If you’re new to motorcycle riding, it might be difficult to know exactly which accessories, gadgets and gizmos you really need to ride comfortably and safely. Some things are absolutely necessary, while others are ‘nice-to-haves’ which make the riding experience that bit more enjoyable. There are so many new and exciting motorcycle accessories which are brought out each year by the best brands in the game but which you actually need really does often come down to personal preference. That said, many riders find that accessorising their motorcycle gear to the max really makes a difference when clocking up the miles.
In this article, we’re aiming to answer the question of ‘which motorcycle accessories do I need?’ once and for all, helping both beginners and experienced riders achieve the best experience possible every time they take their bike out for a ride.
Must Have Accessories For Motorcycle Riders
Let’s first take you through the absolute basics which every rider in the UK simply has to have in order to ride safely.
Motorcycle Helmet
You simply must wear a motorcycle helmet when riding a motorcycle in the UK – it is the law. There is the ECE Certification process in the UK for helmets which is now 22.06, meaning all new helmets must meet a high safety threshold to be road legal. ECE 22.05 helmets are still road legal, but we advise to upgrade if you haven’t already to 22.06 as it’s a stricter test and you shouldn’t compromise on the safety of your head. After all, your head is the most important part of your body to protect and a helmet is the best protection you can give it. Never ride without a helmet, even for a second.
Motorcycle Gloves
A good pair of motorcycle gloves are a simple must-have. Though not a legal requirement, riding without gloves can go against some insurance policies and we recommend choosing a pair with CE certification. Motorcycle gloves provide grip and greater control, while protecting your hands in the event of a collision. We would recommend waterproof motorcycle gloves for UK riders due to the changing weather, while heated gloves are a great option as winter gloves to fight the cold. In the summer use specific summer gloves for better ventilation.
Motorcycle Boots
Footwear is also important when it comes to motorcycle riding. Your feet and lower legs are vulnerable in the event of a crash, so proper shin protection, ankle support and reinforced toe boxes are essential. Proper motorcycle boots will also give you better control of the foot controls and have super grippy soles to keep you in place. Good boots also offer waterproofing, wind protection and breathability, aiding comfort as well as safety and control.
Motorcycle Protective Clothing
When riding a motorcycle, your body is exposed, unlike in a car or other large vehicle. This poses a significant risk should you crash, so proper motorcycle clothing with in-built protection is a life-saver. Most good motorcycle jackets and trousers these days come with a good level of protection in all the right places. Modern riding gear is becoming more and more casual in style, with items like motorcycle jeans coming equipped with armour, helping riders blend in with the crowd when not on their bike.
For further protection, you may consider added motorcycle protective gear, which is generally worn by off-roaders and green laners.
Motorcycle Security
Your motorcycle is a big investment and carries a lot of resale value. Unfortunately, that can attract thieves and that’s why motorcycle security devices are a true must-have motorcycle accessory. UK police recommend the ‘lock, chain, cover’ approach to motorcycle security, meaning locks and chains are vital purchases ahead of riding. Choosing a security product with a high Sold Secure rating (Gold or Diamond) is your best bet to ward off unwanted attacks on your bike.
Motorcycle Covers
Security leads us nicely into motorcycle covers, which are essential for a number of reasons. Many thieves often look for certain motorcycle models to steal, so properly covering your bike with a secure cover is a great way to avert prying eyes. A good cover will also protect your bike from the wind, rain and cold, ensuring it’s always in top condition.
Motorcycle Luggage
Unfortunately, motorbikes don’t come with a boot like cars do. That’s why purchasing some form of motorcycle luggage to carry all your belongings is vital. There are many options to choose from, including ones which attach to your bike such as tail bags, tank bags and panniers, plus backpacks, waist bags and leg bags which attach to your body. Whichever is best comes down to personal preference, but you want to be able to comfortably carry everything over a long distance, which is where the bags which attach to your bike really come into their own.
Motorcycle Battery Chargers
A motorcycle battery charger keeps your bike’s battery healthy, especially if you don’t ride daily. Cold UK weather, short trips or storing your bike over winter can drain the battery. A charger maintains the charge, prevents battery failure and extends battery life. Smart chargers (trickle or float types) safely top up without overcharging, making them ideal for long-term maintenance and we recommend these for all new riders to avoid failure. Battery chargers are a must-have for avoiding dead batteries and ensuring your bike is always ready to ride as unfortunately motorcycle batteries are notorious for going flat after being locked away for a while.
Chain Lubricants and Cleaners
Even relatively new drive chains can snap if they haven’t been lubricated properly, so chain lube is an absolute must for all riders. Looking after your chain is an essential part of owning a bike and regular lubrication is a vital part of this care. Additionally, chain cleaners are not quite as important as lube, but we would recommend it as it helps keep the bike on the road longer and improve the riding experience with smoother gear changes. As such, picking up both chain lube and chain cleaners is recommended.
Nice-To-Have Motorcycle Accessories
Now we’ve explored the accessories you absolutely must have, let’s discuss some of the accessories which can really enhance your riding experience and help you get the most out of your bike. We stock some of the best motorcycle gadgets here at BDLA Motorbikes, which benefit from the latest advancements in technology and science.
Motorcycle Sat Navs
Sat navs are a wonderful modern invention that have really changed the game when it comes to travelling around the UK. No longer do we need huge A-Z road maps, as simple sat navs provide GPS directions to any destination. Motorcycle sat navs can be easily fitted to your bike’s handlebar, giving you full visibility of the journey and road ahead.
Motorcycle Phone Mounts
If you don’t want to invest in a specific sat nav device, there’s always your smartphone, which can be loaded with apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps which provide directions and traffic data. In order to safely use a mobile phone for directions while on a motorcycle, you will need a motorcycle phone mount, which secures your device to your handlebar. There are many phone mounts and phone cases available, with either device-specific or universal fit.
Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets
Speaking of your phone, why not consider a bluetooth headset or intercom system? Through bluetooth connectivity, these devices allow you to speak to friends and family over the phone while riding or simply listen to your favourite tunes. Bluetooth systems are a great way to stay connected while on the go and some helmets even come with bluetooth features in-built.
Heated Grips
As we all know, the weather here in the UK can be cold at the best of times and that’s why the invention of heated grips has really made a difference. Gone are the days of frosty fingers during a morning ride to work, thanks to heated motorcycle handlebar grips which benefit from both a comfort and safety point of view. You can even now get handlebar muffs, which are a favourite of food delivery drivers who want to be able to easily slide their hands into warmth after each delivery.
Balaclavas and Neck Tubes
Whilst we’re on the subject of the cold weather in the UK, we might as well discuss balaclavas and neck tubes. As you’d expect, these simple yet effective accessories provide a bit of extra warmth and wind protection to your face and neck, which can be really handy when at high speeds in the cold weather. We have many different balaclavas and neck warmers which riders love for the winter.
In Summary: Must Have Motorcycle Accessories
Hopefully through reading our article you will know exactly what items you need to buy to comfortable and safely ride your motorcycle. From absolute safety necessities like helmets, gloves, boots and body armour to further essentials like security devices, covers and luggage, we have covered all the basics, before delving into a few other accessories that many other riders benefit from today. Motorcycle gadgets like bluetooth systems and navigation devices really bring you into the 21st century, while heated grips and head/neckwear help fight off the cold.For more detailed information on motorcycle accessories or any other equipment we stock here at BDLA Motorbikes, please chat to our team.
