When it comes to motorcycle gear, not everything is as essential as it seems. Some accessories promise to enhance your ride but end up being more about style than substance. In this list, we’ll break down 15 overhyped motorcycle accessories that you can skip, saving you time, money, and unnecessary hassle.
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Chrome Engine Covers
While they might enhance the bike’s aesthetic appeal, chrome engine covers are purely cosmetic and add unnecessary weight. They don’t improve performance, and the shiny surface can even increase the risk of glare in bright sunlight. Regular maintenance is also more challenging, as chrome is prone to scratching and tarnishing.
Aftermarket Exhaust Systems
Many riders opt for aftermarket exhausts to achieve a louder sound or a specific aesthetic, but these systems often do little to improve horsepower or torque. In fact, they can sometimes negatively impact performance due to improper tuning. Additionally, the noise can become a nuisance, and legal issues with noise ordinances are a potential risk.
LED Light Kits
LED light kits are often marketed as a way to increase visibility and make your bike stand out. However, they can drain the battery quickly if not installed correctly and may not be street legal in all areas. They offer minimal practical benefit during the day and can be distracting at night.
Helmet-Mounted Cameras
While capturing your ride on camera sounds appealing, helmet-mounted cameras can be cumbersome and may even affect the helmet’s structural integrity. The added weight can strain your neck on long rides, and the footage often requires extensive editing, making it more of a hassle than it’s worth.
High-End GPS Units
Dedicated GPS units for motorcycles are often redundant in the age of smartphones, which can do the job just as effectively with the right apps. High-end units are expensive, require frequent updates, and can be complicated to use. Plus, their small screens can be hard to read in bright sunlight.
Heated Handgrips
Heated handgrips seem like a luxury, but they can be unreliable, often failing when you need them most. They can also draw significant power from the battery, leaving you stranded if you’re not careful. For most riders, a good pair of insulated gloves will suffice.
Custom Seats
Custom motorcycle seats are marketed as a way to increase comfort and style, but they often come with a hefty price tag and don’t always live up to the comfort claims. Many riders find that these seats don’t fit as well as the original, leading to discomfort on longer rides.
Aftermarket Windshields
Aftermarket windshields are often touted for reducing wind noise and improving aerodynamics, but they can sometimes create more turbulence than the stock options. Poor fitment can lead to increased noise, vibration, and reduced visibility, making them an unnecessary and potentially costly modification.
Carbon Fiber Trim
Carbon fiber trim is popular for its sleek appearance and supposed weight-saving benefits, but in reality, the weight difference is negligible for most riders. The trim is expensive and purely cosmetic, often not justifying the high cost for the minimal visual upgrade.
Oversized Foot Pegs
Larger foot pegs are often marketed as providing better grip and comfort, but they can be overkill for most riders, especially those not doing off-road riding. The increased size can make maneuvering the bike more difficult, and they can get in the way when you’re not riding.
Custom Mirrors
Custom mirrors are more about style than function. While they may look cool, they often provide less visibility than the stock mirrors. Poor design can lead to increased vibration, making it harder to see behind you, which can compromise safety.
Engine Tuners
Engine tuners are often marketed as a way to boost performance, but unless you’re a professional racer, the benefits are minimal. They are expensive, require expert installation, and can void your bike’s warranty if not done correctly. The minor performance gains typically don’t justify the cost.
Leather Tank Covers
Leather tank covers are designed to protect the paint on your gas tank, but they can trap moisture and dirt underneath, leading to scratches and rust over time. They require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, which can be more effort than simply caring for the tank properly.
Custom Paint Jobs
While a custom paint job can make your bike stand out, it’s an expensive upgrade that doesn’t add to the bike’s functionality or performance. Custom colors and designs can also hurt resale value, as potential buyers might not share your taste in aesthetics.
Smartphone Holders
While convenient, smartphone holders can be more distracting than helpful. They place the phone in your line of sight, tempting you to glance at notifications while riding. Moreover, they can fail to secure your phone properly, especially at high speeds or on rough roads.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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