What are the "must haves" for a lot of riding?

[Django]

I don't like the magnetic, as they tend to lead to a scratched tank somehow.

I ride a Held tank bag, which uses a belt around the headset and a velcro at the rear to be attached to the tank.

When not using the tank bag, the pile site of the velcro is stowed invisible under the seat.

It is folded under the seat.

When I want to ride my tank bag, I can unfold the pile site

Then, mounting and unmounting the tank bag, e.g. for fueling, is as easy as with a magnetic.

By the way, at the first picture you see the tank bag in its smallest size. It can be enlarged very easily to nearly double height. It's compressed by a simple zipper which curls around the top.

 

[MrTim_imp]

This is my typical long-distance touring set up:
Andy Strapz Expedition Pannierz (Andy has atrocious spelling).
OEM luggage rack with a swag tied on.
Handlebar-mounted 12-volt socket for phone charging.
Some magnetic tank bag that the bloke who sold me my old Ninja 250 threw in for free.
As you can kindof see in this pic I've also installed a taller aftermarket seat, this was essential for me as my legs are just a bit too long for the standard seat. Not pictured is the sheepskin seat cover that the previous owner of my CB threw in for free, at first I thought it was a bit of a snake-oil product, but it definitely makes a big difference on a long ride.
This is a useful product for refilling a punctured tyre on the road (or at home): [url=http://www.andystrapz.com/products-details.php?productId=166&productCategoryId=96&Level=1]http://www.andystrapz.com/products-detai...96&Level=1
I'm also going to install some heated grips which after far too many frozen fingers I've decided is essential. I might also grab a clutch/brake reservoir phone mount as I'm getting pretty sick of having to pull over every time I get lost, which is often.
I can't help but find myself wanting to install a screen to reduce wind blast, however I just can't reconcile the aesthetic cost.

 

[Cormanus]

MrTim. I've an iPhone5 which is carefully concealed inside a LifeProof case. I mention this because it's how I consult maps. The beauty of this arrangement is that LifeProof produces a handlebar mount as an accessory. You simply snap the phone case in and lock it and you're away. I have a 12V outlet on the other side of the bars so I can charge as I go along, particularly when I'm using GPS.

While I'm at it. I'm going to give LifeProof a plug. I bought my case a couple of years ago and it hasn't had the easiest of lives. The little rubber cover over the mute switch recently broke. I wrote to them asking if there was a replacement part. They asked for a photo then sent me a new case. Free. Great service

Even though the original was well out of warranty and I'd not asked for it. When it's on the bars and the cover for the charger is snapped shut it's pretty much bulletproof.

 

[metalmaven_imp]

Thanks EmptySea!

Here is the link to check it out: License Plate Bracket Kit

 

[Redbird_imp]

Django, that looks like an excellent tank bag setup. I like the way the Velcro stores under the seat.

Ken

 

[Stichill]

MrTim. I've an iPhone5 which is carefully concealed inside a LifeProof case. I mention this because it's how I consult maps. The beauty of this arrangement is that LifeProof produces a handlebar mount as an accessory. You simply snap the phone case in and lock it and you're away. I have a 12V outlet on the other side of the bars so I can charge as I go along, particularly when I'm using GPS.

While I'm at it. I'm going to give LifeProof a plug. I bought my case a couple of years ago and it hasn't had the easiest of lives. The little rubber cover over the mute switch recently broke. I wrote to them asking if there was a replacement part. They asked for a photo then sent me a new case. Free. Great service

Even though the original was well out of warranty and I'd not asked for it. When it's on the bars and the cover for the charger is snapped shut it's pretty much bulletproof.

One of the most useful and excellent posts I've seen in a looong time. Thank you, thank you Cormanus!

This is my typical long-distance touring set up:
Andy Strapz Expedition Pannierz (Andy has atrocious spelling).
OEM luggage rack with a swag tied on.
Handlebar-mounted 12-volt socket for phone charging.
Some magnetic tank bag that the bloke who sold me my old Ninja 250 threw in for free.
As you can kindof see in this pic I've also installed a taller aftermarket seat, this was essential for me as my legs are just a bit too long for the standard seat. Not pictured is the sheepskin seat cover that the previous owner of my CB threw in for free, at first I thought it was a bit of a snake-oil product, but it definitely makes a big difference on a long ride.
This is a useful product for refilling a punctured tyre on the road (or at home): [url=http://www.andystrapz.com/products-details.php?productId=166&productCategoryId=96&Level=1]http://www.andystrapz.com/products-detai...96&Level=1
I'm also going to install some heated grips which after far too many frozen fingers I've decided is essential. I might also grab a clutch/brake reservoir phone mount as I'm getting pretty sick of having to pull over every time I get lost, which is often.
I can't help but find myself wanting to install a screen to reduce wind blast, however I just can't reconcile the aesthetic cost.

Nominated for greatest signature of all time! :rofl:

And, thanks for enlightening the world about the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principality_of_Hutt_River]Principality of Hutt River!