Accessories All Motorcycle Commuters Should Have
Few people log more miles on their motorcycles than commuters. One thing many commuters learn is that when you’re going to spend hours a day on your bike, your needs and riding gear will start to change. You might find yourself valuing practical equipment more than ever before, and you’ll start looking at your motorcycle’s performance in new ways.
We’ve listed the motorcycle commuter accessories we find most important below. Read on to learn more about all the gear motorcycle commuters should invest in. If you’re still in the market for the perfect commuter motorcycle, stop by Indian Motorcycle of Orange County. We proudly serve the areas of Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, California.
Full Body Riding Suit
If you’re riding your bike on a daily basis, you’ll eventually find yourself riding in the rain, wind, and cold. Many riders turn to cheap, packable jacket and pant combos that can protect you from water but don’t offer much insulation. While this system works alright in a pinch, it’s not ideal. The best protection you can get against these elements is a full body riding suit. A full body suit is easy to put on and take off and it protects your whole body from the elements without any cracks or breaks in coverage. While they’re usually more of an investment, some full body riding suits are even waterproof.
Visibility Gear
One of the biggest threats motorcycles face is other vehicles. Many motorcyclists are hit every year by car drivers who didn’t see the rider. Having some visibility gear won’t fix the aloofness of other motorists, but it can make a difference when visibility conditions are low and other drivers are actually trying to see you. High visibility jackets and vests are a great place to start.
Neck Protection
The neck is a vulnerable place when riding in bad weather because it’s rarely covered by other pieces of gear. Helmets often stop just below the jawline and most people don’t turn their jacket collar up these days. A scarf, neckerchief, or bandana can help to keep your neck warm and also help to block water from going down your jacket collar. In the summer, a bandana soaked in cold water will help you cool down faster.
Windscreen
There’s a big debate between those who prefer riding with windscreens and those who prefer riding without them. While that’s a valid debate in many cases, a windscreen is a godsend when commuting. A windscreen will protect you from the forces by deflecting them around you. This is extremely helpful when a storm descends out of nowhere and every semi-truck on the road is spraying water into your face. Windscreens also make riding less tiring because they reduce the amount of strain put on your core muscles due to the wind. That means you can show up to the office feeling rested and relaxed.
Top-Side Box
Most people need to bring items to work, whether it’s a laptop, a lunchbox, or tools. Saddlebags are nice, but their size and shape isn’t always right for the things you might be bringing. A top-side box gives a larger, more usable bit of cargo space. Many top-side boxes can also be used to hold a full face helmet so you won’t have to bring yours into the office.
Stereo
It’s nice to have music while you ride, especially if your commute involves areas of heavy traffic. Instead of listening to motors running, you can put on your favorite CD, audiobook, or podcast. Modern motorcycle stereos can often be controlled handsfree or with Bluetooth, which makes them even more convenient.
If you need commuter accessories, stop by Indian Motorcycle of Orange County. We’re located in Orange County and we proudly serve the areas of Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, California.