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ACCESSORY LIGHTS

A good set of accessory lights proves its worth the first time you see that large animal on the roadside, allowing you to slow down before it jumps in front of you. If you travel far, you’ll likely end up being very thankful for a good set of accessory lamps that protect you from hazards in the road, or beside the road.

Wiring in a set of lights can be a bit tricky, but most riders should be able to figure it out. If not, take the bike to your mechanic. Some riders go with halogen or HID lamps, but we recommend LED, since they draw very little power from your bike’s charging system, leaving you with more juice to run your other accessories.

You can buy universal lights to splice into your system using DIY skills, and some aftermarket suppliers will custom-build a set to fit your specific machine. Many motorcycle manufacturers also offer a factory accessory option for your bike, but these are generally the most expensive and often the least impressive.

A COMFORTABLE SEAT

Some bikes come from factory with a comfortable seat. Most do not. This is generally a rider-to-rider preference, and what works for one rider might not appeal to another.
If you want to put down long miles, though, you will need a seat that works for you. Do the Internet research to find out what aftermarket manufacturers are offering seats for your bike, then see what buyers think. Call the manufacturer and see what they suggest might work for you.

If you’re not willing to drop a few hundred on a solution that might not be what you want, or if you just don’t have that kind of cash lying around, there are a few other time-honored tricks. Some riders strap a sheepskin to the seat, claiming they offer all-day comfort. Other riders use an ATV seat pad that’s available from Coleman, claiming it’s a big upgrade to many bikes at a very reasonable price.

Finally, Airhawk has a fantastic inflatable seat that will turn many a hard saddle into a buttery cushion, although it may affect your handling a bit while seated.

The list of what's essential could surely go on.  What would you add to this list?  What kinds of products would you like to see ADVMoto review?