Compared to other forms of motorized transportation, motorcycles are relatively simple machines, and this fact has made them one of the most popular forms of transportation all over the world. Lots of people might assume that motorcycles are utilitarian pieces of equipment with very little in the way of technology and creature comforts, and while this might have been the norm in the early days of motorcycles, nothing could be further from the truth today.
The first motorcycles that were produced over a century ago evolved from bicycles and utilized many bicycle parts, and the early roads and paths that the first motorcycles traveled on were made of dirt, gravel, and sometimes brick in cities, so early motorcycle manufacturers kept things simple and focused on mechanical reliability above all else. But soon, riders began to upgrade their bikes to make them more comfortable and safer to use. This need for improvements led to the rise and popularity of motorcycle accessories, and these accessories not only made riding safer and more comfortable, but also allowed a rider to customize their bike to their own personal style and make it an extension of their personality.
History of Motorcycle Accessories
Early motorcycles were based on bicycles, so it's no surprise that the first motorcycle accessories were carryovers from bicycles. Things like reflectors, mirrors, headlamps, other forms of upgraded lighting, and even speedometers and odometers started to show up on motorcycles as accessories long before they became standard equipment from manufacturers. All of these items helped make motorcycles safer and added to the overall riding experience.
Many early motorcycle accessories placed an emphasis on personal safety as well, and the Snell and Dot rated helmets that are must-have pieces of equipment today started out as leather caps and plate-glass goggles, and scientifically engineered state-of-the-art motorcycle gear like riding boots, gloves, pants, jackets, and rain gear started out as simple leather boots and jackets. All of these items started out as optional accessories, but have become commonplace today.
With basic personal safety taken care of, riders began to look for and install accessories to their bikes that added to the comfort and increased the overall experience of riding a motorcycle. Headlights and windshields were some of the first accessories to be installed by dealerships and manufacturers. And as roads began to improve and motorcycles could travel further and faster, aerodynamic features such as fairings started to become popular, and aftermarket seats became a popular choice to allow a rider to travel comfortably. Because space is at a premium on a bike, saddle bags, which were a direct carryover from the days of long-distance horse travel, began to appear on motorcycles as storage devices.
Custom paint and chrome components became a way for a rider to customize and make their bikes and extension of themselves, and as technology began to advance, radios, speakers, and motorcycle sound systems became popular accessories that allowed a rider to listen to their favorite music and keep in contact with the outside world while traveling. Many of these accessories have become commonplace on motorcycles of today, and many manufacturers now offer them as optional or standard equipment, and while some accessories can be viewed as optional, many are now must-have pieces of equipment for modern riders.
Must Have Safety Accessories
One of the most important motorcycle accessories that was once viewed as optional, but is now required by law in many areas is a motorcycle helmet. Early helmets were made of leather and really didn't offer any impact protection. Modern motorcycle helmets have been designed with optimal safety and comfort in mind, but it is still crucial for a rider to choose a helmet from a reputable brand that fits well and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Protective gear like riding jackets, pants, boots, and gloves have always been popular accessories that help protect a rider from the elements and road debris, but early riding gear was almost always made of heavy leather that could trap in heat and make riding in hot climates uncomfortable. While leather is still a popular choice, especially for jackets, much of the modern riding gear available to riders today is made from breathable materials that keep riders comfortable and safe.
Visibility enhancements are also a must-have for riders who plan on traveling at night or over long distances. Bikes are smaller than other vehicles, and with so many distracted drivers on the road these days, accessories like reflective gear, LED lights, and reflective decals play a big role in making sure a bike is seen and stays safe during conditions with poor lighting.
Proper rain gear is another popular accessory that many riders will not leave home without. Good rain gear usually contains some reflective elements to keep you safe, and will be made from breathable water-resistant or waterproof material to help keep you dry and comfortable.
Must Have Accessories for Comfort and Ergonomics
While safety should be every rider's primary concern, comfort will play a significant role in a rider's overall experience, and many motorcycle accessories place an emphasis on comfort. One of the most popular accessories that is often added to improve comfort is an upgraded seat. Early motorcycle seats were just bicycle seats, but as motorcycles became more popular, the variety of aftermarket seats available increased and allowed a riders to choose the style that is most comfortable for them.
Handlebar grips are another popular accessory found on bikes today. Upgraded grips not only allow for better grip, but also reduce vibrations which allows for a smoother ride. Comfortable grips and seats make for a comfortable ride, but the biggest accessories that help make a motorcycle trip comfortable are the addition of a windshield and fairings.
Most bikes today feature some sort of windshield and fairings, but that hasn't always been the case. Early motorcycles featured little in the way of wind and road protection, but as bikes got faster, windshields and fairings became a must-have accessory for many riders. Fairings in particular have become a favorite for many riders because they help keep you clean and dry like a windshield, but make great storage spaces for other accessories such as electronics and stereo equipment.
The Most Must Have Accessories: The Best Audio Products
Now that safety and basic comfort have been covered, it's time to look into the most popular motorcycle accessories in recent years, sound systems. Radios have long been popular in cars where there is a lot of room for extra equipment, but they are a more recent addition to many motorcycles. Radios have been a good way to listen to music, but they are also a great way to keep up with local news and find out what's going on in the world. Space is at a premium on a bike, but thanks to the addition of larger front fairings, there can be plenty of room on a bike for a great radio and sound system.
While a radio head unit can be small and take up little space, the speakers needed to play music at a high quality have historically been large pieces of equipment, but thanks to advances in technology, smaller sized speakers can really pack a punch. Traditionally the best way to get a high-quality sound was to use different sized speakers that each focused on specific frequency ranges, such as tweeters, mid-range speakers, and subwoofers. Nowadays, coaxial speakers and two-way speakers allow more range out of a single unit, which makes lack of space less of a problem, and with the addition of an amplifier, you can now have fantastic quality sound at your fingertips.
With accessories like fairings and bags, speakers can easily be installed on a bike, but it is crucial to be sure you are using the right speakers for a motorcycle application. The open-air nature of a bike means that equipment on board will be potentially subject to bad weather, water, sand and gravel, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, so speakers installed on a motorcycle will need to be up to the task. Luckily companies like Cicada Audio, Mmats, XEL, Ground Zero, and Sound Stream all produce marine-grade sound system components that are ideally suited for a bike. There are even custom fairings available just for sound systems that will easily allow you to build your bike's sound system to suit your needs and style. If you love listening to music and riding, then a motorcycle sound system might just be the perfect accessory for you.
Where to Find the Best Accessories
If you are looking to upgrade your bike with the highest quality accessories on the market, where is the best place to find them? Look no further than Garage Bagger Stereo. The Folks at Garage Bagger carry the most popular accessories, such as fairings and motorcycle specific speakers, and have decades of combined knowledge when it comes to installing and using these accessories. They have an easy-to-navigate website and are just a call or email away if you have any questions, and they will gladly point you in the right direction when it comes to upgrading your bike.
So head on over to https://garagebaggerstereo.com , order the speakers, fairings, and other motorcycle accessories that you need, install them, hit the road, and enjoy listening to your favorite music safely in comfort and style!