Things I should get for my first bike!?

[Beyond Human]

I had just purchased my first bike (Ninja 250). What I'd like to know is what are some things I'll need to get for the bike? (Other than ATGATT) Chain lube, rear mount, etc..

What are some things you experienced riders would have liked to have known or things you should have bought, back when you had bought your first bike?

[fastar1]

Custom silicone earplugs, not the cheap resin ones for $50.

[jay-d]

Lots of stickers, they make you go faster!!

That's why all the MotoGP guys have em and look at how fast they go.. clearly a 15+hp boost

[deuce]

quickly realized I'd need a tank bag...

[Beyond Human]

Lots of stickers, they make you go faster!!

That's why all the MotoGP guys have em and look at how fast they go.. clearly a 15+hp boost

+2bhp per small sticker, +3bhp per medium, +5bhp per large. I'm going to put stickers on stickers on stickers. Also +2bhp for rim tape per tire.

[jay-d]

+2bhp per small sticker, +3bhp per medium, +5bhp per large. I'm going to put stickers on stickers on stickers. Also +2bhp for rim tape per tire.

Shiitee.. looks like you've done your research!

[sportbiker_kev]

Get a battery tender for the winter - $35

[absolute]

^stickers ontop of stickers! GOD why didnt i think of that! LOL

but seriously

you might want to pick up:
a socket set when one goes on sale at crappy tires, makes it easier for you to work on your bike yourself

battery tender for winter (when one goes on sale)

front and rear stand from crappy tire (about 120 for both together, comes with a few crappy rear spools)

box of latex gloves, unless you like your hands to be black and greasy after working on your bike

and a case of beer for when you come home from a nice long ride

[vkhamphi]

frilly tassles

[* NV_-Me <-]

If you haven't already, and you plan on riding through late fall, make sure to get winter riding gloves...

I was too cheap last year and my hands became extra extra dry all late fall

[eljay]

And long johns!!

If you haven't already, and you plan on riding through late fall, make sure to get winter riding gloves...

I was too cheap last year and my hands became extra extra dry all late fall

[afelotreyu]

Battery Tender - yes -> I have one
Tank bag - yes -> I have one
Chain Lube - yes -> I have one
Stands - yes -> have one

Bongee / fish mesh -> it fits on the little trunk (on the sides) and is always handy
ear plugs
a map for the long rides / even if you have a smartphone, this one does not require batteries.
Tank protector --> not a must

stickers --> must for posers only

I think thats it..


Edit: Rain gear, unless you are only planning to ride with sunny days...

[m.breen]

A real repair manual, not a Haynes or Clymers.

[ShaqX7]

Tire pressure gauge


Sent from my calculator, using skills.

[Rotten_Ronnie]

Tank bag - have a look at the icon primer pack. I had to give mine away to my gf who uses it on her bike. Ebay replacement cost less than gpbikes.

+1 for the rear cargo net, but lots of use will scratch up your pain.

A waterproof canoe bag for overnight trips with some bungee cords.

Frame sliders/crash guards - don't cheap out, do your research here.

Earplugs, winter gloves and battery tender jr (ebay is cheapest), front and rear stands (Royal distributing has a great set)

Visor cleaner and rag for buggy rides. Keep it in your tank bag.

Tire pressure gauge for your tank bag or toolkit.

Front disc lock for a visible deterrent while parked, and for touring.

Tinted visor unless you prefer sunglasses.

Chain lube, chain cleaner or simply kerosene and a paint brush with some rags. Cut the paint brush bristles halfway down and you have a one of a kind stiff bristle brush that is o-ring safe for 3 bucks. Kerosene is sold at crappy tire in the camping section.


A set of metric allen key sockets from lowes, home depot, Canadian tire.

Blue loctite for any fastener you remove and replace.

Source your oil and filters, you'll need an oil pan, filter wrench, probably a 17mm socket and wrench. Get a few filters, chances are you'll need two oil changes this year.

Rain gear, this is canada after all.

Think about Rok straps, they'll hold your raingear and are much kinder to fairings than bungee cords.

Maps, gps, or a cellphone.

Great ontario bike roads. A google search will find a large jpeg on this site. Great resource to find the best roads for motorcyclists in the province.

Sticker remover. Do some research, everyone has asked "how do I" on this site.

A couple of books and dvds on how to take it to the next level.
Proficient motorcycling
A Twist of the Wrist II dvd
Sport riding techniques
(The last two are the best for sport bikes)

Congratulations and ride safely!