Motorcycle Gear

As most riders know, the motorcycle is just the beginning of your investment! Then comes the gear, which can customize your bike, enhance your riding experience and/or make your life easier.

Below is an overview of some of the most popular motorcycle gear and a brief description of each.

Saddle Bags: These are storage bags designed specifically for motorcycles. They usually attach to the sides of the motorcycle, behind the rider’s seat. They come in various materials including leather, synthetic materials, and hard plastics, and they’re essential for longer rides.

Fairings: Fairings are shell-like structures made of plastic, metal, or composite materials that cover parts of a motorcycle, primarily to reduce air drag and protect the rider from wind and debris. They often encompass the front of the motorcycle and can extend to the sides and rear.

Windshields: A windshield (or windscreen) is a transparent or semi-transparent screen that deflects wind, rain, and debris. On long rides, a large windshield can greatly enhance your comfort by reducing wind fatigue. Motorcycle windshield options include adjustable, tinted, and quick-release versions.

Heated Seats: Some high-end, touring, or luxury motorcycles come with heated seats for the rider (and sometimes the passenger, too) as part of the standard package. Other motorcycle manufacturers offer heated seats as an add-on accessory (designed to integrate with a specific model of bike). Other heated seat options include: complete seat replacements with integrated heating elements, heating pads, and covers that can be added to the top of your seat.

Heated Grips: Standard on some high-end models of motorcycles, heated grips are a popular add-on. They can be installed on almost any motorcycle, and they replace or wrap around the motorcycle’s handlebar grips, providing direct warmth to your hands.

Battery Tenders: Also known as trickle chargers, these devices maintain a battery’s charge level when the motorcycle isn’t in use or is in storage, and they can help extend the battery’s life.

Alarm Systems: Designed to prevent theft, today’s motorcycle alarm systems can do far more than just make a loud noise. The systems can send notifications, disable the motorcycle engine from starting, and more. Other alarm system features and options include: proximity sensors (which sound the alarm if someone comes too close to the bike), motion sensors (which are triggered if the bike is moved or tilted), remote start and stop of the engine, and integrated GPS tracking of the bike’s location.

Tire Changers: Motorcycle tire changers range from manual levers to hydraulic machines, and they can make the process of changing tires easier and more efficient.

Wheel Chocks: Stabilizing devices that prevent a motorcycle’s wheels from moving, wheel chocks are often used during motorcycle transport or for maintenance and repairs. Made from steel or rubber, wheel chocks secure the bike in an upright, stationary position.

Lifts: Motorcycle lifts are mechanical platforms or jacks used to raise a motorcycle off the ground for maintenance or repairs. Ranging from foot-operated to hydraulic-powered, motorcycle lifts safely raise the motorcycle off the ground, so that you can work on the underside of the bike.

Stands: The most common types of stands for motorcycles are kickstands (attached to the bike), center stands (also attached to the bike), and paddock stands (not attached to the bike). Center stands are typically used for parking the bike and doing basic maintenance. Paddock stands are primarily used for motorcycle maintenance and repair work that can only be performed if the motorcycle is lifted up.

Motorcycle Covers: Protective sheets designed to shield bikes from weather, dust, and potential damage, motorcycle covers are available in a range of materials, such as rugged canvas, lightweight polyester, and heavy-duty waterproof fabrics. Other motorcycle cover options include: UV protection, ventilation systems, heat-resistant panels, elastic hems or tie-downs for secure fitting, and lock holes for added security.

Pull-Behind Motorcycle Trailers: Specifically designed to be pulled by a motorcycle, pull-behind trailers (also known as tow-behind trailers) can allow you to carry extra gear, luggage, or even pets. Ranging from compact single-wheel to larger two-wheel designs, pull-behind trailers offer options such as: aerodynamic design, waterproof compartments, cooler holders, expandable storage, and customized paint jobs. Materials on the trailers vary from lightweight aluminum to durable fiberglass.

Motorcycle Trailers: Hitched to cars and trucks, motorcycle trailers come in a variety of designs and configurations, from open flatbeds to enclosed cargo boxes. Other trailer options include: single or multi-bike carriers, foldable designs, and integrated ramps for easy loading. Advanced motorcycle trailer models might offer integrated brake systems, tie-down points for secure transportation, and shock-absorbing suspensions.

Motorcycle Hitch Carriers: Motorcycle hitch carriers are devices that attach to a vehicle’s hitch and allow you to tow a motorcycle, without the need for a traditional trailer. Constructed primarily from steel or aluminum, motorcycle hitch carriers securely hold the motorcycle via a platform or rail system. Options include: heavier load capacities, anti-tilt locking devices, ramps for easy loading, and adjustable wheel chocks.