Top 10 Touring-Comfort Accessories & Mods for your Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- The top 10 touring accessories built for comfort that are often times over looked. Matt goes into his choices that many people don't know what they're missing out on until they try them! Are you looking to increase your comfort out on the open road on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle? This list of accessories and mods will help you eat up those miles and keep your body free from fatigue.
Like my Videos? Buy a bike at Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson.
Never Any Added Dealer Mark-Up! No Dealer Fees!
www.laidlawsharley.com
Support my Channel and get your aftermarket parts from my Online Shop!
www.matt-laidlaw.com
Follow and Message me on Instagram @matt_laidlaw
/ matt_laidlaw
#motorcycleaccessories #HarleyDavidson #motorcycletouring 
Авто/Мото
This dude and his videos influenced me to purchase my first Harley SG at 50.
Probably for 50 grand lol
Laidlaw’s is a much better dealer to buy from and work with than a lot of other guys in my opinion. Glad you’re out there- still plenty of riding for you (us)!!
I watched this videos on all the Softails. I love has honesty. Once I chose the Street Bob, I already knew I had to get a different seat. He said it sucked, and it sucked.
Awesome man! ✌️
Congrats and enjoy your new Harley!!!
Good tips. My top 5 comfort features are: seat, wind protection, bars, cruise control, and the best bang for the buck. Ear plugs. I ride 80+ mph for hours in 20+ mph winds. It's crazy how less fatigued I am when I wear ear plugs.
Totally agree with the ear plugs!
Ditto absolutely the ear plugs. I also have found reducing your clothes from flapping in the wind lowers fatigue. I use Velcro straps on my lower legs
Agree 100% with your number one, the rider back rest. I don’t usually have it in, but add it in seconds for trips. It allowed me at 64 to do a 6,325 mile trip and still feel great after the trip.
I really like the fact that you typically showcase Arizona desert and mountains in your rides and videos.... Now you know why I live here.
Love your videos Matt, took my license this summer and started out on a 21’ Street Glide Special straight off the bat as your videos has been so inspiring and I love the aesthetics of it.
Most of the things you’ve listed (except the things that makes the bike look clumsy, lol) I have added to the bike from the get go.
Ride safe from Sweden!
Great video as always, Matt! After changing the seat on my ‘21 Road King, and then watching your (and a few other) videos, I chose to upgrade my front and rear to Wilbers self-leveling. It made a BIG difference for me (reduced vibration by ~80%) and my wife has noticed a 50-60% improvement. It made 300 mile days for us much more enjoyable (especially the next day, haha) Thanks for the great content.
Everything you mentioned regarding the accessories to make the long distance riding comfortable and more enjoyable is spot on!!! Thank you
Couldn’t agree more. Now that I have heated grips and seat ,hard to ride without. Just enough to warm up in early morning. Keep up the great content.
Really like this kind of video. Helps a lot of riders figure out what they are looking for. Some are not willing to talk about the down falls of motorcycles, this applies to all brands. Thanks
I’m a huge fan of the heated grips. Here in Canada they help increase my riding days. Nothing like riding on a 30 degree morning with toasty hands. Helps as well when riding in a cold rain.
Love your list! Just added a rider backrest to my Road King last weekend. Here is my list of what’s on my RK-Hwy Pegs, cruise, heated seat and handgrips (north Midwest), and in winter I have the slip on lower wind deflectors over my crash bars.
Knock out wind and hold engine heat.
Still have factory suspension and bars, but I think everything else I added.
Thank you Matt. I think this is an excellent video for someone like me who is dreaming about one day upgrading to a Touring Harley-Davidson.
I agree with everything you said in the video. Thanks again.
Hi Matt. Another valuable topic that I much appreciate. I agree that the rider backrest and highway pegs combination provide a ton of comfort. I am 6’ tall with long legs and on a long road trip these provide the most relief to back pain and stiffness. Your entire list makes perfect sense. Here is eastern Canada a set of heated grips will be a welcome addition. Planning on that upgrade before winter. Thanks so much!
Great tips, thanks, Matt. I love my backrest, highway pegs, and cruise control on my 2021 RG. Also, a gel pad seat cushion is awesome. Custom Dynamics led front and rear lights don’t necessarily add to physical riding comfort, however they do offer some additional peace of mind, in knowing other motorists can see you sooner.
I agree with the lights. I like to ride in the evenings when it's a little bit cooler out as a relief from the day's Heat. However in rural areas when it gets dark everything comes out of the ditches and seeing how our government hasn't figured out we should quit giving our money away and fix the damn potholes that's another reason to make sure the lighting is absolutely exceptional. I would really like to have a set of Denalis that are street legal because of all the things you can do with those on the can bus as far as adjustments in settings.
*5 **#Likes** 👍🏼 is the limit for me **#Eddie**.* 👍🏼👍🏼 🇬🇧 🫡🫥 👋🏼
Thank you Matt! Another great video. A little different from your travel videos, and I’d love to see more of your insights on these type of issues.
I would mention that a set of adjustable handlebars are amazing. Helibars come to mind. After some riding, you may find that small changes in bar positions (as little as even just 1”) makes big changes in comfort - and adjustable bars make this possible.
5:50 Thank you for showing the "resting on engine guard"! I have grip tape on mine just for that purpose! Just one more option for long rides!
Matt, you are spot on with your advice. Thanks!
Always enjoy your videos Matt, great info and insight to riding
This was one amazing video I happen to be a rider of motorcycles for 55 years and all the things you mention are this that have been developed in the later parts of my touring journey, so I take pride in the fact that I lived without such accessaries that you have today but I am thankful that during my life time I can now reap the benefits of all the many wonderful experiences that I have experienced!! Thanks!!!
Totally agree with you about #1. First thing I did with my '17 RGU. Then highway pegs, a heel shifter and thicker, heated grips. Really love this bike. 2nd trip to Sturgis from Indio, CA in 10 days. Ride safe...
I appreciate the comment from a confirmed road warrior. Thank you for the input.
Great video. Love my 2016 Limited with heated grips and seat. She loves the heated seat as well. Extends the riding season for us living in WV.
Highway pegs. Klockwerks windshield. Legend suspension. Truthfully, I am content with my stock seat on my 2019 street glide special. I bought her new. She has a tad over 55000 miles and loving every mile
Agree with all your upgrades. T Bars on a cruiser w 14 inch suspension seems to be so much better for comfort and handling then the 12” Yaffes and the 13 inch suspension I had on it prior. Also the heated hammock on a long ride is killer.
Definitely get your most comfort out of a quality seat. Everyone’s backside likes something different so there is no best seat for all out there. Just the best one for you. Fairing and cruise are definitely a plus especially cruise. The right set of bars after you find that perfect seat for you is one of the best also. This was great information as always Matt. 👍
Harleys cost well over $30,000, you would think for that ridiculous price, they would have the highest quality seat and suspension available "/
@@cancelchannel3394 hey buddy. Why don’t you know what you’re talking about before you spout off. Harley, like any other manufacturer has motorcycles priced from under 10k to over 40k. The same as Honda does. Guess what. You don’t get a premium suspension or premium seat on a Goldwing either. The fact is that motorcycles are set up from the factory to accommodate a wide range of rider height, leg length so they can market those bikes to a wide range of customers. I have a Harley touring bike and brand new it wasn’t 20k so go chew a nice big pack of shit the fuck up.
I’m 6’3 LePera daddy long legs seat made a great difference for me, don’t feel like I am humping the tank now. Just need a little airflow between the seat. On a 2019 Roadking
Copy that got that seat on cvo 2020 seated way back and ride 🥃
Keep up awesome content. Thank you so much for taking time out of your hectic schedule and sign a shirt for me when my brother went out to California and stopped by shop.
Fully agree Matt, I got them all installed and they are all worth it. Heated seats really depend if you ride usually on a cold weather …whether heated grips can make it even in warm places because sometimes it is cold enough for your hands and it may be even dangerous (eg morning commute to work), heated seats are less mandatory unless you use the bike frequently on cold places.
Definitely agree with that list. I’ve got a few of those added to my Road Glide Limited.
A couple others I’d add to the list: a drink holder and additional passenger pegs.
For long hauls, having a ready ability to grab a water bottle to hydrate regularly makes a big difference, especially on hot days. I’ve ridden coast-to-coast on my Road Glide (even stopped in at your store) and having the ability to hydrate on-the-go allows me to stretch my stops to the limit of my tank that much easier.
And for passenger pegs, I added the Kuryakyn adjustable passenger pegs. My wife loves having the option to shift her feet between the passenger floorboards, my lap, and those pegs. And we all know the adage: Happy wife, happy life. 😄
Great video Matt. Everything you mentioned is spot on. Bars and suspension is two up grades that I want to get for my Ultra Limited. Heated seat is also a must have. I have heated grips, and seat on my UL love them both in the colder weather. Love your channel always great content.
Thank you. Thanks for watching. Yea, the heated seat and grips for cold weather are a game changer for sure.
After my last cross-country trip, I finally spent the ~$1k on an mccruise cruise control system from Australia for my 2018 Versys 1000. It shuts off if you hit the brake or pull in the clutch, and looks like it was a factory installed item. I absolutely love it, it completely changes the long distance experience. I spend enough time at highway speeds during my daily commute that it's also made it much easier.
Yes sir. Game changer out on the road.
Love your videos. U do a great job especially the wknd runs. Just started catching up on your episodes. With an 01 ultra I have 8 of 10. Only missing heated grips and upgraded shocks. Keep up the great work
Another comfort option that is really handy is wireless intercom!! It makes long trips so much more enjoyable and now that mesh has become more of a thing, you can talk with a group of people that your riding with. One thing I didn’t even think about when I got mine was the Saftey aspect of them. You can stay focused on the road and warn other riders of any dangers you have encountered.
Matt I agree with all the accessories you covered. On the heel- toe shifter, I purchased the Harley extensions was a game changer I can move my foot forward and backwards more.🤙🏼👍👍
Thanks for the list on Accessories and mods for touring. I have a 2015 Ultra Limited and will always have a Ultra Limited as long as I ride. Bought mine used in 2017 as a two year old bike having 6700 miles on its already. I logged 10,000 K in the first nine months of ownership. I love my limited. I have made some improvements such as Back rest, highway pegs, Klock Works windshield, Ram mount for the phone, Headers and pipes and K&N Filter, ETC... Use the radio all the time. I live on my bike. Thanks for the content. Always checkout your content on the channel. Safe riding!!
Windshield or fairing are my number 1 necessity for my bikes. I love my new st and with the tall shield it works excellent.
I added a Mustang seat with a back rest to my 2020 Heritage 114 along with the HD Kahuna heated grips and I love it for touring now. The handlebar position is perfect, the cruise control awesome and although it’s the soft tail frame instead of the touring frame, it’s comfortable for me. The one thing you did not mention that’s big for me is rider floorboards instead of pegs. They are stock on the Heritage and all touring models and they make long rides much more comfortable than pegs. Plus the forward position is much more comfortable for me being 6 ft tall. I rode about 500 miles from West Virginia to my home in Atlanta a few weeks ago and was perfectly comfortable and not tired when I got home. Very good video. Thanks for your hard work on all your videos.
Loved this video with all the good recommendations for touring accessories. I have a 2011 FLHX Street Glide that I through the years have modified to perfection for my needs. The bike have lower fairings and heated grips (a must since I live in Norway, Scandinavia with its cold weather). I use the stock seat and a passenger backrest for those short trips with a passenger, a cool solo-seat for a more stripped appearence around town when driving alone, and I can throw on a heated touring saddle and a tour-pack for those long roadtrips. So, with these 3 saddles and the addition of a removable tour-pack I feel I have the perfect 3-in-1 bike for most occasions. Also I have the heel shifter and highway pegs. Really love my Street Glide.
Added H-D adjustable backrest and Road Zeppelin seat to my 2020 RGL. Love them both. Thanks for the video, Matt. Great suggestions. The only one I don’t have is highway pegs. Probably get them at some point.
I just saw the video from Thrashin Supply where the guy stopped by and bought his first new motorcycle. It was cool seeing you and your guy, along with the dudes from the 2 lane life and thrashin all together riding for a bit. Cool stuff dude.
This is exactly what I’ve been contemplating these past few weeks!! Thanks
Great video Matt- best, best, BEST upgrade is to get a touring bike. I absolutely love my streetglide (faring, bags, and 114 power). I literally parked my FXSB for 11 months after buying the FLHXS.
The seat is a must as soon as Saddleman gets around to my order!
As they say: once you go bagger you never go back. Haha. Be sure to give the breakout some love once in a while.
An excellent review of comfort options for your HD. Thanks for posting.
I agree with cruise control... I use it almost 24/7 driving my bike OR truck. I made a short video of using it on my '21 SGS. Being able to go miles and miles and rest both hands is game changer!
Matt, I Love my Wilbur’s self leveling front & rear suspension system; complete game changer from my stock pitiful suspension on my 21 CVO RG. Best investment talk about customer service, I made an appointment, road into the U.S based location in Jersey (EPM Performance Imports), as I arrived, the gates rolled up and the Mechanic (Mike) immediately worked on my ride and I was out the door a few hours later. My back and kidneys love me for it.
Performance touring machines!!! I love the content because it is something you learn as you ride farther and farther.. great video matt.
Thank you!! I appreciate the comment. Glad I was able to be educational.
Thanks Matt. Thoroughly enjoyed your comments and reviews and looking at these for my FatBob 2022.
Thank you sir! I appreciate the contribution. Enjoy the Fat Bob!
Matt I finally pulled the trigger 2 weeks ago and purchased a 22 cvo blue steel road glide. Upgraded from LRS. All thanks to your influence and inspiration
Right on! Congrats. That’s a beautiful bike. My personal favorite CVO this year.
Matt another great video that’s very important for a great ride. I have seen it before and the points you recommend are the best and I agree with all of them. Keep riding and giving us some great videos.
Thanks for the comment. Glad I could help 👍🏼
Another great video Matt, thanks so much. Yeah, I agree that even in California, I used my heated grips on a rental Harley. I need to buy some for my bike up here in Seattle!
Great tip on the seat. Didn’t know I needed it until I watched ur video then tried it n loved it. Specially when u talk general brand n r not really forcing people to get HD parts.
Matt, you sure nailed it with this video, and your videos are number ONE. keep them coming, I just picked up a used 2021 CVO Limited, WOW what a bike. I am a old fart at 69 and have been riding for a lot of years. THANKS for your videos.
Yes, heated seats (passenger and rider) and hand guards to deflect the wind and HAIL helps keep hands warm. Passenger armrests and adjustable passenger pegs round out our Road Glide's touring must-haves.
Nice video Matt. The first accessory I put on my road king was a Saddlemen Extended Reach Road Sofa seat, being six foot four inches tall it make a big difference in rider comfort as you mention in the video!
Really a no-brainer if your like touring cross-country. Did this all about twenty years ago. And I love those adjustable fairing wind deflectors. Holds back rain and wind, and turned open cools in summer.
You are 100% correct about your number one choice for long riding comfort. Rider backrest is just unparalleled
2nd time watching this video, you have some great well explained ideas Matt, thanks again for your time.
Spot on Matt. One thing i would add to the list is mid-frame air deflectors. They really help keep the heat off of your thighs. I have added most of your list to my 2016 Street Glide Special. I agree that rider back rest is the best accessory for comfort. I also added highway pegs, heated grips, lower fairings, and 7” wind splitter windshield. I love the stock cruise control. Would like to update stock suspension and seat when the budget allows. I am fine with my stock bars. Being 5’7” they work just fine. Keep up the good work!
Great video Matt, I put a rear engine stabilizer on my 16 SG, that took almost all the vibration out of that v twin, I don’t know if the newer ones come with them but definitely worth it for me. I also got the rear RWDs and love em!
Great video as usual Matt Great list but one big item missing is the batwing fairing adjustable wind deflectors. I put them on my FLHTC and now on my FLHXS. They help with buffeting a lot. The best $20 you can spend on a batwing fairing bike.
I ride a '16 Ultra limited and have really been considering a backrest. I have pretty much everything else you've suggested. Great video & very informative. 👍
Holy Macaroni!! Dude ALMOST washes the front at 14:29. Cross wind dragons breath rite there. Safe travels in your journey gentleman. Great Channel Matt.
Great video Matt. Just took my CVO Street Glide down to Key West from Miami and realized I need a taller windshield over the stock one.
Yep that about covers them. Learned the hard way myself. Good suspension, cruise control, foot pegs and seat are a must for long hauls. I have two different wind screens and two different seats for types of riding I would be doing for my SGS. I have the nylon slip on lowers covers that slide on the engine guards for cold and wet riding conditions (worth getting). When it comes to long haul, comfort is king, looks come in second. The HD Limited touring motorcycles are the most comfortable than any other manufacture for long hauls.
Thanks Matt! Getting my new to me (first real bike) 2000 heritage softail classic ready for summer!
Thank you for these videos. Very helpful.
Matt, every item on your "10 must have mods" is totally spot on! I can see myself putting several on my MC as soon as I get rolling! Doug🏍️🤓👍
Thank you! It’s good to see people agreeing with me. Get riding my friend. 🤙🏼
Yes I added a Corbin seat to my sg st set of hiway pegs a taller windshield a set of airshocks and a rockford stage 2 sound system, all these help with long distance rides and make eating up miles a lot more fun .
It's a good list Matt. Pretty much bang on the money 😎
Looks like I’m buying cruise control today, as usual thank you for a wonderful video
Dude thx for all the knowledge if I lived out west you would have my business love all the videos the journeys are amazing
Awesome vid Matt, I agree with everything you have mentioned, thats why I own a Limited. Two minor accessories not in your vid some may be interested in, would be, CB I find it very helpful on long haul cross country trips, for over the horizon info chats, and Intercom when riding two up.
Yeah the back rest is a game changer. Never thought I would say that. Lol.
ALL EXCELLENT IDEAS and needs for a GREAT ride...and COMFORT TOO GO WITH !!!! Love the front suspension and Back as well working TOGETHER too....VERY TRUE !!!!!! Comfort is like a purring motor---EVERYTHING is working in tangent together and ALL IN HARMONY !!!!
Well said. 👍🏼 thanks for the comment.
Hi Matt. OMG, heated grips saved the day on my ride to Alaska and back to Michigan. Woke up one morning in B.C. and the temp was 38 degrees, wind howling from the west and raining. The good news was that I was by that time heading east. Also was wearing ski gloves, but not very waterproof at 60/70 mph. GREAT RIDE !!! Also, this was in July.
Great comment! Thanks! Heated grips have saved me multiple times!
Thanks ML. Great content. Love your videos.
Thanks for the video, I appreciate hand gaurds to protect from road debris and rocks. Helps in the cold doesn't seem to hinder in the heat. IL
That’s a good one too. 👍🏼 Thanks for the comment.
My 2020 Roadglide limited is fitted with KST custom 14” spearheads, HD Road zeppelin seat, RWD rear shocks, Legend front suspension, adjustable rider backrest. The thing is like riding a couch on long hauls.
My wife and I looked hard at the Road Zeppelin seat, never did like the look of it on the bike but with my butt on it, I can’t see what it looks like on the bike anyway 🤣 it’s just comfortable and the wife loves it
Lower fairings are essential to me. Reason is that without them, the wind pushed out my thighs, putting stress on my hips. Lowers solves that problem.
You nail it right off with the backrest. With my SGS it was the first thing I got. With 10k on my 2021, I’m still liking my stock seat, but my Highway pegs are a must. And cruise control for sure. And yes my 12” bars definitely made a difference. Still playing with my suspension. Dropped 2” on the rear with the stock shocks, and found a sweet spot on the adjustment. The only other thing I’m thinking of doing is front and back shocks. As for the heal shifter, I’m still old school. Keep the vids coming Matt. Always enjoy those left coast rides from here in Florida. Daytona Biketoberfest coming soon. Maybe the suspension then!
I love my Wilbers, especially not having to adjust for two-up vs solo riding. Nice video Matt
Good video Matt, like the idea of lists. With summer here and the high temperatures, how about a list of top 10 accessories, gear and mods for keeping cool in the summer heat?
Good video, very helpful and nice selection of bikes shown.
Agree with all, I always add floorboard extensions. Seems to eliminate the bowlegged feel and to me adds a lot of comfort
When I first looked at those At my dealer, I was very skeptical as to whether those things would work for anything at all? But I finally gave in and bought some off of eBay out of sheer curiosity and what an amazing difference push my boards out an inch and a quarter from stock. Love them.
This video is on point !! Thanks Matt !! Wish your dealership was in my area ! ✌🏻👍🏻
Definitely agree on the backrest. Not on a harley but was the first accessory I purchased before a 1000 mile day ride.
Great Tips ,I am going to try and get a new bike in the next six months . and I really liked all the Ideas you had . and I will remember them .
I put the extended footboards on a 2021 FLTRK as well as the heated/cooled hammock seat.
Always great videos Matt 🤘🏽😎
I agree BIG TIME on your #1 recommendation… I’ve had the HD adjustable backrest on my last 3 Touring models !
Now the only thing you’ll never see on my bike is cup holder , lol
Regarding the windshields, Klock Werks are a great compromise.. you get wind deflection , but not as much when it rains
Matt, I’m 6’3” and have a 2018 Heritage 114. I have the Softail Tallboy seat and I have more legroom on this bike than a stock Road King. The other thing was getting it restuffed for my weight (180) with memory foam. I love this channel and even in Ohio, y’all give me so much inspiration
Thank you sir! Yes, the Heritage is super under appreciated. That bike is very nice out on the road. Sounds like you got it dialed.
@@MattLaidlaw It’s close. Bars are next, but it’s dialed in. I actually need a little more pullback due to the further seat position.
I had a hard time between RK and Heritage. This one already had everything (close) to what I would have done. I added taller shield, lower deflectors. And, my Simpson has the least buffeting of any helmet I’ve had. The bike is a riot yet easy in city/country roads but holds it own on trips. Red Iron Denim makes it not look like a Boomer Bike either 😂
I’ve been riding Harley CVO road glides for over 10 years and having logged over 100,000 miles on them. I would agree with your list with one exception. I would eliminate the heel shifter and add the new Harley hammock heated/cooling seat. In hot and cold weather it is a game changer. It would definitely make my top three!
cooling? so in hot weather it could remain on lower temp? great
I have a corbin heated seat on my kawasaki Vulcan, it's a must have for cold weather riding, a bit pricey at $907 plus tax and shipping but worth every penny 😀
Thank you Matt very informative information.
So true Matt! I had a hot rod red metal flake RK Special and loved it, but by the time I added all the long distance pieces it wasn’t the same bike and it ruined the look. I sucked it up and purchased an ultra limited and couldn’t be happier!
Great advice mate, very good info.
I have everything that you’ve mentioned apart from a backrest, however like you my current seat does not allow for one. ✌️
Sounds like you’re setup brother. Enjoy.
I'm a big fan of Corbin seats and one of the first things I change is the seat on my bikes.
Awesome video, went from a fatboy to a streetglide, and the difference in comfort is Awesome, your list gives some great ideas for upgrades, also I few that I wouldn't even have thought about like the riders backrest, have suspension and a different seat on the list so far, for me functionality more important then looks lol, that's just me.
headed gloves and heated jacket liner works wonders. i travel with them all of the time i left oregon it was 39 degrees wet and cold, road to west texas and went through AZ where it was snowing. glad i had them when i left but didnt need them at all after i left oregon. but it is nice to know i had them there incase i needed them.
I was laughing when I watched this. Everything you mentioned was basically Ultra Limited. My wife and I bought ours a few years ago. Every time we get home from a trip we add something to the bike or our riding gear. This time it was a windsplitter windshield and rain booties. From the knee down is spot on in the rain. I could go on and on but you pretty much covered it. LOL. Thanks for the great video.
I have 7 of these 10 upgrades on my road king and the three I don’t have were already in the plans to get. Great video and suggestions.
Matt, another great tutorial! Thank you. I stepped up this year from a Heritage to the Road Glide Limited to do some more long distance riding. I have added most of your recommendations, but need to consider rider backrest.
I do think that engine heat management on the M8 Limited's is a huge issue for both rider and passenger comfort and I am studying options to resolve that. It would be great if you could do a video on that topic as I know in SoCal it must be a major point of discussion.
Love jugs, google and check them out
The Harley fan that mounts right behind the rear cylinder and the flex engine heat down really helps with the engine heat. I have one on my road glide limited.
DK Customs has a 10 part series on heat management…a lot of great info!