6 MOTO MUST HAVE TOOLS

2. OIL DRAIN PAN

Taking your bike to the dealer every time it needs a service can get expensive fast. Changing the oil is fairly simple and can save you a bundle in the long run. This Low Profile Oil Drain Pan from big H-D is just over $30 and will pay for itself the first time you use it.

harley-davidson.com

6. BATTERY CHARGER

3. CHAIN TOOL

If your bike came with a chain or you’ve done a conversion, do yourself a favor and get a proper chain tool. You’ll save yourself a heap load of time and frustration trying to attach that master link without chasing the little clip all over the garage. For just less than $140, this tool from RK will save your sanity and your fingers.

rkexcelamerica.com

4. SERVICE MANUAL

I’ve found that most videos on YouTube are either too detailed or full of crap. Unless you want to painstakingly watch a 20-minute clip on how to change a tire by a wannabe filmmaker shooting in his basement, buy a proper service manual for your bike. Prices vary but it’s worth every penny.

Unless you want to watch a 20-minute on how to a tire for your bike. Prices vary but it’s worth penny harley-davidson.com

5. BASIC TOOL SET

a d can a lot Craftsman tools are available, come in all sizes, and are returnable Even you metrics as well, as many parts are around $60 and go up from there. sears.com smartercharger.com

It’s hard to compile a must-have list without tools Tools are just like your bike. You can spend a little or you can spend a lot. Craftsman tools are readily available, come in all sizes, and are easily returnable. Even though you have an H-D, don’t forget to purchase metrics as well, as many parts are being switched over Prices start at around $60 and go up from there.

There’s nothing worse than the sound of “were-were-were-click-click” when you go to start your bike. A battery tender will make sure that the battery will always be as juiced up as you are when you are ready to ride. C-Tek offers a wide variety of chargers for a wide variety of batteries and start at about $60 and go up from there.

ARAI SIGNET-X EL CRANEO BLUE FROST HELMET

I have a big, fat 7-1/2 head and always end up wearing an XL. I’ve worn the most expensive helmets money can buy to the ones that barely pass DOT. I’ve learned it’s not the cost of the helmet that makes a difference in comfort, but it’s the construction. The Signet-X is specifically designed to fit a long-oval head, and I fell in love with it from the initial time I slipped it on. With almost a slunk-like feeling, I knew it immediately it had made its way to the front of the line of all my other helmets.

The initial road test involved heading out to Laughlin, Nevada, from Long Beach, California, for roughly a 600-mile roundtrip through both city, highway, and two-lane desert roads. For starters, the helmet is extremely quiet with the shield down and all the vents closed. This was instantly apparent, as I could hear the music coming from my 2017 Indian Limited stereo clear enough to understand the lyrics when typically all you hear is Charlie Brown teacher noises. When the temperature went up, all it took were a few brushes with a gloved hand while going 60-plus mph to figure out how to open and close the vents. I’ve had helmets that cooled my head better, but with increased air comes increased noise. The Signet-X is a “Goldilocks” amount of flow that was just about right.

Graphics on the Signet-X line vary from solid colors, Super-Joe racer dude, to this El Craneo Blue Frost model featuring traditional Dia de los Muertos sugar skulls. I have a traditional skull tattooed on my wrist from about six years ago, and the graphic matched almost identically.

At $829.95 it’s an expensive lid for sure. But if it’s one place you shouldn’t sacrifice money for safety, it’s your head. The Arai line is at the top of the food chain when it comes to quality, and with proper care this helmet should last for years.

araiamericas.com

ALPINESTARS J-8 RIDING SHOE

The Alpinestars J-8 doesn’t claim to be a riding boot. If you want the ultimate in foot protection, Alpinestars protects the feet of MotoGP riders who crash at 200 mph. What I love the J-8 for is everyday riding back and forth to work or for quick trips around town. It’s more about when I get off the bike that I want something that is comfortable and doesn’t have me looking like Cyborg ready for battle.

The J-8 is a breathable riding shoe that keeps your laces from going haywire, are perforated for cool piggies, and has an internal toe box and heel counter reinforcement. The previous version was only available in loud colors that had most people saying, “Next!” These all-black versions are as cool as night, and if you don’t want some added flair you can get them with optional brown or red accents.

I put more than 5,000 miles on the previous versions, and I’m confident the J-8s will spread the $159.95 price of admission over several rides. If you’re looking for something better than sneakers but more comfortable than a boot, the Alpinestars J-8 might be the Cinderella you’ve been looking for.

alpinestars.com