Motorcycle riding is all about embracing the open road with confidence, but not every accessory lives up to its promise of improving the ride. Some gear, marketed for added comfort, safety, or style, ends up being a letdown when put to the test. Riders often find that these products lack the durability or functionality needed to withstand real-world conditions, leading to frustration and, at times, safety concerns. From camera mounts that shake too much to crash pads that crack under pressure, certain accessories quickly prove themselves unreliable.
For motorcyclists, dependable gear is crucial for a safe, enjoyable experience on the road, yet many products miss the mark. The market is filled with accessories that sound great on paper but disappoint in practice, sometimes compromising the very features they were designed to enhance. Items like cheap phone mounts or weak windshields are just a few examples of gear that can fail under the demands of daily riding. Knowing which accessories to avoid can save riders from headaches, wasted money, and potential risks while out on the road.
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Low-Quality Cameras
While a motorcycle camera can capture thrilling footage, low-quality options often fail to provide crisp, reliable video. Many of these cheaper models suffer from weak image stabilization, resulting in shaky or blurred footage, particularly at higher speeds. Poor build quality is another issue, with some cameras not holding up to the elements, leaving them vulnerable to rain, dust, and vibration. Battery life is usually short, limiting recording time to only a fraction of what is advertised. In some cases, video clarity is so poor that crucial details are lost, making them ineffective even as a safety tool for incidents or accidents.
Cheap Crash Pads/Sliders
Crash pads and sliders are meant to protect a bike’s frame during a fall, but cheaper versions frequently disappoint with subpar materials that don’t hold up under pressure. Instead of absorbing impact, these budget options can crack, leaving the bike’s frame and engine exposed to damage. Their hardware often loosens over time, increasing the risk of breakage or detachment during a crash. In worst-case scenarios, poorly made crash pads even exacerbate damage by catching on the ground, flipping the bike, and causing further harm to components. This makes them a risky choice for riders aiming to safeguard their motorcycles.
Phone Mounts
Phone mounts may seem like a simple, convenient accessory, but low-quality options come with serious drawbacks. Cheap mounts often lack the grip strength or security to keep phones safe on bumpy roads, which can cause phones to shift or even fall off entirely. Many are poorly designed, vibrating excessively, which makes it nearly impossible to view maps or notifications on the screen. Furthermore, low-grade plastic or rubber materials deteriorate quickly in extreme temperatures, causing them to break or wear out after minimal use. This creates safety issues for riders who depend on navigation apps for their journeys.
Non-Durable Chain Oilers
Automatic chain oilers are intended to keep chains lubricated, but non-durable models fall short in consistency and reliability. These budget oilers frequently have poor seals that cause oil to leak, wasting lubrication fluid and creating messes on the bike and ground. Additionally, their tubes and fittings are often made of flimsy plastic, prone to snapping or clogging, which disrupts oil flow. Even worse, the lack of precision in cheaper oilers can lead to uneven lubrication, causing some parts of the chain to wear faster, defeating the purpose of the accessory entirely.
Inferior Quality Seat Pads
Low-quality seat pads are marketed to increase comfort, but they rarely live up to expectations on long rides. These seat pads often use low-density foam or thin gel that quickly compresses, offering little relief from the vibrations and bumps of the road. The stitching and fabric of cheaper pads don’t stand up to weather exposure, causing rapid wear and tear, especially in hot or wet conditions. They also tend to shift during rides, requiring constant adjustments, which is both uncomfortable and a potential distraction. This makes them a poor choice for any rider seeking lasting comfort.
Flimsy Saddlebags
Saddlebags are essential for carrying gear, yet flimsy, budget saddlebags have been a consistent disappointment for riders. Many cheap saddlebags are made of low-quality materials that are neither waterproof nor resistant to road grime, causing the contents to get wet or dirty. Their weak zippers, thin stitching, and lack of secure mounting hardware make them susceptible to tearing or detachment, particularly on rough terrain. Furthermore, some lack structured frames, causing them to sag and rub against tires or exhaust pipes, leading to further damage. Their poor durability renders them unreliable for long journeys.
Budget LED Lights
Riders often add LED lights to improve visibility and aesthetics, but budget LEDs are notorious for short lifespans and weak brightness. These lights frequently dim or stop working altogether due to poor-quality components that fail to handle a bike’s vibrations or weather conditions. Moisture can easily seep into the lights, shorting out circuits and requiring frequent replacements. Additionally, cheaper LEDs often have minimal impact on visibility, particularly at night, making them ineffective for safety and aesthetic purposes alike. Riders expecting quality lighting end up with accessories that barely fulfill their intended function.
Cheap Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Low-cost TPMS devices are intended to monitor tire pressure in real time, but their accuracy and reliability are often questionable. Many of these budget models lack the sensitivity to detect slight pressure changes, which can be crucial for maintaining proper handling and safety. Poorly constructed sensors tend to give false readings or fail in harsh weather conditions, which can mislead riders into thinking their tire pressure is fine when it isn’t. Cheap materials also wear out quickly, and batteries can fail without warning, making these monitors unreliable for serious riders.
Basic Handlebar Grips
Handlebar grips are key to rider comfort and control, but cheap grips made from poor materials tend to disappoint. These grips lack proper cushioning, offering little to no relief from vibrations, which can lead to hand fatigue over long rides. They’re often made from low-quality rubber or foam that quickly wears down, becoming slick or sticky in high temperatures. Without adequate grip strength, riders might find their hands slipping, which impacts control and stability, especially in wet conditions. Budget handlebar grips simply don’t last, making them a poor investment for riders seeking comfort and durability.
Weak Windshields
Windshields help block wind and debris, but weak or low-cost windshields tend to crack or vibrate under real riding conditions. These inexpensive options often lack proper mounting hardware, causing them to rattle or shift out of place, especially at high speeds. Thin, brittle materials mean they’re prone to cracks and scratches, reducing visibility and eventually requiring replacement. Budget windshields also fail to block wind effectively, leading to a noisy and turbulent ride. Riders expecting protection and visibility often end up disappointed by these poorly performing accessories.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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