After many questions and comments on my Instagram (@forgotten_highways) I decided it was time to do a blog on my motorcycle set-up as well as the luggage I use for my travels.

My 2016 Honda Africa Twin (crf100l) has been my go to steed since I purchased it new in March of 2017, and the bike currently has around 20,xxx miles. I purchased the DCT (dual clutch transmission) model without ever having swung a leg over one or knowing anyone who had one. Everything I had read was pretty positive and so I decided to take a leap of faith and go for it. BOY AM I GLAD THAT I DID!

The stickers on the front represent my postcard for the world to see. Each one is a national park or other worthy place of exploration my bike has seen in the last year+

Rather than go into a long detailed drawn out paragraph about the bike and how it handles and all that non sense I am going to compile a list of the changes I have made to fit my needs. There are plenty of reviews and blogs out there that talk about the bike only - so log on to the internet search pages and read some.

What did I change and why?

First up I needed to add some protection to the bike in the event of a crash or tip over off road and they include:

Altrider full crash bar system with optional reinforcements powder coated in sliver www.altrider.com

Bark Buster aluminum wrap around hand guards with their Storm guard for the colder months and the VSP guard for the warm ones. www.barkbusters.com

Double take mirrors - Now I know this may not count as “protection” but since they fold up in the bad times that acts as a way to prevent them from breaking - protection in my mind.

Altrider, Bark Buster, and Double take mirrors provide the protection the the crucial areas on the bike.

Up next is the comfort areas. When you plan on being in the saddle for 8+hrs a day, and doing multiple hundred miles you’re gonna want to personally set the bike for you. Stock these bikes are O.K. , but to really get the best out of them you need to tailor them to your needs. so with that said…

Seat Concepts - I opted for the seat cover and foam option and then redid the main rider seat myself. Seat concepts makes some great products and have many options for seating. I’ve used them on all my bikes, and I think most of my friends have to. www.seatconcepts.com

Oxford Heated Grips - Wether you’re commuting to and from work, riding all four seasons or for those chilly mornings in the desert, you’re gonna want to have some warm hands. Most people I talk to won’t ride year around even if their area allows for the simple fact that they get “cold hands” well don’t let the weather stop you. Pony up some cash and get some heaters for them. I personally think OXFORD makes the best out on the market. Simple installation, easy to use controller with gloves of any size and they can be removed and added to any bike in your garage in just a few mins. www.oxfordproducts.com

IMS footpegs - The stock pegs on most bikes, and especially the Honda are just too small. The limit the control you have with the bike as well as aren’t very good for traction when things get wet or muddy. Most people don’t realize the importance that your feet play when riding. They are just important as your hands! Wider pegs not only give you more control with the bike they also relieve pressure points on the middle of your feet by distributing your weight over the length of your feet. Over the the course of a long trip or day your body will thank you for this simple upgrade…plus they have some awesome color options for that added bling we all want. www.imsproducts.com

LUGGAGE - Any weekend get away or extended trip on the bike is gonna result in a need to carry some gear. Whether it be camera equipment, clothing, food, camping gear - you name it. You’re gonna want somewhere to put all the junk you need for your “getaway”

For this I turned to my friends at Nelson Rigg (also known as Rigg Gear) to get my bike fitted out. Full disclosure after initially purchasing a set of their “Sierra Dry saddle bags” They were kind enough to reach out and get in touch with me about doing some product testing for them and sent me several other items in their line up. I put everything through the paces. I treated it as a torture test and I can honestly say everything they made held up. I had one small issue with some stitching coming undone and they sent me another set for free.

Sierra Dry saddle Bag - 100% water proof, Main compartment measures: 15”L x 8”W x 14”H, Holds 27.53 Liters per side

Trails End adventure tank bag - Main compartment measures: 12”L x 7”W x 9”H Standard with an option for 12”L x 7”W x 12”H Expanded. Has a nice big clear “map” holder on the top, two nice size pockets on each side and a rubber grommet on the back for you accessory cord to go through to allow you to charge your electronics that are stashed inside the bag!

Ridge Roll Dry Bag - They have an 15L and 30L option, I use the 30L which is great for holding my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, and my headlamp. Again 100% waterproof and I stand by that. I’ve never had anything inside get wet no matter how terrible the weather was or how much splashing I did in the creeks!

you can find all these products plus many more that I use from time to time or on other bikes. check it out at www.nelsonrigg.com