 Opinion on Accessories
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First off, this site is an incredible resource!  I wanted to bounce an idea that I am having off the collective experiences out there before I start spending money. I have found myself looking more and more at getting a light bar for my America. While safety is the main reason, I find myself liking the look more and more. Here's the deal though, I don't think I want a windsheild. Yes I have heard of all the benefits, but I like the purist argument against them and feel they change the look of the bike more than what I want. You don't see many lightbars on bikes without windshields and I am not really sure what it will look like. Everything is still stock on my bike at the moment but I will be adding a sissybar/luggage rack soon (no matter what) and was thinking of the short one, along with lower profile mirrors to keep the profile of the bike lower and matching. Any thoughts or feelings that might help me in my adventure?
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Andrew, I share your view on a lightbar without windshield. For me, I chose to modify a JC Whitney lightbar because I wanted a tight look versus the Triumph version that is very, very wide. Here is a pic from my photos on this site.  Steven
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I like light bars with or without sheilds!
I have liked them since I fist saw one on a HD when I was a kid. It just looked really cool!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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I used the Triumph lightbar but put some Harley turn signals/ running lights on it. I have the Memphis Fats windshield and lowers that take just a few minutes to remove or install so I can go either way depending on circumstances. As for the sissybar, even the higher one is fairly low. Many people think the low one is too low for passenger comfort. 
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Quote:
Andrew,
I share your view on a lightbar without windshield. For me, I chose to modify a JC Whitney lightbar because I wanted a tight look versus the Triumph version that is very, very wide.
Here is a pic from my photos on this site.
Steven
Steve, do you have a pic of the front of your bike head on? What did you do to the light bar to modify?
I like how your light bar is tight together!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Here's my JC Whitney..... 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Can those who have the JC Whitney lightbar tell me which model it is and how the installation was. I am considering placeing the signals on it.
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I'm not a big fan of lightbars....so my opinion means little to nothing.... but I like the narrow look of the JCwhitney bar like Phil and Zmilin have.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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 Mansfield PA  Canandaigua NY.  Merritt Island FL  RTRT border line  I Dream of Jeannie, FL
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
I'm not a big fan of lightbars....so my opinion means little to nothing.... but I like the narrow look of the JCwhitney bar like Phil and Zmilin have.
Check out Ryan's ity bitty lights. (blue America, top photo left next to Englishyankee's ride.)
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Have you ever rode in front of Ryan at night? Those landing lights will blind ya!
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Same ones I have and they ARE VERY BRIGHT!!!
and cheap (inexpensive) too $14.95 for the set
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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I have the stock Triumph lightbar. First, I recommend getting a lightbar as I think it makes me FAR more visible, and it gives me darn near 3x the light at night. I have my lights set to be just outside the main beam light, and it makes a huge difference in how well I see! I do agree that the Triumph bars stick out a bit. I wish they were about 1" or so closer to the main beam.
On the sissy bar - you mentioned getting the short one but I'd urge you to consider the tall model. The short model is supposedly so short it doesn't add much comfort - sits too low on the back. My fiancee really likes the tall bar.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
On the sissy bar - you mentioned getting the short one but I'd urge you to consider the tall model. The short model is supposedly so short it doesn't add much comfort - sits too low on the back. My fiancee really likes the tall bar.
The newer 2007 pillion also sits up at least an 1" higher than the original stock or touring pillion. I also would recommend the tall one if you want a back rest. With the new pillion, the short one would basically just be a butt stop.
I don't have a lightbar and don't want one even though they may make me more visible. I just like the look a lot better without them. I have a sporty windshield and am going for the "sport cruiser" look over a full blown cruiser or HD look.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Several over the years have posted to sell the lower backrests to buy the taller ones. Even the tall one is barely tall or big enough for the passenger to be comfortable.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Where did you get those "itty bitty lights"? I seen some at Walmart that might be the same thing. Are they "fog" or "driving" light style beams?
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Thank you to all for the great pictures and feedback. I am definitely going to look at the taller sissy bar!
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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With regards to the windshield there's more than looks to consider if you wear a helmet, especially a full-face helmet as I do. I've tried the Triumph Roadster screen and the SlipStreamer Tombstone and the buffeting was so bad, especially with the former, that I literally could not focus my vision at 70mph. Recent I picked up a used Windvest that I'll be trying out as soon as I have my bike back on the road. Hopefully third time's a charm but if this doesn't work I give up.
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I got them at VIP auto they are 50W halogens NO fog lens, NO color just bright WHITE light with nice chrome housings 14.00
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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John, it took FOUR windshields before I was happy. I originally had the Summer Screen which at 6' tall, buffeted wind hit me directly in the face. I tried a replacement Clearview prototype I didn't like, and I tried the WindVest. Finally, Clearview made a Summer Screen replacement that looked even better than the Triumph and really worked. They make a 17" (I have) and 18" version. It looks and works great! 
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Either here or on the archive site there should be lots of references to the JCW Lightbar. The biggest thing that I did to make it work is drill out one of the holes to better center and align and added two aluminum plates. The plates are both above and below the mounting points to add stabilty. Here is a picture of the front of the bike per the request.  Steven
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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here is a better shot of the lightbar and blinkers I did for Wendys bike.  I made the stainless mounts for the blinkers. 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I got them at VIP auto they are 50W halogens NO fog lens, NO color just bright WHITE light with nice chrome housings 14.00
Manufactured by Optronics part # qh-7cc
web clicky
Just a quick note about this company....
While riding back from Pats and the NE last year...I lost a trim ring on one of these lamps...the trim ring holds the bulb in place...I called the company to see if I could purchase one (how much could it be the set of lights only costs $14.00) they sent me a whole new light fixture at NO CHARGE...
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I use to have a pair of driving lights mounted on my front fender. Same story as Rob, I lost one of the rings one day. I pulled the lights off the next day and ordered another set. I just havent mounted them again, just not sure yet how I want to mount them next time. They are the Optronics qh-7cc lights as well. For $20 (including shipping) you cant complain much at all.   Soren
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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On a personal note, I don't care for the round bar. I opted for the Rivco light bar. I really like the bar and it keeps the lights much tighter than the OEM Triumph one. Although not as tight as the JC one. I did not relocate my turn signals, just installed the light bar. What a difference it makes during the day and "WOW" at night
BA has Freak, 160mains, 44pilots, air mix3 1/2 to 4 turns, BUBS dresser dogs. Never had more fun on any bike - 2nd bike 2008 RIIIT
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Quote:
I have found myself looking more and more at getting a light bar for my America. While safety is the main reason, ... I don't think I want a windsheild. ...feel they change the look of the bike more than what I want. ... I will be adding a sissybar/luggage rack soon (no matter what) and was thinking of the short one...Any thoughts or feelings that might help me in my adventure?
Thoughts or feelings? Certainly 
Actually, similiar to your thoughts on Windshields, I agree and also (IMHO) think Lightbars AND Sissybars change the look of our bikes for the WORSE  . I can't stand them.
However, I recently added a Sissybar/luggage thing and think for convenience...it's great. I have a removable windshield which I take off every now and then. It's a totally different type of ride with or without it. I enjoy both types of riding but a shield MAKES riding SAFER (Well, this might be a stretch but at least I can get where I am going FASTER). It really depends on the type of riding...if you desire to take long trips...you will eventually want/get a shield.
Never say never but I'll never put a lightbar on...just don't like em...safety or not.
Also, considering opinions on "Accessories"...I consider a helmet the #1 accessory. It shows, in my opinion again, that you understand riding, take it seriously and aren't just another wannabe biker who wants to look cool but simply rides 2 miles each Saturday to their local bike dealer (Hum, who could that be?) to show off with 1,000 other wannabees.
I love it when someone asks for my OPINION  .
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- 2007 Triumph Tiger
- 1982 Yamaha xj650 Magnum
- Previous 2004 Triumph America
- Previous 1973 Triumph Bonneville T140V 750cc
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Quote:
...
Never say never but I'll never put a lightbar on...just don't like em...safety or not....
Ah, I change my mind.
I like that light setup Ryan has above and I have actually had those lights sitting in my toolbox for over a year!!
Also will admit i like the Rivco lightbar.
Last edited by dmillikan; 05/23/2007 7:12 AM.
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- 2007 Triumph Tiger
- 1982 Yamaha xj650 Magnum
- Previous 2004 Triumph America
- Previous 1973 Triumph Bonneville T140V 750cc
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Windsheilds - Karens bike has the Triumph Summer Screen. I installed a 14x16 Windvest today on my bike. I rode Karens bike to the wash to get it clean for her and the top of my head got the snot kicked out of it on that short ride. I took my bike out for a test run with the Windvest and no head buffeting. Even though WV isnt fitted to the bike it still blocked a lot of wind. So far Im happy with it. I do know that if I ever buy another shield itll be a bit wider. The WV seems to let a small amount of air around it. All in all...IM happy with it. If I could have located a set of older upper fork shrouds I probably would have bout a screen from Fasteddy. Why do I have a screen...I plan on doing more riding for work purposes and riding on slab over 65 mph is just a pain in the keester. As the hotter weather approaches too I dont want to show up for work covered in bug slime 
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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New Tires
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New Tires
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I've got a Triumph light bar, no wind shield. I'm not wild about the wind shield look. The Triumph light bar is a little wide, but it works great, you will be amazed by the night visability. Rivco makes a very nice narrower light bar and it actually looks better on the bike, IMO.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Rob,
Thanks for info on the Optronics part # qh-7cc, light. Ordered mine today.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Just put some Kuryarken silver bullets on the front of my Speedy. Man are they bright. A worthy addition...now to move the headlight up a couple of inches 
...yes, that is a single seat...no, I will not put the other seat on...yes, I am selfish...yes, you should buy your own bike
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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keet's, can you tell us how the lights perform at night compared say to normal larger lights?
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Keets,
Any pics of the silver bullets mounted? Are they between the forks like Ryan's and Rob's little optronics lights?
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
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Re: Opinion on Accessories
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Ditto this on both counts. I can't imagine riding at night WITHOUT the light bar. Doubles the field of vision and visibility to others. A win both ways. Quote:
I have the stock Triumph lightbar. First, I recommend getting a lightbar as I think it makes me FAR more visible, and it gives me darn near 3x the light at night. I have my lights set to be just outside the main beam light, and it makes a huge difference in how well I see! I do agree that the Triumph bars stick out a bit. I wish they were about 1" or so closer to the main beam.
On the sissy bar - you mentioned getting the short one but I'd urge you to consider the tall model. The short model is supposedly so short it doesn't add much comfort - sits too low on the back. My fiancee really likes the tall bar.
Al
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