Gadgets are good. Gadgets are fun. Gadgets make for the best of friends while on the run. Apologies for the campfire sing-along, but most of us would feel completely lost without cell phones featuring camera/camcorder functions or on-the-spot Internet connectivity. Seriously, Miss June's online pictorial won't just disappear as soon as the clock strikes midnight on July 1--she'll be strutting her stuff all year long! So what is our hang-up with needing to own the latest wave of technological wonders? The fact of the matter is that convenience, in all its readily available, electronic forms, makes life much more interesting and enjoyable while on and off a bike.
During any long trek, it's always refreshing to have the option of blocking out the sounds of traffic, cranking up the stereo and never once having to hear a song repeated five times within the same half hour. Also, knowing where you are headed and properly assessing unforeseen detours and road closures is as important as properly utilizing your current surroundings--restaurants, hotels and fuel and service stations can all be tracked through customizable GPS software. If good music and even better traffic directions are important to you, by all means, stick around.
Take a minute to navigate your way though the following products and decide which gadget goodies will better enhance your next long-mile run. Once your new toys have been installed, hop on your bike, turn up the volume, program your favorite bookstore on your trusty GPS, stroll in and read the back of that foldout poster you know you've been thinking about since the first paragraph. Hopefully, her turnoffs won't include big, hairy, tech-loving bikers! If you sadly fit the description, no worries--toss that hag rag aside and reach for the next issue of Baggers instead! B
Harley-Davidson Road Tech XM Receiver
H-D has fashioned an XM satellite radio receiver, which is conveniently handlebar-mounted and offers more than 170 channels of music, news and entertainment to better provide you with programming that you actually want to hear. Twenty preset stations and an easy-to-read, adjustable, backlit LCD screen further promote user-friendly operation.
The Road Tech XM receiver kit also comes complete with compact antenna, antenna mount and all necessary installation hardware. The receiver is compatible with '96-and-newer H-D models with a Road Tech riser-mount radio and '98-and-newer models equipped with an OEM fairing-mount radio.
For more information, call (800) 443-2153, or visit www.harley-davidson.com.
Sirius Sportster 5 Satellite Radio Receiver
We haven't forgotten about all you Howard Stern fans out there on the road. Sirius' latest addition to their Sportster receiver lineup features a fantastic multicolor display and simple navigation controls. Universal docking capabilities allow you to enjoy satellite tunes while on the road, at home or inside any other vehicle you find yourself riding in around town.
Notable functions of the Sportster 5 receiver are many, but the 30 preset stations are impressive, as is the One-Touch Jump control, which quickly connects you to local traffic, weather, songs or other favorite channels. The rotary tuning knob comes in handy, as it allows you to channel surf with ease. The receiver also boasts a five-color change feature--choose the right color to increase visibility and compatibility with dash lighting, or just choose a hue that suits your mood.
For more information, call (888) 438-7474, or visit www.sirius.com.
TSS Radio Professional Sirius Motorcycle Install Kit
Now that you have your new Sirius receiver in your hands, you'll need to securely mount it and make all the proper connections before getting your boogie on. Look no further than TSS Radio to supply you with anything and everything Sirius. Their motorcycle installation kit is compatible with newer Sirius plug-and-play radios, including most Stratus, Sportster and Starmate models.
The kit mounts to your clutch or brake perch or directly onto 7/8- or 1-inch handlebars and comes with an included stereo patch cable, which connects the radio to a helmet or bike audio system. A satellite radio antenna with a 6-inch cable also comes with the kit, as does an SUPV universal car dock and a protective rain cover.
For more information, call (773) 772-4340, or visit www.tss-radio.com.