Passionate riders always want their bike to look personal and customised. A motorcycle is not just a machine, but for some riders, it is part of their identity. There are many ways to make your bike stand out in a crowd through customisation. In this blog, we will discuss budget-friendly accessories so that you can customise your bike without stretching your budget.
Why Budget-Friendly Customisation?
- Customisation provides a fresh look and personalisation to the bike without costing too much
- Budget accessories are often plug-and-play, as they require simple tools
- Premium parts are often sold at an expensive price
- Low-cost accessories allow riders to test different looks on the bike
1-Handlebar and Grip Updates
Handlebar and grip updates are one of the easiest updates that bring comfort and a better experience of riding with a new look. It is a first step towards customisation.
Handlebar Styles
Clip-ons: They improve handling at high speeds and are popular among sport bikers. They can be less comfortable for long rides, but they give an aggressive riding stance.
Ape Hangers: Ape Hangers may prove to be impractical for everyday use, but they give a bold and classic look. Tall handlebars are mostly seen on cruisers.
Drag Bars: They are flat and straight bars. Moreover, they provide a clean and minimalist look.
Standard Bars: They are ideal for long-distance riding, as they are wider and higher than clip-ons. Additionally, they provide comfort as well.
2-Grips
Grips are often a small detail that makes a big difference. They provide comfort and control. Typically, soft gel grips are affordable and reduce fatigue in the hand during long rides. Moreover, foam grips are good at absorbing vibration. Lastly, heated grips are good for riders in cold weather.
3-Mirrors and Indicators
Riders who want to modernise their bike can replace mirrors and indicators. They are not only for function, but also provide a classic look. Moreover, bar-end mirrors provide a wider angle than stock mirrors, and besides aesthetics, they are really effective for everyday life. Additionally, custom indicators are smaller and brighter. Often, riders do not find it very difficult to replace old ones with new because many LED kits are plug-and-play.
4-Seats and Seat Covers
Comfort is one of the most important aspects for a rider, and a seat can ruin the experience of bike-riding. Mostly, aftermarket seats are affordable and stylish. So you do not need to give up your comfort for style. Additionally, there are many options available for synthetic leather, suede, and waterproof vinyl. Moreover, getting extra foam added solves the problem of fatigue. Gel inserts distribute pressure evenly during the ride and reduce fatigue. Lastly, a rider may require a bigger change beyond just covers, which is why they may want to change the seat for lasting change.
5-Windscreens and Fairings
Windscreens provide riders protection from heavy wind, and fairings give stability at high speeds. It is important to realise that both are significant updates for a smooth bike experience. Commonly, a mini windscreen is effective for street bikers and is easy to install. Beyond that, touring windscreens are for those riders who travel long distances. They are taller than mini-screen and offer flexibility for different riding conditions.
6-Luggage and Storage Accessories
Generally, travel riders require storage bags for long-distance touring. Sometimes, street riders also need tank bags for daily commuting. Tank bags are attached to the top of the bike tank and are most suitable for carrying a mobile phone and wallet. Moreover, saddlebags have a large capacity and are most fitting for travel riders. Besides that, tail bags are optimal for sports riders, and they can be strapped down securely.
DIY Customisation Parts
Customisation does not always require making major updates, but sometimes, cheap tools also enhance the style of your bike. For instance, spray-painting panels are popular among riders for their smooth finish and better durability. Moreover, vinyl wrapping comes in matte, gloss, and carbon fibre. Additionally, LED strips and underglow kits can also be installed without much wiring knowledge.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here are some of the common mistakes riders make that lead to wasted money and poor bike performance.
- Unbranded accessories may sometimes appear cheap and appealing, but they can crack after a few months
- Unbranded paintwork may fade quickly after sunlight and rain
- Replacing low-quality stuff can cost more than simply buying a branded product
- Not making sure if the accessory fits your bike model
- A seat cover that does not align can cause damage
- Overloading a bike with accessories may damage it in the long run
- Poor wiring can lead to electrical faults
Where To Buy Budget-Friendly Accessories
It is important to figure out where you need to buy the accessories so you can get affordable and effective accessories for your bike. The source of your purchase determines the quality and durability as well.
- Online platforms such as Aliwheels and Amazon provide good quality customisation options
- Local motorcycle shops can be a bit risky, but they provide immediate support, even if they are more expensive
- Second-hand options can be an option for bikers with a tight budget
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed budget-friendly accessories for riders. Beyond that, we addressed some common mistakes riders make while buying customisation products. Additionally, we explored different customisation options for bikes. Lastly, it is important to buy customisation tools from the right source to experience good durability and support.
