Your motorcycle is an extension of your identity. The mechanics and aesthetics convey messages to other drivers and riders, while its functionality and the accessories you use set the tone for your experience. How you personalize your bike depends on what kind of journey you want to take. Use these motorcycle personalization tips to feel at home every time you go for a ride.
Decal Your Bike
Seeing a motorcycle isn’t the head-turning phenomenon it used to be now that there are 8.8 million bikes registered in the U.S. Many makes and models favor the dark, naked look, making it challenging to pick out your ride in a lot.
The smooth surface is a blank canvas to collage images, slogans and brand graphics that speak to your identity. Sticking decals to the exterior is a simple way to personalize the aesthetics. Vinyl stickers are more expensive but last up to three times longer. Bright colors and negative white space increase visibility. You can also tag your motorcycle safety gear, including the top of a full-face or half-face helmet, to spot your equipment from a mile away. Ensure the material won’t scuff your paint job. Use a heat gun to remove the image safely once it fades.
Customize the Paint
Want something more permanent? You can change the color of the body with a custom paint job for $300 to $1,200, but it will last as long as the bike. You can get wildly inventive with the designs once you find a technician with the necessary skills. Nothing gets attention like the perfect shade of red, green, yellow or blue cruising down the main drag.
Fine-Tune Ergonomics
Your motorcycle should fit your body type, but most models don’t come off the lot tailored to your measurements. The seat, handlebars and pedals are adjustable to help you get into the most comfortable position. You shouldn’t have to strain or compress yourself to reach the controls. Watch for any loss of feeling or muscle cramps during or after long rides. Swap the factory seat for a padded cushion with more support. Use aftermarket pegs to give your feet more room to rest. Adjust the angle and height of the handlebars so your elbows are slightly bent. Heated seats and handlebars make for cozier rides in the winter.
Lock the Throttle
Love a long ride on the highway? Add cruise control or a throttle lock to set your speed on long rides so you can keep your hands on the handlebars.
Communicate Wirelessly
You and your buddies are one of a kind. Use a motorcycle helmet intercom to bring the banter along for the ride without looking away from the road. It uses Bluetooth to create a direct link between up to 15 units and won’t get disconnected as the formation changes.
It also resyncs automatically in range, so you don’t have to reset the device. Just mount it onto your helmet and ride.
Bring Hands-Free Audio
Most of us don’t leave the house without music, podcasts or the news filling our ears, so why should riding a motorcycle be any different? Use a motorcycle helmet Bluetooth headset with 40mm JBL speakers that adjust volume based on surrounding noise levels. No more swiping through playlists or skipping through ads. The device is voice-operated to keep your hands free. Just speak to the receiver to queue up the next track.
Light Up the Road
Motorcycles have narrower head and tail lights than cars, reducing visibility. Upgrade to brighter LED bulbs or a light bar to make yourself known to other drivers.
Go Lithium
Every extra pound reduces fuel efficiency and acceleration. Swapping the factory battery for a lithium version will shave off several pounds. They also perform better in extreme temperatures for faster start times.
Lighten the Fairings
For an even sleeker ride, replace the fairings with those made of epoxy or carbon fiber to further reduce the weight.
Log Your Trip
Every trip is a journey, producing insights into your riding style and skill level. Use a dashcam, GoPro or data logger to record crucial details of the experience. The latest tech will track your location, the number of rotations per minute, mpg ratings and other helpful info about how well your bike performed. These stats can clue you into mechanical problems brewing in the background before they require extensive repairs. You can also monitor your times to see how fast you complete each lap on a track.
Modify Your Specs
If you crave more horsepower and torque, you can retune the engine with an aftermarket exhaust and air filter to boost the specs of your bike. Upgrade the brake lines and pads to carbon fiber or Kevlar to maintain your stopping distance.
Refer to the owner’s manual and consult a mechanic before adding or removing equipment.
Build Out the Suspension
Unpaved roads and potholes won’t throw you for as much of a loop with a new suspension system. It will reduce vibrations to help you carry on with ease.
Personalizing Your Motorcycle
You didn’t buy a motorcycle to blend in with the crowd. Adjusting the specs, customizing the look and using accessories will personalize the experience to help you get the most out of your purchase. If you recently bought a bike and aren’t in love with it, a quick makeover could transform it into the vehicle of your dreams.
