8 affordable motorcycle modifications

8 affordable motorcycle modifications

Ever thought of modifying your motorcycle? Still in doubt whether the modification would come in use? Well, here is our list of the top eight affordable motorcycle modifications. The list comes with product suggestions for some modifications, but you can choose what you like; there are quite a few options in the market.

 

1- Headlamp upgrade

Most motorcycles in India come with halogen bulbs with reflector clusters designed for it. While upgrading, one must stick to a Halogen bulb replacement with higher output for a significant increase in headlight performance.

Common mistakes – Installing High Intensity Discharge lamps (HID) and LED bulbs in a cluster made for Halogen bulbs. The bright light blinds oncoming traffic and can cause accidents.

Product suggestion - Philips X-treme Power, Osram Nightbreakers.

 

2- Bar grips

Manufacturers are always looking for places to cut costs and motorcycle grips suffer as a result. The hard plastic material used for most affordable motorcycles can cause sore hands especially over long rides. One can install a set of aftermarket motorcycle grips in a matter of minutes. There are various types and brands to choose from. Just make sure not to end up with lower quality grips than before.

Common mistakes – Thick-foamed grips might seem to be appealing at first but can prove to be dangerous. As the increase in diameter of the grip causes the hand to be further away from the brake lever.

Product suggestion – Harris Performance, Driven.

 

3- Tank pad

Belt buckles, Jean buttons and zippers are only few of the many things that end up scratching the tank on your motorcycle. The cost of getting the tank repainted can be saved by installing a tank pad. Tank pads come in many designs and colours, one can choose to one’s taste. For riders who are looking for a cheaper alternative can go in for a clear vinyl, which does the job equally well.

Common mistakes – Low quality tank pad can damage the paint on the tank with its gum residue.

Product suggestion – 3M clear vinyl, Harris Performance, Rascal Grafik.

 

4- Gel seat pad

If the seat on your motorcycle is a bit hard and starts to feel uncomfortable after certain amount of time. You can consider getting a gel seat pad. Available as a universal seat cover or one can source a gel pad and get it custom fit into the seat.

Common mistakes – Getting excess foam. This not only changes the riding position, but also increases discomfort on longer distances with excessive movement.

Product suggestion – SofaRider, Airhawk.

 

5- Custom windscreen

The joy of motorcycling is getting out on the open road and feeling the wind on your body. But too much of it can prove to be tiring. A larger windscreen will not only reduce the effects of wind but also reduce the amount of bugs flying into you. Most windscreens are an easy custom fit.

Common mistakes – Incorrect placement. If the windscreen isn’t placed correctly, it might cause more buffeting instead of reducing it.

Product suggestion – A windscreen from the Honda CBR250R or the Bajaj Pulsar AS200 for custom fitment.

 

6- Bar ends

As your motorcycle runs, the handlebars form a resonant mechanical system. That is, the bars tend to shake at certain frequencies in certain ways. These frequencies are basically vibrations you feel on the handlebar. The best way to reduce these vibrations is by installing bar ends.

Common mistakes – Installing replica bar ends. These do more harm as might add to vibrations instead of reducing them as they are made of cheap quality materials and are sometimes not of equal weight.

Product suggestion – Renthal, Driven.

 

7- Larger rear view mirrors

As motorcycle designs get sharper and more angular, so do the designs for rear view mirrors. In some cases, the edgy design of the mirror might reduce its usability and performance. Simple aftermarket circular or rectangular ones could do wonders for rear view visibility.

Common mistakes – Low quality aftermarket mirrors tend to vibrate at higher speeds and make things worse.

Product suggestion – Find one off another compatible motorcycle or go the aftermarket way.

 

8- Rear suspension adjustment

Lastly, the cheapest. And it’s not really a modification but an adjustment. The rear shock on most motorcycles come with pre-load adjustment. Using a simple tool (mostly supplied with the bike) one can increase the pre-load to cater to added weight of a pillion or if you are looking at sportier handling.

Common mistake – Ignoring this feature.

Product suggestion – None.