While the motorcycle may be the main star, the accessories for motorcycles are the backup singers. They help motorcycle owners customize their ride and they can even aid in protection during an accident.
But where to start? There are so many things on the market these days, it can be difficult to know what kind of motorcycle gadgets are worth your time. The list below will take you through all of the top motorcycle accessories that will bring your riding experience to a whole new level.
1. Touchscreen Gloves
With the world becoming more and more accustomed to touchscreens, you’ll want the ability to use your phone even while riding. The problem is that most motorcycle gloves require you to take them off before you can use the touchscreen. This is an extra step no one wants to take while riding on their favorite route.
That’s why getting gloves that have touchscreen pads on the fingertips is the best way to go. Not only do you get the protection for your hands, you also can use your motorcycle gadgets with no problems. If you can’t find specific gloves that allow this, you can always find stickers to put on your favorite gloves yourself.
2. Waterproof Tank Bags
Using your motorcycle as a mode of transportation means that sometimes you have extra personal belongings to bring with you. Unlike a car, there’s no handy trunk available to stash away your things.
That’s where extra bags are a life savior. They’re easy to attach and they come in a variety of sizes so that you can customize your bag with your needs for the day. Make sure to get a bag that is waterproof in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. You don’t want your precious items to get damaged along the way.
3. Stash Pegs
If you’re not one for carrying much with you when you go for a ride, then these kind of stash pegs are the perfect match. They look like normal pegs but are much more than that. They allow you to store away some extra money during a long ride.
They also work well for any small object you want to keep stashed away. Attach them to your bike and you’ve got yourself a hideaway compartment. No one would ever know.
4. Airbag Jacket
You might think that a jacket with an airbag would be bulky and strange. But this special type of jacket is an ingenious way of protecting yourself during a crash, all while still looking sleek and cool.
No one would know you’re wearing an airbag unless you told them yourself. This is the kind of motorcycle riding accessory that no biker should go without. It would turn out to be your best friend if an accident were to occur.
5. Multi-Tools with Sockets
Another accessory you should always have on hand is a set of multi-tools, complete with sockets. Sometimes small adjustments or fixes are necessary on the road. If you have no tools of your own, you could be stranded on the street for a long time.
With this sort of tool-set stashed away, you’ll have everything you need for small repairs or the like. That means less time on the sidelines and more time revving up that engine.
6. Smart Helmet
There’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect helmet. These days, however, it goes beyond picking only for safety and appeal.
The option to get a high-tech smart helmet is something a lot of bikers are turning towards. A lot of them can connect to your phone and allow you to interact with things like phone calls and music without fumbling with a small device. It allows you to ride with all of the added perks you could ever want.
7. Heated Clothing
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of wind rushing past as you drive fast. However, the chill it creates can shorten the length of an enjoyable ride.
That’s where heated clothing comes to play. It keeps you toasty and comfortable even in the cold of the night. Not only does it feel luxurious, it also helps you stay out on the road for as long as you’d like.
8. LED Modifications
These special LED lights are one of those cool motorcycle accessories that everyone dreams of adding to their bike. They look futuristic and vibrant even in the middle of the day.
But during the night is when they look the best. They bring your motorcycle to a whole new level of beauty that you can’t achieve anyway else. Plus, they’re helpful in keeping cars aware of your position at all times, aiding in your safety during nighttime driving.
9. Security System
It’s an unfortunate fact that thieves can make off with a motorcycle a lot easier than other vehicles. That’s why getting a security system for your bike is vital.
There are a variety of different systems that each have their own perks and advantages. A high-strength disc lock with an alarm, for example, can be the difference between a stolen bike and a bike that no thief would dare touch. Every extra bit of security helps, so make sure to invest in a system as soon as possible.
10. Reflectors
Adding reflectors to your motorcycle gear isn’t the most stylish motorcycle riding accessory. But they are important in keeping you safe during your rides.
Apply the reflectors in interesting shapes and sizes. This way, you incorporate these necessary safety helpers into a cool new look. You could even start a new trend. All it takes is some experimenting.
11. Accident Protection
There are a variety of different ways to add protection to your bike in case of any accidents. No one wants to think of getting into a crash, but it’s better to prepare ahead of time than to be in denial.
Modifications such as bar ends, frame sliders, and swingarm spools, can all make a huge difference during a crash. They take the brunt of the impact and damage during most crashes, saving your motorcycle in the process. It’s a lot easier and cheaper to replace these extra protections than it is to repair the motorcycle itself.
12. Extended Mirrors
There is no such thing as having too much awareness of your surroundings. The more you know, the faster you can react to unpredictable situations. This, in turn, protects you from a lot of accidents and other problems during a ride.
Adding more substantial mirrors to your motorcycle will give you the best amount of visibility to everything going on around you. If you feel like your standard mirrors are lacking, don’t hesitate to switch to something more specialized. It could make a big difference in feeling confident during your rides.
13. Throttle Stabilizer
This motorcycle riding accessory is similar to cruise control on an everyday vehicle. It keeps the throttle in place, allowing you to take your hand away from the grip while maintaining a constant speed. It also helps with giving you a more consistent ride, saving on gas.
It can feel relaxing to have this kind of freedom. For immersive longer rides, you’ll notice how much it helps as you can keep going while giving your hand a rest. No more cramps to worry about or fluctuations in speed.
Don’t worry. Like cruise control, you still maintain optimal control of the bike even with the help of these stabilizers.
14. Adjustable Windshield
The rush of wind speeding past is something we all love to feel. It’s one of the great pleasures of riding a motorcycle. At other times, it can be an annoyance or even a hindrance. Some of us want to go fast without dealing with a neck strain.
For this, a windshield will become your new best friend. This motorcycle riding accessory gets installed on your bike and will protect you from the worst of the wind. They adjust to fit your personal needs and circumstances, as well.
15. Handguards
Not only do these protect your hands, they also protect any delicate controls that sit in the same area. Fast winds alone can do a lot of damage over time on sensitive electronics.
By installing handguards, you’ll be adding an extra layer of protection against the wind and any kind of tip over that may happen. They can add to your motorcycle’s aesthetic, too. Handguards often come in a wide variety of different colors, so they won’t drag down the style of your bike in any way.
The Best Accessories for Motorcycles Look Great and Keep You Safe
We all want to look our best while still being safe on the road. When it comes to accessories, you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can have both.
With these accessories for motorcycles, you’re getting the best of both worlds. All of them enhance your ride in one way or another and they come in hundreds of varieties to match any style.
There are many advancements in motorcycle technology every day, so take advantage of them. Have another accessory you can’t live without and would recommend to other riders? Let us know in the comments section!