The choices of touring accessories for you and your Harley-Davidson motorcycle are varied and exciting.

It used to be touring accessories consisted of a sleeping bag strapped to a sissy bar. Or clothes stuffed inside a pair of saddlebags. Not anymore. Choices are much more sophisticated. The different touring accessories allow you to bring a lot of your stuff for an extended tour, just enough for a day trip, or all the items you require for an overnight. Whatever your requirements, there are touring accessories to meet them.

For example, choose from a variety of luggage racks. If you have to transport two bags, buy a two-up rack. For just one bag, buy a one-up rack. You select. They come in black or chrome and you can mount them on the back of Sportsters, SuperGlides, or dressers.

Getting more speed out of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is really a matter of better performance. This means getting more energy out of every drop of fuel, making every part perform the best that it can, and making sure your Harley-Davidson is operating at peak efficiency. Some improvements you can do yourself; others are better left to a Harley-Davidson professional.

Peak efficiency includes making sure your Harley is tuned up at the required intervals. At tune-up time, make sure your Harley motorcycle gets news spark plugs, an oil change, and a new air filter. Another simple yet important way to increase speed is to make sure your tires are inflated properly. If there is not enough air in your tires, more rubber meets the road, which reduces speed.

Safety when riding your Harley-Davidson motorcycle must be the number-one priority. The reasons are many and obvious. Riders often travel at high speed and yet they do not have the protection of an automobile or truck body around them. Exposed to Nature's elements and to the potential of an accident, Harley-Davidson owners require safety gear, which car and truck owners can afford to ignore.

Most obvious, and sometimes most controversial, are helmets. The motorcycle helmet was invented after the famous Lawrence of Arabia was killed as a result of head injuries when he was thrown from his vehicle. Many lives have been saved simply because the rider was wearing a helmet. However, there are those who prefer no helmet because they feel it leads to a fuller riding experience. Most places around the world allow riders this choice.

Harley Davidson motorcycles are among the least likely to be stolen, according to the latest insurance reports. (The most-likely-to-be-stolen motorcycles are small displacement "crotch rocket"-type motorcycles preferred by a younger group of riders. In addition to being owned by more mature riders, the larger, heavier Harley-Davidsons are simply more difficult to steal because of their sheer weight and bulk.) However, this does not mean that someone will not be tempted to heist your ride.

It is good to know that Harley-Davidson owners have a variety of security options for their vehicles, from the simple to the sophisticated. Let's start with the simple.

One of the least complicated security devices for your Harley-Davidson is a padlock and a chain -- simple, low cost, and quite effective. For a more stylish approach, you can purchase a padlock that sports the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo. Most locks are keyed rather than combination locks.

Storage options for a Harley Motorcycle are much more diverse and easy-to-manage than many might think.  Long rides out through the mountains or desert can easily mean the need to have a little more room for food or personal items.  Don't get caught out in the middle of nowhere because you didn't have enough room to pack the essentials.

Saddle Bags

"Soft" saddlebags are detachable and are often made of soft leather or leather-like material. They mount on the Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the rear fender/wheel area of the vehicle. Some are the throw-over "pony express" type bags seen on many motorcycles.