ALT-6 Best Accessories for your Motorcycle
Everyone has their own ideas when it comes to their perfect motorcycle. Whether it's a cruiser or a sportbike, a Harley or a Honda, bikes are as varied as fingerprints, and part of the whole experience of owning a motorcycle is accessorizing it to create its own identity. I remember leaving the dealership with my bike having the next three purchases planned out to begin the process of making it my own. So, here's a few ideas for accessories to help you on your journey.
PRACTICAL ACCESSORIESFirst and foremost, you want to ride. Right? Unless you're only looking for the bar-hopper, you probably want to hit the highway ticking off the miles on your odometer and smiling the whole way.
Saddlebags: If you're like me, you want to be prepared for all situations. Nothing helps like some nice roomy saddlebags. Great for sticking your raingear in, some water, extra gloves or a t-shirt too. And don't forget your travel tool kit. Saddle bags allow you to have space to carry things for any eventualities and can be a life saver on a longer trip.
Windshield: There's two sides of thought to the windshield. One says it's a must have, the other side, not so much. You'll hear arguments on both sides. One says it's great on long trips, keeps the wind off of you, helps with fatigue in the arms. The other says it's too hard when driving by semis, the blast from a strong wind unsettles you. Personally, I don't know how I ever lived without mine. Especially on cold days.
Touring Seat: Once again, if you're like me, you want to ride and riding is all about being comfortable for the long haul. The seat is a major component of your comfort. It might not look sleek and smooth, but your behind will be thanking you if you're going for your first Ironbutt ride.
Handlebars: Again in the comfort realm, handlebars can make your bike better, helping you sit properly with your arms in a more comfortable position than stock handlebars. Plus, you get the addition of the new look. Moving away from stock bars makes your bike different from other bikes of the same model. And of course, that just gives you a reason to upgrade your throttle, brake and clutch lines too.
Rear Directional Conversion Kit: It's hard enough to be seen by other drivers when on a motorcycle, so why not take every advantage you can. By converting your rear turn signals into braking lights also, you give other drivers a better chance of seeing what you're doing. This is safer. With this kit you still retain your turn signals, but your rear brake lights are more visible and effective.
Sissy Bar: If you've got a passenger, they'll love you for it. The sense of security they feel helps to make an enjoyable ride all around, especially if they don't have to grip onto you for dear life when you're blasting down the highway. And if you've put on some ape hangers, it will help balance the look of your bike on both ends.
AESTHETIC ACCESSORIESOf course you want your bike to look cool too. And let's not forget it has to be unique.
Pipes: Exhaust, pipeswhatever you call them, nothing changes the sound of your bike more than a new set of pipes. Dual exhaust, 2-in-1, drag pipes, whatever your preference this is a major step to making the bike your own. Of course, this probably means you also need a new air intake and some rejetting. Why not upgrade the carburetor while you're in there too?
Chrome: Nowadays everything on your bike can be chrome. And it looks great on a beautiful day, gleaming in the sun. From chrome handlebars to solenoid covers, if you can see it you can probably put some chrome over it. Just be careful. If you get too carried away, you might spend more time washing it than riding it.
Turn Signal Relocation Kit: If your turn signals are on your handlebars, this will really change the look of your bike. It doesn't seem like it would, but it does. Cheap and easy, this will help your bike be unique compared to others of the same model.
Skins: I'm talking about a new paintjob for your tank and fenders (skins). Cost averaging about $2500, this will be the ultimate in making your bike different from anyone else's. Custom paint will allow you to make your motorcycle into your dream motorcycle. Can you see your bike on the cover of the latest motorcycle magazine yet?
Of course, there are thousands of other things you can do like stainless steel braided cables, blacking out your bike by having no chrome and using only black powder-coated parts, etc. There are cheap options and seriously expensive options. All in all, what matters is what makes you happy, without going bankrupt that is. Safe riding y'all.
