Essential Motorcycle Accessories for Indian Roads

Riding a motorcycle on Indian roads can be a thrilling and adventurous experience for most youngsters. India is one of the most beautiful countries with diverse landscapes and cultural richness all over the different regions. Embarking on a motorcycle journey will not only open doors for adventure but also bring in various challenges like weather issues and dense traffic. However, one can easily navigate these conditions with security and safety by having the right motorcycle accessories for Indian Roads. With these accessories, one can comfortably ride longer routes and enhance their overall riding experience. 

But before we proceed with some of the important accessories, it is essential to understand their importance. Making a plan, connecting with friends, booking a motorcycle, or riding your own is what we all do during holidays or when we need a change. But what we miss out on is keeping the right equipment and accessories for our safety and vehicle longevity. Let us understand the importance of these motorcycle accessories on Indian roads and the best places to buy them. Further, we will pen down some maintenance tips for these accessories.

Importance of Accessories on Indian Roads

Bike rides on Indian roads without protection and the right accessories can be a great risk. Moving through the heavy city traffic to deserted roads, you can face a diverse set of challenges. Even a daily commuter can face various obstacles. Here is why having motorcycle accessories for Indian Roads plays an important role:

• Unpredictable Weather: Weather can change at any time of the day even if you tracked the weather forecast before starting the ride. In such a case, if you have waterproof covers or rain gear in your backpack, you can easily survive the condition and experience a memorable journey.

• Risk of Accidents: The proportion of two-wheeler accidents in India was 44.5% in 2021 [1]. In 2022, the death rate rose by 8% with 67,387 cases registered as hit-and-run [2]. Riding without motorcycle accessories on Indian roads is a big NO. Even government law has made it mandatory for motorcycle or bike riders to ensure they have the most critical accessories with them for their protection during the ride. 

• Motorcycle Repair: Let’s say you were riding in an area where there was no support for vehicle repair or a mechanic near you. In this case, if you had the repair accessories in your backpack, you could easily fix your bike and save inconvenience.

Most Important Accessories While Riding a Bike

Several protective gear are available in the market for the safety of the rider. However, when you purchase bike insurance [3], remember no coverage or protection is provided against damage to your bike accessories, whether it is a stand-alone own-damage policy [4] or a comprehensive plan [5]. Yet, one must invest in these crucial accessories for a safe journey.

Safety-First Protective Gear

Road safety is a top priority in India, here are some of the crucial accessories that one should always carry for their safety.

• Helmet: Helmets are made mandatory by law when riding a motorcycle. With a high-quality, ISI-certified helmet, one can protect against injuries to the head during accidents.

• Riding Gear: A set of products, such as riding jackets, gloves, and knee guards are also available for your additional safety. With these items, one can prevent major injuries due to a fall or collision.

• Crash Guards: Another crucial motorcycle component that offers protection to the engine, fuel tank, or frame during the crash or bike skid.

Visibility Enhancements

Riding at night seems a lot of fun but it can be risky too, especially in areas with low-light conditions. There is a high risk of accidents which is why you must install these visibility enhancements or motorcycle accessories for Indian roads.

• LED Headlights: Provide clear light to other drivers and durable than traditional incandescent bulbs

• Reflective Tapes: Great for night and foggy conditions as it allows passing vehicles and pedestrians to easily see you coming. 

• Auxiliary Lights: Prevents crashes and the risk of accidents by providing visibility on poorly lit roads and bad weather conditions.

Comfortable Upgrades for Long Rides

Comfort is crucial if you love long-ride trips. These accessories will help reduce tiredness and ensure you complete your journey safely.

• Seat Cushions: Your ride can be rough and bumpy on Indian roads, having these seat cushions will add more comfort and reduce pressure or strain on sensitive parts.

• Handlebar Grips: Riders can feel vibrations while driving on bumpy roads in India. Hence, for enhanced grip, control, and traction, make sure to buy handlebar grips.

• Footpegs: Provide support and comfort to rest your feet when going for long rides

 Storage Solutions

Whether you are planning for a tour or commuting to a nearby city on a motorcycle, having efficient storage solutions is essential. Excessive luggage can create disbalance which is why there are a few accessories to look for storage space:

• Saddlebags and Tank Bags: These are lightweight and do not impede bike handling. You can easily store your personal items and tools when traveling long distances.

• Top Boxes: Offer ample storage space and lock options to keep your valuables secure and safe even when you are not around.

Maintenance and Repair Tools

Motorcycles can face breakdowns during the ride due to uneven roads, flat tires, or adverse weather conditions. Hence, being prepared for roadside repair is a must. Here are a few accessories to carry with you to avoid inconvenience during long trips:

• Puncture Repair Kits: In India, potholes and uneven roads often lead to punctures. Hence, carrying one of these kits can save time and inconvenience on the mid-way. 

• Portable Air Pump: Helps adjust tire pressure to the right level for a safer ride rather than leaving you stranded on the road for help.

Weather Protection

Surviving India's adverse weather conditions without the right accessories or protection gear can be a challenge. To avoid health issues on your trip, carry these accessories to complete your journey regardless of the weather conditions.

• Rain Covers and Protection Gear: India experiences severe monsoons, and it can be unpleasant to be caught in the rain unprotected. Rain gear can help you stay protected from heavy rains during the ride. Also, having waterproof coverings or protection gear for your bike will keep it dry and guarantee that your trip is not interrupted.

Communication and Navigation Gears

Long trips often require proper navigation to drive safely and reach the destination without getting lost. Also, to stay connected with your fellow riders, friends, and family, you need the right communication tools. Here are a few accessories that will help stay connected and navigate the roads.

• Phone Mounts: Helps keep the phone within reach and visible to eyes for music or GPS navigation while riding.

• USB charger: Keeps your phone and other electronics charged for long trips

• Bluetooth Helmets: This enables hands-free communication with fellow riders and helps get navigation instructions easily without getting distracted while driving.

• GPS Navigation Systems: Avoid unexpected delays with accurate directions and updates with these GPS devices

Protective Clothing

Bike riders can fall, collide, or meet with severe accidents. Hence, having protective clothes provides additional security for long rides.

• Leather Jackets: Offers body protection during crash or collision as well as weather protection

• Riding Gloves: Provide hand guard and grip to riders for a safer riding experience

• Riding pants: Offer more safety and comfort to legs than casual pants

• Knee Pad: High chance of preventing the risk of knee injuries with these high-quality knee pad

• Goggles: Offers protection against heavy wind, dust, insects, and sunlight when riding thus preventing the risk of road accidents.

Where to Buy? - Trusted Sources in India

It is important to ensure that you buy motorcycle accessories for Indian roads from a reputable source for better safety. Here are some of the trusted sources that can offer high-quality and durable products.

• Authorized dealerships: Authorized Dealers offer genuine products that are durable and maintain high standards of quality. They even offer warranties and are compatible with other parts.

• Reliable online marketplaces: Several reputable online portals like Amazon, Flipkart, etc., offer bike accessories with proper reviews and ratings. These insights can help make the right decision and avoid counterfeit items.

• Local accessory shops: Apart from quality motorcycle accessories, these shops offer personalized advice, physical inspection, after-sale services, etc. You can even grab good deals and custom solutions from local shops.

Maintenance Tips For Accessories

To enjoy a fun-filled trip on your motorcycle, keep these maintenance tips for your accessories in mind:

• Regularly clean your protective gear to avoid cracks or wear and tear.

• After every ride, make sure to inspect your accessories and motorcycle for damage

• Store your helmet away from direct sunlight as it may damage the interior lining.

• Prevent cracking in your leather jackets and gloves by applying leather conditioner with a damp cloth

• Use a soft cloth to remove dirt from auxiliary lights or handlebar grips for a smooth ride

• Tighten any loose bolts in the crash guard to prevent any damage during the crash or tip-over

FAQs

Q1: What are mandatory accessories for motorcycle rides?

A: Make sure you have all the riding gear, such as a helmet and gloves when you ride. Also, carry reflectors, security devices, and basic repair tools for an enjoyable experience.

Q2: Are motorcycle accessories costly?

A: Some motorcycle accessories might be expensive like helmets while some can sound affordable. Less look for the price and more for quality when purchasing motorcycle accessories for your safety.

Q3: What are the important accessories for a new rider?

A: Helmets, gloves, riding jackets, knee pads, and boots are essential for the new rider's safety. Since inexperienced riders are more likely to have accidents, make sure to carry this safety gear on every ride.

Q4: How often should I replace my motorcycle helmet?

A: In every 3-5 years change your helmet for your safety. Also, check your helmet and replace it if there has been any damage during the accident.

Q5: Can I install accessories on my own?

A: You can install some accessories on your own by following the manufacturer's instructions, however, a few require professional help.