Lee's 10 quick tips of motorcycling

[Frostback]

Helion wrote:

One I'm sure everybody knows but for some reason I always forget to put my helmet on before the gloves. I will still end up trying to strap it for a full minute or so thinking it might work this time, before throwing the gloves off and trying for real

The gun cable lock is a good idea.

And I would follow that up by suggesting you stick your gloves INSIDE your helmet as a reminder but be sure they don't drop out when carrying it. For me, even that might not work.

Remembering ear plugs is my usual "Doh!". Ever try putting those in while wearing your helmet?

Lee

[Benesesso]

Originally Posted by packmann

Foam earplugs are fantastic. But after a few months they get impregnated with earwax and slip out. Don't be a cheapskate: replace regularly.

As a former KLR owner, I learned to wash my foam plugs. Roll them around after coating them with liquid soap, then rinse by squeezing them a few times. Some of my plugs are 10 years old.

Haven't had an ear infection in a month or so, so the idea works.

[AlanCT]

Originally Posted by Benesesso

As a former KLR owner, I learned to wash my foam plugs. Roll them around after coating them with liquid soap, then rinse by squeezing them a few times. Some of my plugs are 10 years old.

Haven't had an ear infection in a month or so, so the idea works.

Sometimes I stick them in my pants pockets when I do the laundry.

[Qwik]

I tend to buy a new set of custom fitted ear plugs every couple of years. They are well worth the investment.

[Benesesso]

Originally Posted by Qwik

I tend to buy a new set of custom fitted ear plugs every couple of years. They are well worth the investment.

The soft foam plugs custom fit themselves every time.

[Ranger Ron]

Originally Posted by Benesesso

As a former KLR owner, I learned to wash my foam plugs. Roll them around after coating them with liquid soap, then rinse by squeezing them a few times. Some of my plugs are 10 years old.

Haven't had an ear infection in a month or so, so the idea works.

Too funny.

I'm a former KLR owner, too. That being said, I afford myself the luxury of a new pair of ear plugs every day. It costs me about 13¢ a day.

Ron

[Colorado Col Rider]

Originally Posted by Ranger Ron

Too funny.

I'm a former KLR owner, too. That being said, I afford myself the luxury of a new pair of ear plugs every day. It costs me about 13¢ a day.

Ron

I agree, I'm never one to harsh on someone for being frugal, but you guys realize that you can buy a bag of 500 of these

for like 50 bucks. If you wore each pair only twice you'd be good for a few years almost. Slightly better and cheaper than an ear infection.

Tips are awesome, please keep them coming. I love topics like this. BTW, I'm glad I'm not the only one who puts on his gloves before his helmet almost every time.

[Eatmore Mudd]

Food saver re closeable zip type bags are a hell of a lot tougher and more durable than zip lock bags.

[SoSlow]

Another gloves-before-helmet person here.

Hide $20 (or equivalent) somewhere on the bike where you can get at it if you need it. Good idea to wrap it in something to keep it clean/dry.

[Tucson Jim]

I have an old pill bottle with a roll of quarters in it for emergency phone calls, car wash, vending machines, parking meters, etc. Two or three $20 bills wrapped to the inside, with a piece of scrap paper between the quarters and the bills or they will turn the bills black. Then put a few wraps of duct tape around the outside of the bottle to have for misc. repairs.

Hardly takes up any room and has saved me many times.

[stefer]

Originally Posted by Frostback

Helion wrote:



And I would follow that up by suggesting you stick your gloves INSIDE your helmet as a reminder but be sure they don't drop out when carrying it. For me, even that might not work.

Remembering ear plugs is my usual "Doh!". Ever try putting those in while wearing your helmet?

Lee

Originally Posted by Benesesso

As a former KLR owner, I learned to wash my foam plugs. Roll them around after coating them with liquid soap, then rinse by squeezing them a few times. Some of my plugs are 10 years old.

Haven't had an ear infection in a month or so, so the idea works.

I find that squeezing wet ear plugs makes the foam fill up with water. Then you can't scrunch them up in a cylinder to stick them in your ear because they expand almost instantaneously.

The first thing I do is try to have clean hands when using them. If they are dirty, just a few drops of water and rub them without compressing them.

After done, in my pocket they go in a container.

Also, 10 years is a really long time.

[Forty Years Ago]

I carry a spare key under my seat with my registration and proof of insurance.

[Frostback]

John wrote:

I carry a spare key under my seat with my registration and proof of insurance.

I thought about that key placement too but I realize I need a key to get the seat off so I am pooched if I lose the key. Still looking for the ideal hiding place for that chincy plastic key they give you as a backup.

Lee

[Benesesso]

Originally Posted by stefer

I find that squeezing wet ear plugs makes the foam fill up with water. Then you can't scrunch them up in a cylinder to stick them in your ear because they expand almost instantaneously.

The first thing I do is try to have clean hands when using them. If they are dirty, just a few drops of water and rub them without compressing them.

Also, 10 years is a really long time.

After washing and rinsing, it's simple to put them on something absorbent and smash the water out of 'em. Day or two later they're dry as a bone.

10 years ain't diddly when you're over 70.

[helion42]

Originally Posted by Frostback

John wrote:
I thought about that key placement too but I realize I need a key to get the seat off so I am pooched if I lose the key. Still looking for the ideal hiding place for that chincy plastic key they give you as a backup.

I've heard of some good ones like in the handlebar ends (dependent on your handlebar setup, sometimes you can't just pull the grip off), magneted under the tank or something, or glued inside of plastic paneling where it won't fall off but can be broken free when you need it. ...It's kindof a toss-up, because if someone who knows bikes has a thought to look for a spare key, it's not hard to find.

One that I like is having one (esp. if it's one of those gimpy flat spares) on a short length of string and safetypinned in a breast pocket etc. of my riding jacket. It's less likely that I'll lose my actual keys and then try and go roadborne without my jacket, and it's not left on the bike to be jacked