For many adventure lovers, riding a motorcycle is the ultimate adventure. It gives you the freedom to be alone or go where you please when you please. The feeling of experiencing something new every day is exciting and refreshing. However, it also comes with challenges, like changing weather conditions and your route, faulty riding gear, etc. If you are one of the proud motorbike owners, there are probably times when you have considered ways to improve it. Not only could it increase the power and longevity of your bike, but it can also transform its look. So, here are some easy tips to help you upgrade your motorcycle.
Upgrade Your Windscreen
When cruising at high speeds, windscreens are very important, especially for riders who plan to travel long distances. After all, it can get tiring after hours of riding if you don’t ride with the proper protection in place. Different aftermarket motorcycle windscreens options allow you to customize your bike according to your preferences. Motorcycle windscreens provide several benefits, such as improving airflow and reducing fatigue after a long ride. Therefore, it would be best to choose the perfect height and size before testing its durability by hitting some rough patches on the road.
Upgrade Your Suspension
One of the best ways to improve the performance and stability of your bike is through its suspension system. You can do this by installing a new front fork, rear shock absorber, or both. It will decrease bumpy rides, improve traction, enhance safety and comfort when riding on varying road conditions and terrain. Choosing between the front and rear suspensions depends on what kind of bike you have: sportbikes usually need a complete replacement, while adventure-touring motorbikes only require a new front one. Front forks also come in two options: telescopic type (i.e., inverted) and conventional (i.e., non-inverted). The telescopic type is easier to install, but it does not have the linear performance of the conventional one. If you are unsure about what kind of suspension is compatible with your bike, ask a mechanic for assistance.
Upgrade Your Brakes
Brakes are essential for any bike, especially on the road. After all, it is your safety net in times of emergency or during sudden stops. You can upgrade your bike’s brakes by replacing its stock brake rotors with premium quality ones (e.g., EBC discs). Doing this will not only prolong their lifespan but also increase braking performance. If you ride at night, then it is advisable to get brighter, and longer-lasting LED lights or even projector headlights that come along with fog lights. You may also consider changing the motorcycle’s brake pads as another form of upgrade. Most performance bikes have a fully loaded package, including lightweight alloy wheels and dual-purpose tires designed for on-road and off-road riding.
Upgrade Your Handlebars
Handlebars can be crucial for turning, maneuvering, and stopping your bike, especially if you plan to take a road trip or try out some stunts. Besides enhancing your comfort while riding, an upgraded handlebar system can also make shifting gears easier. There are many suitable aftermarket accessories available in the market today that allow users to customize their motorcycles with more style statements. However, make sure that you measure the dimensions of your stock set before making any final decisions. Also, remember to include all pertinent information about them (i.e., length, width, and height) to make your orders easier.
Upgrade Your Tires
One of the most popular ways of upgrading your bike’s performance is through its tires. You can boost your acceleration and speed by changing the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). But before you do it, make sure that you find replacements that are compatible with your motorcycle in terms of size and width. There are hundreds of tire manufacturers out there. Still, these three (DOTZ, Heidenau, and Mitas) offer high-quality rubber compounds that will improve traction when turning corners and when riding on wet surfaces. However, when choosing between DOTZ and Heidenau tires, it all depends on one thing: either you are willing to spend more or have a lighter wallet.
Upgrade Your Exhaust System
Just as it is known for its loud sound produced by the amount of fuel mixed with air, it can also be called one of the best upgrades you could ever make on your bike. Most motorcycle exhaust systems are easy to install but require professional knowledge about how engines work if you do not want any technical problems in the future. As long as you choose the right exhaust pipe that fits your bike correctly, installing one should require minimal effort and time. It will also help you save money since buying an aftermarket exhaust system often costs less than having your stock set repaired.
Upgrade Your Seat
This is the best upgrade they could ever make for some motorcycle enthusiasts. After all, it increases comfort levels while riding, which ultimately improves stability, especially during sudden turns. However, choosing a seat depends on one crucial factor: personal preference. Some riders prefer gel seats because they can cushion their back from shocks travelling for long periods on the road. Others prefer leather or faux leather seats because it is more comfortable and easy to clean. A simple experiment can help you determine which one suits your needs best.
Customize Your Motorcycle
After all, upgrading your motorcycle means choosing parts that will improve speed and handling and enhance the look of your bike. You can add custom logos, paint jobs, and decals to make your bike truly unique. Some riders also add auxiliary lights to the rear fender of their motorcycles because it improves illumination in dark places by placing a light beam on the road whenever you brake. Additionally, adding a sissy bar in the rear is also an option if you want to carry more items on your bike. It is common for even professional riders to add this accessory when planning long rides without bringing too much luggage.
As you can see, upgrading your motorcycle does not have to be expensive. As long as you choose the right parts and products, you can easily improve its general performance and aesthetics with minimal effort and cost. Keep these in mind, and you will surely come up with something worth trying on your bike.