Getting a new or used motorcycle is a great feeling, but there are a couple of things you might want to upgrade or change quickly. Your motorcycle needs to be comfortable and safe, and the upgrades you make to it will have both form and function.
Why should you consider motorcycle upgrades?
For beginner riders, you are likely very happy with your purchase and might be on the fence about what you can do in terms of changing some parts. The first motorbike you buy will always have a special place because it is the one that truly lets you cement the love of two wheels and the open road.
There are a few reasons that you should be thinking about upgrades for your bike:
- Your riding style
- The length of time you will ride your bike for (short or long trips?)
- Is it going to be for touring and extensive use journeys?
- The age of the bike you buy (adding mod-cons can lengthen the lifespan)
- Safety
- They are cool (sometimes upgrades are more for the aesthetics)
Tires
There is a much smaller amount of tire holding you to the road when you’re on a motorcycle, and that means you need to invest in the best you can afford. The higher the quality, the better when it comes to tires in general. Tires improve road grip and traction, your ride will be smoother, and you might find you have a little more confidence in your ride.
Rearsets
A rearset is one of the ways that you can make sure your bike is more tailored to your dimensions. Instead of putting yourself into awkward positions or never feeling quite right, a rear set will ensure the bike correctly fits your height. These footpegs are designed for performance and stability, and they look quite cool, too.
But first and foremost, aftermarket options are more adjustable than stock.
Fender Eliminator Kits
Some things are just to make the bike look cooler, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t upgrading. The stock license plate hanger might not bother you; you might not even consider it – until now. But when you know there are street-legal, minimalistic, neat-looking options… things change.
Wheels
Wheels are just as important as tires, and new wheels can quickly change the look and feel of your bike. Wheels are typically worth doing when you are doing the tires. Aftermarket wheels are often a lot lighter, so the bike is generally easier to ride and maneuver.
Windshield
A windshield on a bike can be a big topic of conversation, but there are many benefits to replacing yours. Being wind-whipped at high speed is no fun; small or non-sturdy windshields are just a no. A motorcycle windshield replacement is as much about looks as it is about safety.
Noise-blocking, wind-blocking, reducing debris, and staying dry. It’s a smart upgrade to make.
Seats
Stock seats are made for everyone, which really means they are made for very few people. They aren’t designed to be the most comfortable, but since they are one of the few contact points a rider has with the bike, they need to be something you like. Stock seats are notorious for being thin and hard on most bikes, so a seat upgrade is a good idea if you plan on doing longer rides or just want maximum comfort.
An added benefit of a modified seat is that they can add some height, which means if you’re a shorter rider, you can sit more comfortably. Anyone who likes to push the limits (safely) on their bike should check out performance or track seats.
Lines & Levers
While there are some aesthetically pleasing options, this is more about performance. An aftermarket lever set will give you a more noticeable feedback improvement and a better feel. Consider that just like the seat, this is one of the contact points – it should be exactly what you want, not just ‘close enough.’
Storage
Storage or luggage on a bike can add bulk, so having a box or a pack designed to fit a bike’s shape is a must. Although you still might not be fitting too much on there, aftermarket luggage options tend to be bigger and lightweight.
Tail bags, tanks, and hard cases are highly popular, and even if you’re just using your bike to pick up milk and bread – having somewhere to store it is a must.
Road trips on a motorcycle are a must-do; it is a freeing way to travel, and here are tips to make it even better: Ready for the Road: Guaranteeing a Great Motorcycle Road Trip • Edel Alon.
