Motorcycle compasses are more popular than ever, despite the many other gadgets that are available these days. But which motorcycle compass should you choose? Is there a benefit to choosing digital over analogue? And why should you obtain one in the first place? All these questions and more are answered in this article.

3 Motorcycle Compasses To Consider

So, how do you find the best motorcycle compass for your bike, even when you have little experience in this field. You can count on us for this, as we have picked out the three finest motorcycle compasses for you.

1. Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass

 

 

Since regular compasses would struggle with the magnetic field of your motorcycle, it is necessary to look at alternatives such as car compasses and marine compasses. One reliable option within this range is the Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass.

As the name suggests, this compass is made by renowned company E.S. Ritchie & Sons Inc, which dates back to 1850. The company provides a compass with the ideal dial size and various mounting styles, so you could easily rig this compass to your motorcycle and enjoy the premium navigation the marine industry has been able to enjoy for centuries.

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2. SEAWELL Marine Compass LED Light

 

When budget is an issue – and you have to find your way in the middle of the night – look no further than the SEAWELL Marine Compass with LED Light.

Thanks to its versatile design, the SEAWELL compass is classified as a marine compass, but also a vehicle-mounted compass; this means you can add it to your motorcycle and even car if you wish to do so. It is also classified as an outdoor compass, so you do not have to worry about riding your motorcycle in rainy weather.

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3. Ritchie Navigation HB-741 Helmsman

If you do not mind spending a little more, then we like to take you back to the superior quality of the Ritchie brand. There are several compass models that will meet your expectations; this includes the Ritchie Navigation HB-741 Helmsman.

The Ritchie Navigation HB-741 Helmsman is made with hardened steel pivot dial movement and scientifically matched sapphire jewel. So, despite the additional initial cost, this is a compass you can trust.

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What About GPS Units?

GPS units come with their own built-in compass as well. Of course, bikers often obtain compasses too so they can find their way when their GPS unit fails. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to own a GPS unit for your motorcycle as well. Here are some of our personal favorites.

4. Koolertron 4.3 Inch Motorcycle GPS

 

The Koolertron 4.3 inch motorcycle GPS is a solid choice for motorcycles, but it can be used for cars too. Of course, it does have some features that are especially important for use on motorcycles; this includes a waterproof rating of IPX7. It means you can submerge this device into 1 meter of water for a half an hour at a time.

One of the interesting features about this GPS unit is that you can store all your data on it. With 4GB of internal memory and a total memory capacity of 16GB, there are may routes you can save. The Bluetooth connectivity also provides the option for hands-free operation, something that is essential for motorcycle use.

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5. Garmin Zumo 396

 

When it comes to GPS units, you cannot get much better than the brand Garmin. Around the world, Garmin has been one of the most sold GPS units in the world. So, you will find many motorcycle models to take advantage of; this includes the Garmin Zumo 396.

The Garmin Zumo 396 comes with a bunch of additional features. It has a rugged exterior, complemented by a display that has additional resistance to fuel vapors, UV light and even rough weather. In addition to that, it also provides you with free live services, which are especially useful when you are heading into busy traffic.

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Digital vs Analogue Motorcycle Compasses

The difference between these two is quite straightforward. You can compare the digital compass to your digital watch, which means it has a digital display with bunch of extra features.

For beginners, this compass can be easier to work with, but you do have to take the battery into account. So, if you are plan a motorcycle trip in the middle of nowhere, be sure you have some spare batteries or a charger on hand.

Analogue compasses are still considered the most trustworthy, despite the fact they lack the additional features of the digital compass. Nevertheless, the analogue version does not require any batteries, which means it will always work no matter where you are.

With our comparison, we do need to mention that not all analogue compasses are made equal. In fact, some of them can be outright inaccurate. So, it is vital that you purchase quality when it comes to analogue motorcycle compasses. After all, this tool might be the only way to find the right direction when all other navigation fails.

Why Should I Use A Motorcycle Compass?

Getting a motorcycle compass and learning how to use it is vital. Even though we live in a world where modern tech can help us find the right direction, it does not mean that our technology will always work.

There can be times when all technology fails, in which case a decent map and a compass could be true lifesavers. So, any avid motorcycle rider should have one of these installed on their bike.

Choosing Your Navigation – You Can Never Have Enough

As you may have noticed through our many recommendations today, navigation should not be limited to a single product. To be completely prepared, you should have everything from a compass and map to an advanced GPS unit. It helps to plan your route in advance too, just in case your motorcycle breaks down. So, why not check out some of the recommendations and make your journey safer?

Adding a cooler to a motorcycle can be a wonderful idea. After all, if you tend to ride your motorcycle in the middle of nowhere, you could do with the occasional cold drink and some fresh foods. But is it possible to add a cooler to your motorcycle?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes, because there are many ways to modify your motorcycle to fit your requirements these days. If you are curious about this particular modification, be sure to read on.

How To Use A Cooler On A Motorcycle

There are several ways to use a cooler on a motorcycle. Some modify their bike and install an actual cooler on their motorcycle permanently. Of course, others do not want to touch the original structure of their bike, so they choose a convenient cooler bag instead. So, there is something for each preference.

Unless you have an electric cooler installed on your motorcycle, something that requires a bit more skill, knowhow, and time, you will need some cooler packs in your cooler. Later in the article, we will discuss the best ways to keep your drinks and food cool.

3 Best Motorcycle Coolers To Try

A good cooler does not have to cost loads of money, at least if you know where to look. Today, we offer you a selection of both affordable and advanced coolers, so you can choose one that fits your requirements best. So, let’s take a look at the coolers you need to consider.

1. Coleman 9-Can Soft Cooler With Removable Liner

This cooler is the ideal choice for a single day on your motorcycle in the middle of nowhere. While it may not have the capacity for some of the larger trips, this is a great choice for bikers who only tend to be out for a single day.

Despite its smaller size, the Coleman has plenty of capacity for both drinks and food. The material is also quite flexible, which means you can pack more if you need to. In addition to that, the lining of the bag is made from an antimicrobial material, keeping your food and drink free from mold, mildew and unpleasant odors.

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2. Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag

Do you need something more substantial that can last you a little more than a day? If so, the Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag may be what you need.

The Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag is a little more expensive than some of the other cooler bags suggested in this overview. However, its higher cost is accompanied by a bunch of features that make this one of the best cooler bags out there. One of its most remarkable features is the premium cooling, which allows you to keep food and drinks cool in a heat up to 120-degrees.

Bison Coolers cooler bags are available in bigger capacities as well; this includes a 24-can option. While we do not recommend this option for your motorcycle due to its massive design, the bigger option can be something to consider for car trips.

When you choose the Bison Coolers 12-Can Cooler Bag, you also choose durability. The cooler bag is made from a special vinyl shell, which makes it considerably more durable than other cools made from different materials. It also means you can count on a tear resistance up to 375 pounds and additional UV protection for the material itself!

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3. TOURIT Cooler Backpack

If you rather not put a cooler bag on your motorcycle, you could consider a cooler backpack too. Many brands provide this convenient cooler bag today, this includes the people at TOURIT.

The TOURIT Cooler Backpack comes with a bunch of features you cannot afford to miss. Firstly, it is made from tear-resistant fabrics, while keeping the weight of the backpack as low as possible. Secondly, it has an insulated cooler inside the backpack, which means you do not have to worry about additional layering once you’ve packed your drinks and food.

When you choose the TOURIT Cooler Backpack, you can also count on better organization. Each backpack has a spacious main compartment, complemented by several front zip pockets, a mesh pocket, and additional compartments on the inside to keep things as organized and easily accessible as possible.

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How to Best Pack A Cooler?

Packing your stuff into a cooler bag is quite straightforward. In fact, it is remarkably similar to packing a regular cooler box. But, how do you pack it best? And is it possible to have your food and drink in a cooler bag for several days. Read our top tips below to get the most from your new cooler bag.

Cool your cooler bag

When you want to keep things as cool as possible, it can be helpful to cool your cooler bag before you start packing drink and food. Simply place the cooler bag somewhere cold overnight. As most cooler bags can be folded, you can even place it in the fridge.

Freeze

When you go out for a day or two, you may want to consider freezing some of your food and drink. Bottled water is a great option to freeze, as it will give you something chill to drink but also keep the rest of your food cool. If you are planning to have a meal in the middle of nowhere, you can freeze your foods in advance too; this usually keeps meats fresh for another day or so.

Go bigger

Real ice is only as efficient as its size. When you use small ice cubes, chances are they will melt quite quickly, despite the best efforts of your classy cooler bag. Therefore, it is better to use the biggest blocks of ice you can find, providing you can handle the additional weight and if you have the capacity.

An additional option to real ice is so-called dry ice. While this may be more expensive than normal ice, it does not make your food soggy and can last a lot longer. If you are heading out for several days, then dry ice is almost a must.

Learn how to layer

One of the essentials of using a cooler bag on your motorcycle is learning how to layer. Layering is a vital skill that will keep your food and drink cool, but also make everything easily accessible.

When you use real ice, layering can prevent your food from becoming soggy and unpleasant. In most cases, people use a piece of cardboard between the ice and their pre-packed foods. Of course, some cooler bags provide you with useful compartments to prevent this kind of problem.

A Cooler Bag To Suit Your Needs

Now that you know a little more about motorcycle cooler bags, you might find it easier to choose an option to suit your needs. Remember, always choose a bag that fits the amount of days you will be on your motorcycle.

You should also think about capacity, especially when you are traveling with more than one person. Of course, do not forget our helpful tips to pack your cooler bag either, as this could save you an incredible amount of time and hassle while you are enjoying your ride in the middle of nowhere.

One of the most sought-after hitch carriers for motorcycles is the Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier. But what makes this carrier a brilliant choice? And are there some downsides consumers should be aware of? If so, be sure to read on.

What Is The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier?

The Harbor Freight Haul Master is attached to a car or a van with a hitch mount. Manufacturers claim that the device can carry a motorcycle up to 400 pounds, which is quite substantial in this day and age.

Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carriers are built from sturdy stuff. The construction consists of both aluminum and steel, which contributes to the overall durability of the carrier.

That being said, consumers should be aware that these carriers always include some degree of assembly. Most suppliers also do not include any tie-downs with the delivered carrier, so be sure to check if these come with your carrier before you place an order.

Harbor Freight Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Review

One of the most sought-after hitch carriers for motorcycles is the Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier. But what makes this carrier a brilliant choice? And are there some downsides consumers should be aware of? If so, be sure to read on.

What Is The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master Motorcycle Carrier?

The Harbor Freight Haul Master is attached to a car or a van with a hitch mount. Manufacturers claim that the device can carry a motorcycle up to 400 pounds, which is quite substantial in this day and age.

Harbor Freight Haul Master Motorcycle Carriers are built from sturdy stuff. The construction consists of both aluminum and steel, which contributes to the overall durability of the carrier. That being said, consumers should be aware that these carriers always include some degree of assembly. Most suppliers also do not include any tie-downs with the delivered carrier, so be sure to check if these come with your carrier before you place an order.

Assembly Of The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master

Those who are familiar with motorcycle carriers already know about the affordability of Harbor Freight products. However, this does not mean that the brand provides lesser quality. In fact, most Harbor Freight carriers are sturdy and durable. The same applies to the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master.

The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul master is straightforward to assemble. Overall, the assembly of the carrier should not take you any longer than an hour. To help you get started, these are the general assembly instructions for this carrier.

• Start by attaching the supplied wheel clamps with accompanying bolts to the carrier platform. Then, apply the lock nuts for each of the claims as well as the lock pin. Ensure everything stays in place with one of the supplied R-pin.
• Once you have installed the wheel clamps, you can install the supplied lock pins and adjustment pin. These should also be secured with R-pins.
• Next, remove the nuts from the bottom of the bracket and line up all the bracket bolts with their corresponding holes. Then, use the nuts and two additional brackets to secure the construction.
• Finally, fasten the brackets with the supplied bolts and nuts.

As the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is quite straightforward to assemble, this carrier is quite suitable for those with little assembly experience.

Is The Carrier Easy To Operate?

When you use the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master for the first time, it can be a little daunting. That being said, most motorcycle carriers require you to read the instructions when you use it for the first time, so it is not that unusual.

One of the things to keep in mind with the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is that motorcycles with larger wheels may require some adjustments during the loading process. In these cases, you can leave the adjustment pin completely. If you do manage to use the adjustment pin, always secure it with the accompanying R-pin.

Harbor Freight has also catered to those who cannot secure their motorcycle with the accompanying wheel lock pins. If this happens, you need to use ratchet tie downs to secure the bike properly. As mentioned earlier, tie downs are not included with the standard Harbor Freight Haul Master, so make sure you obtain them beforehand.

Is Unloading Easy With The Harbor Freight Haul Master?

The bike can easily be unloaded through the release of tension. While the overall construction is relatively safe, one must always consider that the sudden release of tension can cause injury; this when there are motorcycle parts that can quickly move away when the tension is released. That being said, the only thing consumers need to do is stay at a safe distance from these parts.

Is The Harbor Freight Haul Master A Durable Carrier?

There are some mixed reviews regarding the durability of the carrier. Some consumers experience no problems at all, while others experienced a failing carrier after several months.

To enjoy the Harbor Freight Haul Master for a long time, it is recommended to clean, maintain and lubricate the carrier on a regular basis. If you maintain the carrier properly, you will be able to enjoy this motorcycle carrier for a long time to come.

Before you use the Harbor Freight Haul Master, always inspect the carrier for any visible signs of damage. One of the most important things to look out for is misaligned parts, as they can cause serious damage to the carrier if used in this state.

Once you have used the carrier to transport your motorcycle, always make sure you wipe down the carrier properly. A clean microfiber cloth is usually all you need. However, if you notice any oil residue, you can use a suitable cleaning product to remove it from the carrier.

Overall, the maintenance process of the Harbor Freight Haul Master is minimal; this is obviously positive for those who intend to use the carrier on a regular basis and do not have the time for extensive cleaning and maintenance routines.

How Does The Harbor Freight Haul Master Hold Up Against Other Motorcycle Carriers?

Compared to other motorcycle carriers, the Harbor Freight Haul Master is one of the most affordable. There is a considerable price difference between products from Harbor Freight and other well-known motorcycle carrier brands.

While the construction is durable and the maintenance minimal, there is one downside to this carrier. Even though it does keep a good grip on your motorcycle, the carrier can seem a little wobbly at times. While it does not affect the overall functionality of the carrier, it does mean that consumers need to pay extra attention during the securing process.

Despite some small flexing of the unit for bikes over 250 pounds, the design of the carrier is quite sturdy and is unlikely to fail. While it could benefit from a higher-quality aluminum, the price-quality ratio does not disappoint in this case. It certainly meets the standards associated with Harbor Freight.

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Assembly Of The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master

Those who are familiar with motorcycle carriers already know about the affordability of Harbor Freight products. However, this does not mean that the brand provides lesser quality. In fact, most Harbor Freight carriers are sturdy and durable. The same applies to the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master.

The Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul master is straightforward to assemble. Overall, the assembly of the carrier should not take you any longer than an hour. To help you get started, these are the general assembly instructions for this carrier.

• Start by attaching the supplied wheel clamps with accompanying bolts to the carrier platform. Then, apply the lock nuts for each of the claims as well as the lock pin. Ensure everything stays in place with one of the supplied R-pin.
• Once you have installed the wheel clamps, you can install the supplied lock pins and adjustment pin. These should also be secured with R-pins.
• Next, remove the nuts from the bottom of the bracket and line up all the bracket bolts with their corresponding holes. Then, use the nuts and two additional brackets to secure the construction.
• Finally, fasten the brackets with the supplied bolts and nuts.

As the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is quite straightforward to assemble, this carrier is quite suitable for those with little assembly experience.

Is The Carrier Easy To Operate?

When you use the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master for the first time, it can be a little daunting. That being said, most motorcycle carriers require you to read the instructions when you use it for the first time, so it is not that unusual.

One of the things to keep in mind with the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Haul Master is that motorcycles with larger wheels may require some adjustments during the loading process. In these cases, you can leave the adjustment pin completely. If you do manage to use the adjustment pin, always secure it with the accompanying R-pin.

Harbor Freight has also catered to those who cannot secure their motorcycle with the accompanying wheel lock pins. If this happens, you need to use ratchet tie downs to secure the bike properly. As mentioned earlier, tie downs are not included with the standard Harbor Freight Haul Master, so make sure you obtain them beforehand.

Is Unloading Easy With The Harbor Freight Haul Master?

The bike can easily be unloaded through the release of tension. While the overall construction is relatively safe, one must always consider that the sudden release of tension can cause injury; this when there are motorcycle parts that can quickly move away when the tension is released. That being said, the only thing consumers need to do is stay at a safe distance from these parts.

Is The Harbor Freight Haul Master A Durable Carrier?

There are some mixed reviews regarding the durability of the carrier. Some consumers experience no problems at all, while others experienced a failing carrier after several months.

To enjoy the Harbor Freight Haul Master for a long time, it is recommended to clean, maintain and lubricate the carrier on a regular basis. If you maintain the carrier properly, you will be able to enjoy this motorcycle carrier for a long time to come.

Before you use the Harbor Freight Haul Master, always inspect the carrier for any visible signs of damage. One of the most important things to look out for is misaligned parts, as they can cause serious damage to the carrier if used in this state.

Once you have used the carrier to transport your motorcycle, always make sure you wipe down the carrier properly. A clean microfiber cloth is usually all you need. However, if you notice any oil residue, you can use a suitable cleaning product to remove it from the carrier.

Overall, the maintenance process of the Harbor Freight Haul Master is minimal; this is obviously positive for those who intend to use the carrier on a regular basis and do not have the time for extensive cleaning and maintenance routines.

How Does The Harbor Freight Haul Master Hold Up Against Other Motorcycle Carriers?

Compared to other motorcycle carriers, the Harbor Freight Haul Master is one of the most affordable. There is a considerable price difference between products from Harbor Freight and other well-known motorcycle carrier brands.

While the construction is durable and the maintenance minimal, there is one downside to this carrier. Even though it does keep a good grip on your motorcycle, the carrier can seem a little wobbly at times. While it does not affect the overall functionality of the carrier, it does mean that consumers need to pay extra attention during the securing process.

Despite some small flexing of the unit for bikes over 250 pounds, the design of the carrier is quite sturdy and is unlikely to fail. While it could benefit from a higher-quality aluminum, the price-quality ratio does not disappoint in this case. It certainly meets the standards associated with Harbor Freight.

Check prices and ratings on Amazon