrusa.com> for full details.
Luggage
A two-week, two-person road trip can involve a lot of gear, and many riders don't want the hassle of packing and securing a collection of mismatched bags and rolls. An attractive, easy-to load luggage system can help convince your customers that they can take it with them. The Iron Rider system, released in 2006 by Dowco Inc., is a modular luggage set with a strapping system that allows riders to easily adapt load to distance. The five pieces are sold separately and can be combined to create up to 20 different configurations. "Someone going cross-country can strap together two main bags to have up to 100 litres of storage space," says Angela Lettenberger, marketing coordinator for Dowco. She adds that the modularity makes it uniquely suited to design a "his and her" set-up for couples. The system also includes a roll bag, an overnight bag, a commuter briefcase and a garment bag. Customers can begin short tours with one or two bags, then expand the system as they expand the length of their rides.
Iron Rider bags stack vertically and work on any cruiser in conjunction with a sissy bar and luggage rack. Lettenberger says that due to popular demand they are also developing saddlebags for the system, which they plan to release in the fall of 2008 and a large roll bag set for release in early 2008. Dowco products are available through Motovan, Parts Canada and Kimpex or visit <www.dowcopowersports.com>.
