Automotive
A Guide to Motorcycle Accessories for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride
Are you eager to feel the wind in your face as you zip down the open road on your motorcycle? Can’t wait to pack up your bike and hit the trail for some off-road adventures? Or, do you simply enjoy using your motorcycle as a convenient and easy way to get around town?
No matter what your riding goals are, one thing is certain – you can’t enjoy the experience to the fullest (or with safety) without the right accessories. Sure, you could just hop on your bike and go, but are you really getting the most out of your ride if you’re not prepared?
What Motorcycle Accessories Do You Need?
Apart from the basics, like a helmet, gloves and boots, you might want to invest in a few additional items that can enhance your riding experience and keep you safe on the road. While not strictly a necessity, having these products on hand can make a big difference in your level of comfort and enjoyment.
Motorcycle Helmet Lock
Wearing a helmet is the single most important safety precaution you can take when you’re going at high speeds. Not only will it protect your head in the event of an accident, but it can also help to deflect debris and small objects that could otherwise cause damage if they hit you.
But what happens when you’ve reached your destination and want to take your helmet off? If you don’t have a place to securely store it, like a dedicated compartment on your bike, you might be tempted to just leave it sitting on the seat. That’s a bad idea for two reasons – first, it could easily fall off and get damaged. Second, it’s basically an open invitation for thieves to take it and ride off with it.
The solution? Getting your hands on secure motorcycle helmet locks that are essentially just like regular locks, but are specifically designed to be used with helmets. That means they’ll be much more difficult for thieves to break, and they won’t damage your helmet the way a traditional padlock can.
Their design features a U-shaped shackle that goes through the helmet’s ventilation holes, while the body of the lock is secured to the bike. Each side of the shackle is usually equipped with a keyhole, so you’ll need two keys to open it – one for each side. They’re attached to the bike with a strong cable, making it virtually impossible for someone to just grab your helmet and run off with it.
Most motorcycle helmet locks are made from tough materials like steel or aluminium, so they can stand up to different weather conditions and won’t rust or corrode over time. And if anyone dares to try and tamper with your helmet while it’s locked up, they’ll quickly find out that it’s not worth their time or effort.
Ear Plugs
Riding a motorcycle can be an incredibly exhilarating experience, especially when you’re out on the open road with nothing but the sound of the wind rushing by to keep you company. But as anyone who’s done it before can attest, that same wind noise can also become incredibly tedious and even painful to listen to after a while.
If you don’t want to deal with the constant ringing in your ears, you need to invest in a good pair of earplugs. These will help reduce the amount of noise that’s coming through, making it more bearable, all while still allowing you to hear important sounds like car horns and sirens.
They’re usually made from soft foam or silicone, so they fit snugly in your ear and won’t fall out, even if you’re sweating. You likely won’t even notice they’re there after a while. And when you’re done riding for the day, you can just take them out and put them back in their case until next time.
Heated Hand Grips
Ever heard of heated gloves? Well then, say hello to their long-lost cousins – heated hand grips. These handy little devices are designed to fit over your existing motorcycle grips, providing an extra layer of warmth and comfort on those cold winter days.
They work by using a thin heating element that’s powered by your bike’s battery. Once it’s turned on, the element will start to heat up, warming your hands in the process. Most devices come with multiple heat settings, so you can choose how hot you want them to get – perfect for finding that Goldilocks-esque happy medium.
Some even come with an insulation layer on the back, helping to reflect heat towards your hands and further improve the warming effect. And since they’re powered by your bike’s battery, you don’t have to worry about them running out of juice halfway through your ride.
Phone Mount
Nowadays, it’s pretty much impossible to go anywhere without our phones. They’ve become essential for everything from keeping in touch with family and friends to getting directions when we’re lost. So, it only makes sense that we’d want to bring them along when we’re out on the open road.
But of course, holding your phone in your hand is far from ideal – especially when you’re trying to focus on your driving. So, if you invest in a good motorcycle phone mount, you can keep your hands free and still have quick and easy access to your device.
These mounts are designed to be attached to your bike in a variety of different ways, depending on the model. Some use strong magnets to keep your phone securely in place, while others have a clamp system that grips onto it tightly. Either way, you can rest assured that your phone isn’t going anywhere, no matter how bumpy the road gets.
Motorcycle Cover
Having a garage or some other form of shelter is the perfect way to protect your motorcycle from the elements when you’re not using it. But if that’s not an option, or you just want an extra layer of protection when you’re not home, getting a specialised cover is the way to go.
These covers are designed to snugly fit over your bike, keeping it safe from rain, snow, dust, and UV rays. They usually have a soft lining on the inside to prevent scratches, and some even come with an integrated lock system, so you can deter thieves.
When choosing a motorcycle cover, make sure it’s the right size for your bike. You don’t want one that’s too loose, as it won’t provide adequate protection. But if it’s too tight, it could end up doing more harm than good by causing scratches or rub marks.