Bike purchased, looking at the few accessories I need.

[kammersangerin]

I have to be honest and say I have found all the dealers I talked to overly creative in getting accessories, but it will have to happen. One of the things I loved about my scooter was simply getting a single rack and slapping a milk crate on it with a web cover, and putting all kinds of crap there and under the seat. Bikes aren't as friendly to this, and I use my ride as a commuter/packhorse. There are also lots of windshields to choose from on Vespas, that do a great job.

The RE seems a bit more limited tough it does appear the Indians use them as pack horses very effectively.

So, any ideas on some of these items is well suggested. Saddle bags/cases are fine, I am thinking of getting a carpenter to make wooden frames to slide stuff into, like my laptop bag. I always ride with a windshield. Maybe I am just an old girl, but I am light and likely to get lighter over the next few months, so it makes a big difference for me. But I don't like what I see on nfield gear. Anyone tried something different? And a rear rack to put the milk crate on.

Thanks

[motorat]

most universal fit windscreens for naked bikes will work.
i have found one i like at twistedthrottle.com.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-customshield-style-cu-windshield-for-naked-sport-bikes-cruisers-enduro-and-dual-sport-motorcycles
but you also have to get the mounting kit. we have a 7/8" Handel bar.
the rack might be more difficult.
i found looking through the members rides section has lots of good ideas then the members in this section will help narrow it down.
happy hunting.
mine had the rear seat on it and i removed the seat and fitted a rack for an electra to it. some spacers and it works quite well.

[Tri750]

We have the "Deflector" screen from the RE paper catalog that works well, and was or is on our Superbowl special Sale this weekend. Shoot me a email and I'll quote you the sale price on Tue.
We have 2 left. Al@bmwoffresno.com
http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/0000-National-Cycle-Deflector-Windshield.jpg

[Jack Leis]

Two thumbs up on The Deflector. Works excellent on an Enfield.

[trimleyman]

try some of the Indian sites for racks. They have many , Bulletwala.com is a good place to start. They ship quickly to the US as they really want our business. Some items need a little modding to fit, but hey we are talking RE Bullet here not BMW.

[Tri750]

Sorry for spam, but if anyone wants the Deflector, give an email or call and ask me (al) for the price Tuesday. Im not being mysterious, Im over 50 and have CRS.

[squire]

Sorry for spam, but if anyone wants the Deflector, give an email or call and ask me (al) for the price Tuesday. Im not being mysterious, Im over 50 and have CRS.

In ten more years it will be ED.

[mattsz]

I bought nField Gear's largest windscreen, and I'm happy with how it keeps the wind off my body.  It looks nice, but really, it's not tall enough.  All that wind deflected from my chest hits me right in the head, which means... noise!  and lots of it.  Without the screen, I can ride without ear plugs (in my full helmet); with the screen, I don't wanna go around the block without ear plugs due to the added wind noise.  The talk turned to how I could modify the windscreen to direct the flow of air higher - seems like a discussion of what taller windscreens work could have been beneficial.

GreenRE gave a video link for tips on choosing a windscreen:

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,10764.msg125048.html#msg125048)

and the heart of the matter, as I recall, was that the top of the screen was supposed to come up as high as your nose when you're looking so far ahead (I can't remember).  None of the NFG screens comes close to that for me, so I'm not sure what to think about how tall a "proper" windscreen should be.

[Royalista]

I have to be honest and say I have found all the dealers I talked to overly creative in getting accessories, but it will have to happen. One of the things I loved about my scooter was simply getting a single rack and slapping a milk crate on it with a web cover, and putting all kinds of crap there and under the seat. Bikes aren't as friendly to this, and I use my ride as a commuter/packhorse. There are also lots of windshields to choose from on Vespas, that do a great job.

The RE seems a bit more limited tough it does appear the Indians use them as pack horses very effectively.

So, any ideas on some of these items is well suggested.

Congratulations on biting the apple 

I assume you have the C5 with single seat. With the regular rack behind you will not have difficulties in fixing the milkcrate, bolting it to the rack, will be good.

My bags are military issue, heavy duty canvas with a lot of straps. Each has a capacity of 17 liters and is flexible enough to accomodate sizeable stuff. They are used to stow away anything from groceries to full camping gear.

The windscreen is Italian made and variable adjustable. Never have any issues with noise. Handguards might come in handy as you ride in cold weather.

The Indian made 'Ladakh racks' are bulky and heavy. I would be scared to filter through traffic with them at my sides scraping suv's, albeit tempted too. 

[kammersangerin]

Thanks on the help so far everyone. I think Matz has hit it on the head for me. Most of the smaller windscreen really dont do much other than deflect bugs. Tr750 I appreciate the same, can you make me a deal on something bigger? I ride with a brim on my helmet because I hate sun in my eyes, and the wind just snatches that if it doesn't go over my head. Sounds silly, I know, on a bike, but all the years on race horses and being in my dad's British Roadsters in winter has made me a little intolerant of getting beaten to death by the wind. At least I can tuck behind the horse's head and count on it not running into a wall! So, I would like a bigger screen than I have seen offered so far.

Royalista, are you using the Faco adjustable? I have one on my Vespa and friggen adore it. If so, how did you get it to work? I will rip that bad boy off and keep it, if necessary. Or do you have another adjustable one? Please tell if it's nice and tall!

[kammersangerin]

Also Royalista, where did you get your military sized packs for saddle bags? I have been looking at som different options. A milk crate that carries the stuff like, milk and detergent, and the rest in the bags is what I want.

[Royalista]

Royalista, are you using the Faco adjustable? I have one on my Vespa and friggen adore it. If so, how did you get it to work? I will rip that bad boy off and keep it, if necessary. Or do you have another adjustable one? Please tell if it's nice and tall!

The windscreen is made by Puig. Faco is unknown to me but Puig is Italian and the windscreen will fit a Vespa too.
Width is 40cm. Adjustable from 40cm-45cm (16"-18") in height. More finetuning to be done by tilting (modifying angle of attack) and spacing to rider. Mounting is simple, all the tweeking guarantees a personalized fit. It is a sturdy screen, protecting me well.

Downsides? Just one: the rubbers that should protect handlebars are thin. I replaced them by thick strands cut from a rubber mat.

[Royalista]

Also Royalista, where did you get your military sized packs for saddle bags? I have been looking at som different options. A milk crate that carries the stuff like, milk and detergent, and the rest in the bags is what I want.

The bags were found at Silverman for £35 a pair, genuine army issue. For me these combined ease (simple throwover), size (largest found), affordable shipping and low cost. On the bike is the regular rack to keep the bags from the rear wheel. The right hand side bag is enough elevated above the exhaust, just don't put frozen foods below in that bag.

I used the term 'musette' in searches. Most musette bags were too small for my needs and large ones can be costly.
Warning: aha, China & India produce musette bags galore for cheap. These will cater looks, not groceries. 

Here is a picture of the setup. Look closely at the multitude of straps on the bags, especially handy on long journeys; plus side pockets front and aft for cans and bottles.
Notice the windscreen is at its lowest setting.

[kammersangerin]

Tri750, can you get me somthing like Royalista is talking about? Or something that is 20" with a bit of a hand guard, similar to what is on Nfield? I like  the round cruiser style ones the best on bikes but really the adjustable ones make me happiest for when seasons change. I am short, but not crazy short.

Royalista, good point on the military bags - we are talking about Enfield here. I had thought about going to some of my Amish horse harness makers and seeing if they could make a set, but this is also a good idea. I will be leaving for Japan/Okinawa in less than two weeks - yes, the new bike will be locked away for a while. Doubt I will get to ride it more than once before I go. Anyways, I can go to the PX and see what they have, and if nothing suits try the vintage surplus sites. We have some very good ones in the US. I pick up ammo cans all the time.

[mattsz]

Tri750, can you get me somthing like Royalista is talking about? Or something that is 20" with a bit of a hand guard, similar to what is on Nfield?

kammersangerin - FWIW, I don't know if you are referring to nField Gear's "Windshield Style 1", but it's the one I have.  Their description says, "Shape reduces wind flow over your hands..."  Well, it may be true, but if it does, I don't notice it.  The "side wings" don't really cover the grips well (see my photo).

I bought a screen to keep the wind off my body in the cold - it does a great job of that.  I bought that particular model because I liked the looks.  It throws a lot of wind at my head, as I said earlier, and my hands aren't really protected against the wind with this thing - my hands got very cold very quickly when I switched to my now-returned winter riding gloves.  I'm still searching for a way to keep my hands warm, and bar-mounted protectors have been a broad recommendation.

[Tri750]

We currently have the Deflector out of last years RE catalog. It is no longer on the website that I can find . Memphis Shades and National Cycle have many screens, some with hand protection. They give dimensions and im sure they have one that will help. Let's remember cold in Maine and cold in Cali are galaxy's apart. I've used the hippo hands type hand covers that Velcro to the handlebars. They work nicely but at speed, they can push back against the brake lever enough to activate your brake light. (not the brake) Held Freezer and BMW Pro Winter are great winter gloves that work.

[mattsz]

Let's remember cold in Maine and cold in Cali are galaxy's apart.

Amen, brother!  Not to belittle anyone's troubles, but boy do I wish I had some of the cold weather that other parts of the country are suffering from right now - I'd be out riding!

I don't recall kammersangerin saying that she was in California, nor did she mention cold.  My point was merely to say that if she is looking for "something that is 20" with a bit of a hand guard, similar to what is on Nfield", my experience in the cold with that particular screen (purchased from Nfield, description says it reduces wind flow over your hands) suggests that it isn't providing much hand protection.  If it weren't Maine-cold where I ride, I might not ever have noticed.  I'm still working on solving my cold hands problem, but that's another thread!

I like my screen - it's the only one I've ever ridden behind.  Jack Leis rides behind the Deflector - he digs it.  My only request is that whatever you end up with, kammersangerin, you let us know how it works out for you here!

[barenekd]

My little flyscreen from Hitchcocks improved things considerably in SoCal winter airs (40^o) give or take. A pair of Tourmaster PolarTec Gloves pretty much took care of the hands. A good pair of long johns took care of the lower parts.
Bare

[kammersangerin]

I am neityher in Maine or California, but tucked away in the Mid Atlantic - when home anyways - in the foothills of Appalachia. Yes, it gets Maine cold, just not for as long or as consitently, and recent winters are proving to be a joke. It felt great riding in 50 degrees today, with an unlined jacket and light sweater. But with a pretty good sized windshield. Highs have been in the 30's though, and I have ridden a few nights in the teens in Jan.

Tri750 maybe you can give me demensions on the deflector. I think when I pick up the bike the deal will be to simply do my measuring, because I will sit in a different place than on the Vespa. I am short, and I will be sitting on a lower seat, which will affect the necessary screen height. 

[Arizoni]

If your interested, the windshield does not have to extend above your helmet to be effective.

In fact, they recommend that the top of the windshield should be just below your eye level.

At that height, the wind will pass over the top of your helmet while allowing you to see the road ahead even with the windshield covered with rain drops.

Of course if it is raining some of the drops will make it thru the wind blast that's flowing over your head but most of them will miss you.

The same goes for the width of the shield.  It does not have to be as wide as you might be.

The hands are something else though.
Because the shield is so close to the bars, the wind doesn't have much of a chance to deflect over your hands so getting a good pair of water proof, warm gloves like some of the others have mentioned is a good idea.

Have fun.