A Guide to Motorcycle Accessories
So you want to accessorize your motorcycle? Where do you start? It depends on what you want; improved performance, appearance, comfort, utility? Choosing the right accessories for your bike can improve or tailor any of these areas to your needs.
Performance
Exhaust - Aftermarket exhaust systems are the single most popular modification for cruisers however, all types of bikes can benefit from a free flowing exhaust system. By choosing the right exhaust you can improve performance, looks, and reduce weight all at once.
Air filters - Huge performance gains can be archived by using an open element air filter to help get more air into your engine.
Tires - Stickier performance rubber will improve all aspects of your bikes handling. Keep in mind you will sacrifice longevity as the performance tires will wear out sooner.
Lights - High wattage head lights or accessory lights can make any motorcycle easier to see and be seen. Be sure to check local regulations and your bikes charging system before installing a headlamp that may be too powerful.
Appearance
Paint/Graphics - Nothing catches your eye like a custom paint job or graphics package. The sky is the limit with professional airbrushing and painting to do-it-yourself stick on graphics. Generally cruisers and choppers will go for custom murals while sport bikes will tend toward a more race-replica look.
Custom wheels - Wider is better if you ride a cruiser or chopper. Wide rear tires have a very aggressive look that is undeniable. Be careful of going too large though as wider rear tires will slow the handling. Sport bikes can really be set off with a nice set of chrome wheels to compliment bright graphics.
Fender kits - Fender eliminator kits are very popular for sport bikes. These kits dramatically clean up the rear of the bike, drastically changing the looks.
Comfort
Windshields - Adding a windshield to a cruiser can drastically increase the comfort. If you already have a windshield, going with a larger model will keep you warmer and more comfortable. Be careful not to go too large (above your line of sight) if you ride frequently in the rain; looking through a rain spotted windshield can be very difficult. Sport bikes can also benefit with a "double-bubble" type windscreen that helps the air flow up and over the rider.
Seats - Again, cruiser riders can find great relief from an aftermarket gel or contoured seat. The feet forward riding position of cruisers does not allow the rider's legs to take much of the strain of riding so the seat on these bikes becomes very important.
Bar risers - Sport bike riders find great relief in raising or moving their clip on bars closer to the rider. Just a few inches either up or back can completely change the way the bike feels.
Utility
Saddle bags - Any bike not already equipped with saddle bags can benefit from the additional load carrying capability. From leather cruiser bags to small textile bags for sport bikes, all sorts of bags are available to fit almost any motorcycle.
Tail bag - Cruisers can mount an additional bag to their sissy bars or rear racks while sport bikes can strap them down on the pillion seat.
Tank bags - Spot bikes generally have a large, flat surface on the top of the tank that works as a great mounting point for an additional bag. Clear map pockets on the top of these bags are an added benefit that can make navigating much easier.
GPS - These handy technology marvels make negotiating unfamiliar riding areas much easier. There are mounts available to allow almost any type of bike to add a GPS unit to the handlebars or fairing.
Whether you ride a Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Triumph, BMW, or any of the hundreds of other motorcycles out there, a few simple accessories can really improve your ride. Do not be afraid to turn to the aftermarket to try to improve areas where you personally are not happy with your motorcycle. The manufactures have to design products to fit as many people as possible, but you can customize your bike to be your own.
