An impressive quantity of motorcycle accessories is available from original and aftermarket manufacturers. Original equipment may often be more expensive, but quality and fit may explain the price. However, some quality aftermarket accessories can respond to your needs, especially when originals don’t exist. Installation by your dealer can ensure that you don’t compromise on safety. The questions you need to seriously answer are: Do I need

• A good set of tires? There is so much to say about choosing the correct set of tires. Remember, the contact patch of a motorcycle tire is about the size of the palm of your hand, so ensure your tire quality makes the most of that area. Consider your riding habits when talking to your dealer.

• A windshield? Small, handlebar-mounted windshields can improve the look of your bike in addition to providing better wind protection to your upper body. The bigger the handlebar-mounted windshield is, the more it changes the handling, which also varies according to speed. Frame-mounted fairings are bigger, heavier, and more expensive and they’re usually original equipment. They offer excellent protection for the whole body, small storage compartments and the option to install different gauges (oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, etc.). Note that the installation of a frame-mounted fairing is a professional’s job.

• A steering damper? Aggressive steering geometry and driving on an uneven pavement surface are situations that call for the use of a steering damper. Sport bikes operating at higher speeds may experience the stressful situation of steering instability. It is recommended to have it installed and adjusted by your dealer.

• An ultrasound whistle? It may keep wild animals away from your moving bike but it has to be clean to do so.

• A fork brace? Older motorcycles with a smaller fork tube diameter could use a fork brace for steering stability and constant braking capacity. More recent bikes often have bigger fork tubes and/or a front fender integrated fork brace.

• Air pressure variation indicator tire valve caps? Using a color code, these caps indicate even slight variations in tire air pressure at a glance. They are fast and easy to install and should be installed just before balancing your wheels.

• Air pressure variation indicator tire valve caps? Using a color code, these caps indicate even slight variations in tire air pressure at a glance. They are fast and easy to install and should be installed just before balancing your wheels.

• More powerful headlight bulbs? You can see better at night but can your electrical system take it? Will your electrical wires overheat? Ask your dealer. Is your headlight clean and well adjusted? Ask yourself!

• Adjustable levers? You should be able to easily reach your levers to perform powerful braking or to disengage the gearbox, without them ever touching your grips.

• Baggage racks? A top case? Saddlebags? A tank bag? Carrying objects on a motorcycle raises safety concerns that are discussed in The Two-day Ride. Exactly how much weight can your bike carry? First, make sure you take into consideration the following: the weight of the motorcycle with a full tank of gas, the weight of every needed liquid, battery and tool kit along with the weight of the fully-dressed rider and passenger. Then, consult your manual to check the overall capacity of the motorcycle. Note that the bigger bikes are not always the ones with the biggest weight capacity.

A motorcycle is inherently well balanced. Any alteration should be carefully planned and performed by your dealer or other trustworthy party. You should also inform your insurance company when adding accessories to ensure a precise evaluation.

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