Top 10 aftermarket accessories for your motorcycle!

Whatever kind of motorcycle you ride, personalizing it can be one of the most enjoyable ways to play with it.  Here are some of the more popular things you can add to your ride to not only increase riding comfort, but to help make your bike YOUR OWN.

Scorpio motorcycle alarm systems offers two great basic alarm kits that will fit virtually any motorcycle.   Adding a theft prevention system to your ride can ease your mind about the safety of your bike when you’re not on it.

 

Changing or upgrading your pegs can increase comfort for any length of ride.  The pegs on your bike should be adjusted to fit your length and the style you ride.  Adding larger pegs or even floorboard can increase the comfort for any cruiser or touring bike, and can help you get the most out of your ride!

 

 Comfortable Seats

Having a comfortable seat is an integral part of making your ride as enjoyable as possible.  Your rear end should always be comfy not only because it feels nice, but because it can help reduce fatigue on long cruises. In deciding on a seat upgrade, remember to take into account not only comfort, but seat height (want to be stopped at a light on your tippy-toes or flat-footed?).

 

Back Rests

Putting a backrest on your cruiser can increase comfort and improve posture, minimizing road fatigue. Why not? Sit back, relax, and enjoy your ride!

 

Saddle Bags

When touring, it’s important to be prepared. How can you do that without any storage on your bike? You can easily find all kinds of saddlebags to meet your needs without cramping your bike’s style.  So pack up!

 

Windshields

Windshields are one of the most popular aftermarket upgrades for cruisers.  Visibility and protection from road debris are very important in maximizing safety, and you should find the right windshield for you and your bike.  You should consider fit to the bike, height and shade of the shield, and what kind of protection best suits your riding style to minimize wind exhaustion.

 

Audio Devices

Who doesn’t like jamming while they’re cruising? Whether you want to listen to the radio, CDs, iPod, satellite radio, or from your phone, you can find an affordable solution to fit your motorcycle and satisfy your need to rock.

 

Chrome bolt-ons

Want to really turn heads when you cruise around? Have lots of bling on your bike. Simple solution? Chrome. You can add as little or as much chrome tickles your fancy, and all sorts of accessories are available in that beautiful bright plating.

 

Extra Touring Accessories

Just don’t quite have enough cool stuff on your bike? Shop around, ogle other people’s rides, and personalize away! If you can think it up, someone out there has made it. Now make your motorcycle really yours.

 

Pegs/Floorboards

Theft-prevention systems

Just for the ladies!

Ladies, did you know that we have an accessories department dedicated just to YOU? Here’s a little spotlight on what we can offer women riders to help you customize your riding look and make you more comfortable on any ride (whether driving or sitting backseat…). If you’re looking for anything in particular and you don’t see it in the shop, just ask one of our Parts & Accessories Associates and I’ll bet we can help you get it!

Preparing for a trip? What to ALWAYS have on your bike.

Finally taking some vacation time to really enjoy the open road? Maybe even just taking a full day trip to see how far you can get?  There are several things you should do to make sure you’re prepared for anything.  Always carry gear for ANY kind of weather with you on your bike, whether or not you’re going to start out wearing it (of course, we suggest always wearing full gear).  It may be warm and sunny when you begin your trip, but start raining at any time.  You should be prepared for hot, cold, dry and wet at all times.  It is also important to do a full once-over on your bike to make sure everything is in tip-top condition.  If your bike is near a service interval, certainly have it done before any long trip.  Always check your tire pressure levels, be sure all lights are working properly, and that everything seems to be in perfect working order.  These simple precautions can keep you from having any major trouble and will allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Keeping a few minor tools with you on your trip can save you in case of any minor issues.  A tire plug kit, including plugs (stops a leak) and a source of air (a CO2 filling device or an air compressor), can save many flats before they cause too much damage.  Keeping a small tool set can often come in handy for any minor loose screws, etc.  Staying prepared will ensure you won’t have any extra headaches on your trip.  As always, be safe and have fun!

Heartland Honda: Work Hard, Play Hard.

Who’s Heartland Honda? We are an exclusive Honda-only dealer with a 27,000 square foot facility that’s completely dedicated to Honda—motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and personal watercraft.  Because when you sell the best, you don’t need to sell anything else.  And because our expert staff focuses only on Honda, they have a depth of knowledge and experience that can’t be beat.  We invite you to drop by, visit our facility and even have a cup of coffee in our customer lounge.  You’ll never experience high-pressure salesmanship; instead, you’ll find an atmosphere designed to make your experience with us better than at any showroom in America.

Selection

As an official Honda Powerhouse Dealer, we maintain a complete inventory of all Honda Powersports products at all times, and with over eighty different models, that’s a big investment.  Furthermore, our commitment is to have the best selection of models and colors you can find anywhere.  That means in most cases, you can get the Honda you want, immediately, without a wait.  It’s a system designed to yield a very satisfying shopping experience.

Parts & Accessories

Honda quality is legendary.  It is important to use official Honda parts for repairs.  We’ve got everything you need to keep your Honda running, right here, in-stock.  When it comes to personalizing your bike, once again nothing beats Honda Genuine Accessories.  We stock a huge selection of quality accessories created by Honda, specifically for your Honda.  They fit better, work better and look better than anything else out there.  And if you need help choosing which ones are right for you, our expert staff will be happy to help.  We even feature a dedicated Women’s Department exclusively for our female customers.

Service

Your new Honda is one of the best built, most reliable machines ever.  To keep it running perfectly, we’ve got an expert staff, with over 50 years of combined experience, just waiting to serve you.  We’ve got the parts, the expertise, the special tools and the experience to give your Honda the care and treatment it – and you – deserve.

Honda Rider’s Club of America

Our local chapter of the HRCA sponsors local events like group rides, riding clinics, and charity events.  It’s a great way to meet other riders in the area and get the most from your new Honda.  Stop in and we’ll tell you about all the great benefits of HRCA membership and what we’ve got planned for the future.

Should I buy used?

Want to buy a motorcycle, ATV, or dirtbike, but don’t want to spend the extra money for a brand new one?  There are some important things to consider when looking at purchasing used.  For example, low mileage on used bikes/ATVs isn’t always a great indicator of value.  Just how old is it?  If it’s older and has very low mileage, be sure to find out how long it has been sitting idle and if it was prepared for storage at all.  You may think you found a great deal on an older bike, only to bring it home and find rust, bad chains, and buildups in the fuel systems, which can cost a really pretty penny to repair.  You’ll also want to be sure that only Honda Genuine Parts were used in any previous maintenance on the bike, or you could be looking at malfunctions down the road.

If you aren’t a motorcycle or ATV expert , it may be best for you to check out a Honda dealer and let them help you get the most out of your money.  Heartland Honda always has a great selection of used bikes and ATVs that you can rest assured have been fully serviced and repaired before they go anywhere near our showroom floor. 

I’m not rich… but I can buy a motorcycle?

Despite common perceptions, you CAN afford a motorcycle.  Honda Financial Services helps you afford the vehicle of your dreams today. You can get pre-approved for fixed-rate installment financing online, not to mention Honda is always highlighting special financing options and incentives to help you get the motorcycle, dirt bike, ATV, or PWC that suits YOU.  You can finance as little or as much of the cost of your Honda as you like, and choose the financing option that best fits your budget.  We will always work with you to make sure you get what you want!

I ride…. But I could probably learn to ride better.

Ever thought about taking a motorcycle safety class? Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn how to ride or an experienced rider looking to sharpen your skills, there is much to be gained from taking a course.  A wide variety of classes are offered, from beginner to advanced, on motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes.  Completing a motorcycle safety course can make you a more confident rider, help prevent accidents, and even get you premium discounts from most insurance companies!

Arkansas Motorcycle Safety offers courses year-round at very affordable prices, most located in the Little Rock area. On motorcycles, they have a Basic Rider Course, an Experienced Rider Course, and a Total Control Advanced Rider Course.  They also offer an ATV course and a Dirt Bike course for beginners, and even kids!  All of their instructors are certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and the courses involve classroom instruction as well as field exercises.

Being a safe and knowledgeable rider, no matter your experience level, can help you get the most out of your power sports experience.  Check out the Arkansas Motorcycle Safety website for more information: www.arkansasmotorcyclesafety.com

It may be cold, but I STILL WANNA RIDE.

There are several ways and many different kinds of cold weather riding gear to keep you toasty year round.  If the temperature drops, but you still want to get out there on your motorcycle, give some of it a shot.  If you’d rather sit in your car behind the heater, check out our ‘Why Winterize’ post for information on how to properly put your toy away for the season. 

For those of you who won’t give in to old man winter, here’s a spotlight on some of the newest technologies and types of gear you can find to make riding in cold more comfortable.

 Jackets

The latest in cold weather jackets: Tourmaster Transition Series 2 features removable liner, jacket/pant attachment, all waterproof/windproof.

Pants

The Tourmaster Venure pant features an no-slip seat panel, extra panels at the knees and waist for increased flexibility, and a removable liner.

Gloves

Lots of options, pictured are the Tourmaster Winter Elite (built-in shield wipe – COOL), Tourmaster Polar Tex, and Joe Rocket Ballistic and Rush gloves. Fit, comfort and dexterity are key here, so be picky.

 

Helmets/Visors

Obviously, a full face helmet will provide the most warmth along with greatest protection.  A mask can help keep your head and face warmer underneath any helmet, picture is a Balaclava Polar Mask.

If you are wearing a full face helmet, consider a fog free visor. Not only can it ensure full visibility in cold weather, but also prevents condensation on the inside of the shield.

 

Boots

In colder weather, your boots should have a lining to block wind and water and help keep your toes warm.  Pictured are River Road’s Boulevard waterproof boots.

Should I join a riding club?

Whether you are new to riding all together, or are just curious, you may sometimes wonder how you can get more involved in the motorcycle community. 

Being in a riding club can have many perks, including organized rides all over the area, membership perks, and even fun events.  Here’s some information on a few popular clubs in our area:

http://hrca.honda.com/

The mission of the Honda Rider’s Club of America is to nurture a relationship with Honda owners and to enhance the ownership experience.  Thousands of Honda street, off-road, dual-sport, scooter, PWC and ATV riders participate at exciting functions in the community and beyond.  HRCA membership also gives access to the online Clubhouse for insider information, member directory, and up to date information on news and events.

http://www.gwrra.org, http://www.argwrra.org

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is the world's largest single-marque social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycles -- and some would say, the world's largest family. Dedicated to our motto, Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge, GWRRA members enjoy the freedom of belonging to a not-for-profit, non-religious and non-political organization.

http://ru4c.net/
Riders United 4 Children “RU4C” was formed not only to help the children and families in our community by spreading awareness on abuse and neglect, but also on families in need of our help, We are also here to help mentor the children of our community by being like a big brother or sister. The children and families should not feel afraid anymore to live in their own community. We are here, not only to try and prevent abuse, but to help children and families put their tragedies behind them and move on to a better life. We are here to help support children and families that need our help. We are a United group of people who care about the children and families in our community.

http://www.cmausa.org/

CMA is a non-profit, interdenominational organization, dedicated to reaching people for Christ in the highways and byways through motorcycling. Since its beginning in the mid 70's, CMA has had over 136,000 applicants for membership and over 1,000 chapters chartered

in the United States. Also, through the CMA International Ministry, CMA is represented in other countries throughout the world.

http://www.chromedivas.com/

Chrome Divas are a ladies only motorcycle group, consisting of both riders and passengers and even some non-riding women who just love motorcycles and participating in charity functions. Originating in Tallahassee, Florida in 2002, Chrome Divas, a female motorcycle organization, was formed to provide a means of camaraderie, community participation, and a national link to all women who ride motorcycles and strive to be known as outstanding citizens in their communities with a preference to ride, have fun and share their talents and compassion in group effort.

http://btw-trikers.org/
BROTHERS OF THE THIRD WHEEL was founded in 1983 by Jim Sickler. Its purpose is to unite trikers from around the world and help provide them with the information they need concerning trikes and triking.

http://www.arkansasabate.org/
ABATE stands for Arkansas Bikers Aiming Towards Education. Our goals here at ABATE of Arkansas are to initiate, endorse, and sponsor educational programs; rider safety, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action, and individual freedoms and rights. To create and promote a positive public image of motorcyclists and motorcycle groups; to dispel and disprove media hype, unfounded propaganda, and the "Hollywood Image". To encourage goodwill and mutual understanding among, motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel, and the general public. To benefit the less fortunate (among our group or outside) through organized activities such as blood runs, toy drives, general donations, other fund raising activities, and coordinated events sponsored by other approved organizations, whether or not related. To serve as an information source pertaining to to current laws, pending legislation, personal rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents, ABATE lobbying and endorsements, and voter awareness. And to act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational, and charitable activities.

Why winterize?

As the seasons change and weather gets colder, it’s important to put all your “toys” away properly. 

When it comes to jet skis, winterizing is important so that you can get back on the water quicker when spring finally rolls back around.  Believe it or not, water is your jet ski’s worst enemy when it is not in use.  Any water retained in the vessel can freeze through the cold season, expand, and do significant damage.  Trusting a professional ensures your watercraft will be ready for more fun without needing extra maintenance to get back in the water.

If cold weather riding isn’t your gig when it comes to motorcycles, they need to be stored properly as well.  Fuel stabilizer and a battery tender are the main tools in the battle against winter weather.  Fuel stabilizer keeps the fuel from breaking down and leaving ethanol deposits all over your fuel delivery system (most fuels have ethanol in them now).  It is absolutely imperative that you don’t allow this to happen, or you could be looking at a carburetor rebuild come spring time.  Don’t say we didn’t tell you so. Finally, as with any motor vehicle, you need to keep the battery cells from breaking down and solidifying.  A battery tender hooked up to your motorcycle while it’s parked for the season will consistently pump low amperage through the battery cells so that this won’t happen. That way, on the first day of warmer weather, you can trot right out to your garage and fire it right up!

If you don’t use your ATV in colder weather, although that could be fun…, they need to be winterized as well.  Not to mention dirt bikes, lawnmowers… well, any toys in your garage that have motors.  Just remember to tuck them in for hibernation too!

What is your head worth to YOU?

Choosing a motorcycle helmet can be a daunting task, especially for newer riders.  However, it is arguably the most IMPORTANT decision to make when it comes to riding.  Although Arkansas law does not require a helmet for riders aged 21 and older, it is still the positively SAFEST way to ride, not to mention a few of our surrounding states require helmets for all riders.  There is no point in arguing why you should wear a helmet, its common sense.  And lucky for you, there are plenty of style and coverage options available out there!

FULL FACE HELMET

 

Full face helmets are undoubtedly the most protective helmets offered.  They can also be the most comfortable; the full visor protects you from bugs and weather elements, and the helmet diminishes wind noise and can keep out cold. On many full face helmets, the visor is easily removable and can be switched out with clear, UV tinted, fog proof, etc. shields.

3/4 HELMET

Open face 3/4 helmets offer significant protection and comfort, without the full face shield or jaw piece.  They can provide ease and comfort in stop-and-go riding, but you must consider the trade off in protection. 

FLIP-UP (MODULAR) HELMETS

 

Flip-up helmets are hybrid designs that offer the best of the full-face and three-quarter helmet worlds. A rider can opt for full-face coverage or flip up the movable faceshield/jaw piece whenever they feel like going open-face. Modular flip-up designs are growing in popularity, especially amongst touring riders.

1/2 HELMET

Half helmets are the bare minimum as far as safety is concerned. They protect the top of the head while leaving the face and critical base of the skull exposed. You should to be extra vigilant that the half-helmet they purchase is DOT-approved and not just a novelty design.

It is always important when choosing a helmet to take the time to get the right size.  Many helmets today offer removable liners and pads, which can change the size and comfort of the fit.  Be sure to have someone help you fit your helmet when you choose to buy.

Also, rule number one: don’t buy used! You never know what a used helmet has been through: wearing habits, storage practices, how many times has it been dropped?  Many manufacturers suggest replacing your helmet every five years, and also will inspect or x-ray any helmet you think may have been damaged to insure its structural integrity is intact.

(If your helmet looks ANYTHING like these, it's time for a new one!)