Motorcycles have come a long way since their introduction over a century ago. Today, they have transformed from mere hobbies into formidable contenders on the road. To enhance the overall experience of riding, various accessories have been developed or modified specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts. With a wide range of options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which accessories are essential. In this article, we aim to streamline your decision-making process by highlighting the must-have accessories for motorcycle riders.
1. MOTORCYCLE HELMET
A motorcycle helmet is something you should not compromise. According to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a crash than cars. Helmets have also been found to reduce the risk of death in the event of an accident by 37% and reduce the risk of head injury by 69%. Helmet impacts usually involve the chin and forehead. As such, make sure that your helmet adequately covers those areas. That said, full-face helmets offer better protection than open-face helmets.
Fair enough, helmets do not come cheap, but they're cheaper than a head injury or death itself. Make sure that your helmet is of the best quality, comfortable, and is appropriately certified.
2. MOTORCYCLE SUNGLASSES
Most helmets come with visors that protect the eye. But if yours doesn't, make sure to complement it with eye protection, such as goggles or motorcycle sunglasses. They will protect your eyes from dust, gravel, or debris in the air while you ride. These elements can cause discomfort, uncontrollable blinking, and itchiness while riding. Eye protection will also protect you from flying insects, the wind, the glare of sunlight or other sudden lights, and the rain.
3. MOTORCYCLE BACKPACK
There's hardly any space on a motorcycle for packing, especially those designed for sports, and this is where a hand backpack comes in handy. Sometimes they can be uncomfortable with the wind against you and shifting around your back.
But there's a wide selection of backpacks that remedy this. Some come with a clip locking system to strap the bag at your waist and chest to be more secure and aerodynamic. Some backpacks are also waterproof, suitable for days when you are caught outside in the rain and have essential items in the bag that don't do well when wet.
4. BATTERY TENDER USB CHARGERS
Many bikes today come with USB charging ports, but this isn't always the case. For bikes that don't, this USB charger can be connected to your battery harness at the SAE lead, so you have a USB charging port as you ride. Not only can you charge a phone or tablet, but you can also power a GPS, a camera, or a communication system. It comes with a QD harness that allows you to remove the USB port quickly. This way, you don't have to worry about getting stolen if your bike is parked overnight.
5. PORTABLE TOOLKIT
This portable toolkit can be stored under your seat and is a must-have. It will come in handy when you're riding and minor issues come up, especially when you're too far away from anywhere to get it fixed. They come in handy pouches or roll-up cases, and you can put in all the tools you need.
6. CRASH PROTECTORS
Also known as frame sliders, crash protectors can be bolted to your frame and that your bike. They serve to absorb some of the impacts if you drop off the bike, thus saving or reducing your bill. The thing to note here is that crash protectors come in different sizes, so you have to primarily look for a make that is suited to your bike model.
7. HELMET AUDIO SYSTEM
Many bikers would love to ride with the sound of their favourite tunes, but the truth is, it's dangerous riding without hearing the sound of traffic around you. A helmet audio system is essential here. A helmet audio system can be mounted on your helmet and charged after every use. You then hook it to the Bluetooth of your smartphone and press play. The helmet audio system is not a speaker.
Instead, it receives the output from your phone and generates vibrations. Because it's mounted on your helmet, these vibrations create a musical surround sound, so it feels like the sound is coming from all around you, not straight into your ears. This way, you can still hear the sound of traffic while enjoying your music.
8. MOTORCYCLE JACKET
A motorcycle can seem like a self-explanatory item for any biker, especially in colder seasons. But as the weather gets warmer or for people who live in tropical and desert areas, a motorcycle jacket tends to be treated as an optional gear. Even in hot weather, the jacket will brace you against the wind as you ride and protect your skin in the event of an accident. If it's raining or during cold weather, a motorcycle jacket keeps you warm and dry. In buying a motorcycle jacket, look out for armored types on the elbow and shoulders, places that typically sustain injuries
9. REFLECTIVE VEST AND STICKERS
Many bikers see reflective vests-style killers worn over a motorcycle jacket, but they are a lifesaver. Wearing a reflective vest or using reflective stickers puts your safety into your hands. They allow you to be seen quickly by other motorists in the rain or at night.
The increased visibility reduces your likelihood of being involved in an accident. If you still find the idea of reflective vests to be a buzz killer, you can opt for reflective stickers which achieve the same function, with significantly less space.
10. SMART BRAKE MODULE
Like reflective vests and stickers, an intelligent brake module will help other motorists notice you when riding at night or in the rain. It shows them when you are decelerating. Even when you brake with the bike engine, the module will interact with the motorcycle structure to utilise the brake light. In this way, it will inform other motorists of what you're doing.
11. MOTORCYCLE BOOTS
Motorcycle boots cannot be compromised as they protect your feet, legs, and ankle. They come in different types, some suited for sports, touring, street riding, or dust riding. Make sure to go for one that suits your specific needs.
12. HEARING PROTECTION
If you've interacted with some people who have been riding motorcycles for years on the road, it might seem like they are hard of hearing. Well, you're not far from the truth. Many motorcycle riders are at risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) which happens when you spend more than fifteen minutes exposed to prolonged or repeating sounds over 85 decibels. Hearing protection can protect you from this. You can also use them at home when you want to block out any unwanted sound.
13. PHONE MOUNT
A phone mount is essential, especially when you're embarking on a long ride, and would need to interact with the GPS directions. There are phone mounts to connect to your motorcycle battery, so your phone is charging while mounted.
14. PHONE NUMBER OF A MOTORCYCLE TOWING COMPANY
Your bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere; you have a fully charged phone, thanks to your phone mount. Luckily, you're in a place with good cell coverage. But who do you call to move your bike out of this place? Now you see why it's essential to have the number of a good towing company handy. Before such an emergency strikes, take the time to research an excellent towing company in your area. The phone number of a motorcycle towing company is the cheapest accessory on this list, and it will save you a good deal of worrying and time whenever the need arises.
Sure, you can still get help without a towing company, but you'd waste time on the road, trying to hitchhike, and if a stranger asked for money, your bargaining power would be weaker. It's better to make preparations for these kinds of things beforehand. That's why the phone number of a motorcycle towing company is a must-have accessory.
15. PALM SLIDERS
By instinct, whenever we're falling, we put our hands out to absorb the impact and protect the body from the worst harm. In protecting themselves using their hand, more than one million US workers visited ER due to hand injuries. 70% of them were not wearing gloves.
Now transpose this to bike riding. Something happens, and you're falling. By instinct, you put your hands out. The impact could lead to snapped wrists, and even the grazing of the palm on asphalt is enough for worrying.
But with palm sliders, you don't have to worry about this. Palm sliders are a type of low friction but quality plastic gloves that protect the palms. If you want something better-looking and longer-lasting, you can try leather sliders.
CONCLUSION
This list is by no means conclusive, but if you prioritize getting these accessories, your riding experience will be a lot safer, Also tif you are the kind of bikers who work from home you can find more cool desk accessories on thebestworkdesk.
