Vehicle modifications in general can be tricky since you have to make sure that you get the right part for them. A lot of people focus more on aesthetics rather than on the practical aspect of addition and that is a mistake. This is especially true with motorcycles since you need to ensure your safety first rather than how good your ride looks. This article will focus on what you should install on your motorcycle so it would go better.
What should you add to your motorcycle?
You can change almost any part of your bike but have in mind that you don’t have to. Always consult your mechanic before changing anything especially if you are not an expert on the subject. There are many things you should keep in mind so follow the article to know what to change and how. These tips will help you with three major things when it comes to your ride:
- Safety
- Aesthetics
- Performance
1. Upgrade your windscreen and windshield
Riders often neglect this part of their ride, but you should know that it a very important component of any motorcycle. Do not confuse you’re the visor of your helmet for a windshield since it does not protect your torso, only your eyes, and head. Also, investing in a good motorcycle windscreen is a very wise decision especially if you like to take long rides on open roads at high speed. Even manufacturers ignore the importance of a good screen forgetting how crucial it could be for you as a customer.
Why is this upgrade important?
These windshields are important because they direct airflow around your bike rather than directly towards you, thus helping you handle your two-wheeled ride easier. You should have a professional install it for you because it can cause drag if not put on properly. Have a mechanic consult you on what is most suitable for your bike.
2. Add protection to your bike
Add frame sliders
This is a pretty cheap modification and can save you even more upon a potential crash or trip. Their purpose is to keep your frame away from the ground so that the damage is less severe. This upgrade represents the same as a roll bar is to a truck. Even though it doesn’t cost much, you should not settle for the cheapest option since it is probably made out of plastic and that will not do much especially if you crash while going at high speed. When you go out and buy these, make sure to invest a little bit more and you will be sure that your motorcycle is kept safe.
Invest in engine guards
Just like frame sliders, engine guards offer protection for your motorcycle in cases of crashes or spills. The difference is that they are not necessary for every type, only for those used for long-distance rides like, for example, cruising bikes. This upgrade comes in the form of a steel bar that keeps the engine from the ground in case if the bike is going down. Once again, installing such an addition can save you a lot of money in the long run because it will make the repair much cheaper, so investing in such a component is a smart move. It will make the most out of a potential crash, and your engine will surely survive.
3. Get better tires
When making a bike, manufacturers tend to put generic and multipurpose tires on them. They know that they will eventually wear down and that there will surely be a need for new ones, so the makers don’t invest too much in them, except for a custom-made motorcycle. Always be aware that you have to modify this component. However, you should also have in mind that it is not the same for everyone. The tires you need depend on the area you live in and the terrain you ride your two-wheeler on the most. This is why you should consult a mechanic to get the custom-made tires you truly need.
4. Find a good motorcycle stand
A motorcycle always has to stay stable and upright, whether you are driving it or keeping it parked. Even though it may sound like an unnecessary addition it can be really useful. When they first come out of the workshop, factory-made bikes have an unreliable stand that could cause potential damage overtime when it wears out. For example, if you have a sports motorcycle, get a rear stand since it lifts your ride making it easier for you to mount it and it is also simpler upon washing the bike because these components keep it straight up.
5. Upgrade your air filters
Just like other parts mentioned above in this article, air filters that come out with the new bike from the factory are standard. Upgrades in this area can enhance your engine performance because they help the motorcycle breathe by enforcing the exhaust system. That way, more air flows inside the engine that will then work better. Have in mind that this isn’t a cheap upgrade, but still is a smart investment if you want to take care of your ride. In any case, custom-made air filters beat standard ones anytime.
n bike riders get a new motorcycle, the first thing they usually tend to change before anything else is the fender eliminator kit so that their ride would look nicer. However, just like with every other part, you should be careful when installing a new fender. If you opt for a cheaper model, there is a potential threat of not adjusting the taillights and turn signals accordingly, meaning there are greater chances to be stopped by the police. That is why you should not settle for the least costly option but spend a little to gain a lot. A reliable kit will keep your lights as they should be, and it would be smart for you to get your mechanic to do this so that you’ll be sure it is installed safely and properly. This way you will have no trouble cruising down the road with a newly modified ride.
6. Modify your turn signals
Another addition that has both safety and aesthetic value is turn signals. First of all, some freshly made motorcycles come with a dorky-looking turn signal system because the lights stick out to the sides, but have in mind that the looks aren’t the only problem here. Turn signals that stick out can worsen your bike’s handling in narrow spaces and can cause crashes that do damage both to you and your two-wheeler. Modified lights make your motorcycle look nicer and are usually brighter making them more visible, and therefore safer for everyone on the road.
7. Get a battery tender
Since it is not likely for you to be riding your bike during the winter months, there is a chance that the battery on them will die faster. When your ride is sitting in your garage, the battery gets drained and therefore dies before its time. There is a solution that helps you avoid these scenarios and it is called a battery tender which keeps the motorcycle’s battery in good condition after every ride. It is even simple for installation and you can do it yourself at home.
Always have in mind that a healthy and safe motorcycle guarantees your safety. This is why you have to make sure you modify your ride the best you can so that you don’t get hurt, but also so that you don’t have to invest too much in repairs after a crash. Bikes that come out of the factory tend to have unreliable parts, and you should always bring them to a trustworthy mechanic so that he can tell you what to change and which parts to use for it. Follow these suggestions and you will always keep your two-wheeler in tip-top condition.
