Top Must-have Accessories For Your Two-wheeler

These practical accessories will enhance your ownership experience considerably

The Indian two-wheeler market has evolved from just being restricted to point A to point B commute. Riders nowadays are spoilt with choices when it comes to two-wheelers. Parallely, the accessory market is also witnessing a boom as many customers want more from their machines than just what manufacturers provide in stock form. We round up some of the most essential ones to enhance your ownership experience.

Safety Gear:

Investing in safety gear should be the first thing after purchasing a two-wheeler. We’d recommend a DOT or ECE certified helmet but since the government’s stance on those helmets are not clear, go for an ISI-certified full face helmet. Do not buy half face helmet even though it’s convenient as it does not protect the lower portion of the face, which is just as crucial.

For regular commuting, an entry-level mesh jacket along with a pair of knee pads and riding gloves should suffice. Or better, invest in a textile riding pant for superior overall lower body protection than just the knee pads. Always wear shoes while riding, and do not wear slippers or sandals as they do not offer adequate protection in case of a crash. There are riding boots available for street use as well. Invest in one of them.

Crash Protection & Security:

An engine guard is one of the most basic crash protection equipment. Most of the manufacturers offer them as optional fitment. For faired motorcycles, it is apt to invest in good quality frame sliders. They may be expensive, but not as much as having to pay for the entire fairing in case the bike falls over. Front fork and rear axle spools offer additional protection too.

Practical add-ons:

These accessories include helmet locks, mobile phone mounts, charging ports, first aid kit, comprehensive toolkit and the likes. Helmet locks help in locking both rider and pillion helmets to the motorcycle itself, eliminating the need to carry them around. When installing a charging port, make sure the wiring is done properly, without damaging the battery. Avoid chinese products as they do not have good quality standards. Make sure the contents in the first aid kit are well within their expiry dates, and if not, replace them regularly.

In case you have to park your motorcycle out in the open, a waterproof bike cover should come in handy. Good quality ones also resist UV rays, thus helping the paint job last longer. A good set of seat covers will protect your seat fabric from external wear and tear. You could also opt for gel seat fitment if you find the stock seat a bit too hard.

Maintenance Accessories:

The most basic must-have accessory is the chain cleaning and lube kit. Despite being extremely crucial, the chain is often one of the most neglected parts of the motorcycle. The kit helps in keeping the chain drive in top condition as it is the only component that connects the engine to the rear wheel. The chain can be easily cleaned by propping the vehicle on its centre stand. If your bike doesn’t have a centre stand, investing in a sturdy paddock stand would also serve the purpose. For the external bodywork, a microfiber cloth, polish (for metal parts) and sponge combo would suffice for neat upkeep of the motorcycle.

These basic accessories should help you get more out of your two-wheeler. You can even spice up your ride with stickers/ wraps. However, beware that full-body wraps may not be legal as it would mask the stock colour of the vehicle. A tank pad will also help keep scuff marks at bay.