Whether you’re commuting, enjoy a weekend ride or taking to the track; feeling safe, comfortable and protected from the elements are all important when it comes to riding a motorcycle. From keeping yourself protected to charging your phone, we look at the top 10 best accessories for a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Helmet
Possibly the most important accessories for a motorcycle that you will ever buy is a motorcycle helmet. These should be approved to British Standard BS 6658:1985 carry the BSI Kitemark or the ECE 22.05 standard, which is a European-wide certification that ensures the helmet meets minimum safety requirements (ECE 22-06 from next year). In addition to the correct safety rating, the helmet must be comfortable and practical.
There are several different styles of motorcycle helmet available from open face, flip up or full-face helmets, depending on your preference. If you’re a rider then you’ll know lighter weight helmets are more comfortable, particularly for longer rides and manoeuvrability for more ‘enthusiastic’ riding.
Motorcycle Helmet Accessories
Multiple motorcycle helmet accessories are available to riders. Helmet liners, visors, goggles, ear protection, helmet cameras, motorcycle helmet locks and stands are all useful accessories for a motorcycle rider. Once you’ve found a motorcycle helmet you like, they can often be customised with these extra accessories, so you don’t necessarily need an off-the-shelf solution.
Motorcycle Safety Jacket
A motorcycle jacket is, much like a helmet, one of the most safety critical accessories for a motorcycle; classed as a ‘motorcycle safety jacket’. In the event of an accident, a motorcycle safety jacket will provide the protection you need against impacts, abrasion and sharp objects. Motorcycle safety jackets are graded as per the following EN 17092 standards, displayed on the label.
AAA – The highest level of protection possible
AA – Suited to touring
A – Suited to urban riding (includes impact protectors)
B – Suited to urban riding (excludes impact protectors)
Motorcycle Gloves
Good quality riding gloves not only provide warmth and make riding enjoyable, but are also a safety critical accessory. Motorcycle gloves should be tested to the EN 13594:2015 safety standard, additionally you will see a number 1 or a number 2 on the label.
Level 1 – Basic protection, (Addition of KP on the label includes knuckle protectors)
Level 2 - Advanced protection, longer cuffs and knuckle protectors fitted as standard
Gloves tested at both levels involve assessment on likelihood to slide off in a crash, tear strength, seam strength, cut resistance, abrasion resistance, impact abrasion resistance (at palm), and knuckle impact protection (Optional for level 1, mandatory for level 2).
Cuff lengths are also rated to level 1 and level 2, so if the cuff is short, it will automatically be rated at level 1.
Motorcycle Boots
Motorcycle boots, much like a motorcycle helmet, jacket and gloves, are an essential piece of safety equipment. But how do you know they’re going to protect you in the unfortunate event of an accident? Motorcycle boots are approved to CE standards, which
means they carry the EN 13634:2017 rating; additionally, much like motorcycle jackets, you will see a number 1 or a number 2 on the label.
Level 1 – Basic protection
Level 2 – Advanced protection (Taller boots with higher ankle protection)
Motorcycle boots tested at both levels are assessed on boot height, impact abrasion resistance, impact cut resistance and transverse rigidity – resistance to crushing.
Quadlock
The ultimate mount for your smartphone, the Quadlock range of motorcycle accessories offer secure mounting, vibration dampening and charging for your smartphone. Perfect for making and receiving calls through a Bluetooth headset whilst riding, navigating and charging your phone on the move (with the addition of the quad lock USB charger). The Quadlock device is quick to attach/detach, features a protective case for your phone which doubles up as impact resistant case whilst your phone isn’t on the bike – perfect!
USB port charger
This gadget is a neat motorcycle accessory cable that links directly from the battery, which allows you to charge a mobile device whilst on the move. It’s available as part of the Quadlock case accessory range.
Heated Grips
In the winter, on the morning commute or long-distance touring ride, heated grips are a great accessory and can really make the difference between enjoying the ride or being, well, cold! Various versions are available, be it as an optional extra from factory or as an aftermarket motorcycle accessory to be fitted later.
Motorcycle cover – keep it under wraps!
Protecting your motorcycle from the elements is essentially an investment, particularly when you don’t have a garage or covered area to keep your bike. For motorcycles that live outside, a cover to keep the wind, rain and leaves off the bike won’t only ensure it’s clean, dry and ready to ride, but also keep prying eyes at bay! A breathable cover can add longer term benefits too; allowing moisture to escape reduces corrosion, keeping the bike looking fresh whilst maintaining the value of your motorcycle.
Cleaning Accessories
Keeping your motorcycle clean, lubricated and protected from the elements not only ensures it looks good but, like a motorcycle cover, it maintains the value of the bike. Motorcycles can be kept clean whether they are old or new, parts can be worn but still be clean, lubricated and working efficiently – all whilst being protected from the elements.
The motorcycle chain and forks deserve specific attention, because a clean and lubricated chain reduces both wear on the chain and the sprockets, prolonging life. Dirt can also gather around the suspension fork seals and cause fork oil to seep out in the longer term – so keep these clean too!
Bridge Motorcycles stocks a range of motorcycle clothing and accessories. Come and visit our showroom to see the range and pick up something for summer.
