When you get a new bike, it’s exciting, but there are always things that need tweaking to make it look and sound just right before you start racking up the miles. It’s not just about buying a bike; it’s about making it yours through the best top motorcycle mods. That’s why we’ve put together THE LIST of essentials you’ll need for modding your ride. These modifications can help your bike not only look sleek but also perform at its best.
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1. Fender Eliminator Kits
One of the first modifications many young motorcycle riders make is installing a fender eliminator kit. The stock fenders on new motorcycles are often bulky and ugly, which can ruin the appearance of your bike. A fender eliminator kit replaces those large fenders, giving your bike a much cleaner look. However, you must be careful when installing it, especially the rear part of the bike. Some kits might not properly relocate the tail light and rear turn signals, which could lead to problems.
In some cases, bikers can get into trouble with the police if the lights aren’t set up correctly. That’s why it’s important to choose a quality kit that ensures proper rear lighting and relocates all the required lights. If you’re not sure about the installation, it’s a good idea to have it professionally installed by a licensed mechanic to make sure everything is installed properly and safely. This way, you avoid any potential problems down the road.
2. Frame Sliders
Frame sliders are like roll bars for your motorcycle. They help protect the frame by keeping it off the ground in case of a crash or if the bike accidentally tips over. This simple modification can save you a lot of bucks by preventing damage to your bike. When choosing a decent set of frame sliders, make sure they’re designed to protect the fairings and not just made from cheap plastic. Spending a little extra money on a good set can be the best insurance for your bike, ensuring they do their job and protect the motorcycle properly.
3. Air Filter
The standard air filters on motorcycles are just that—standard. If you want to boost your motorcycle engine’s performance, an upgraded air filter can do wonders. A decent air filter allows the exhaust system to breathe better and helps the engine ramp up its power to perform at its best. A well-ventilated exhaust system brings in extra air to help the engine perform at an optimal level, improving overall efficiency.
Although aftermarket filters might seem cheap, they’re actually worth the cash since they pay for themselves over time. They can last tens of thousands of miles, and unlike flimsy paper filters, performance air filters deliver the goods for your bike. Upgrading your air filter is a simple yet effective way to make sure your bike beats the competition in performance.
4. Tank Grip
For spirited sport riding, you often need to lean your bike quite a bit, relying on your outside knee to hook onto the tank for support. If you’re using your arms through the handlebars to support your weight while cornering, you’re probably not doing it right. This is where tank pads come in—they improve a rider’s ability to maintain control and offer a better grip on the tank.
Tank pads are a must-have for any race bike or heavily-modified sport bike. These textured skins are not only affordable but also incredibly easy to install. They’re highly effective at doing their job, helping the rider stay in control and making cornering much smoother.
5. Brake pads
While many riders focus on going faster, few consider the importance of being able to stop effectively. Brakes are one of the most critical components of a fun and safe riding experience. A failure in your brake system can lead to serious injuries, so it’s smart to modify and improve your brake systems, even with something as simple as performance pads.
To the untrained eye, the modification might go unnoticed since performance pads are small and somewhat hidden behind rotors and forks. However, their ability to help you stop on a dime will certainly turn some heads. By upgrading your brakes, you improve their capabilities, ensuring a safer and more responsive ride.
6. Levers
Upgrading your bike’s levers and lines is a fantastic way to improve your bike’s performance and make it more responsive. Opting for high-end lines, especially those of the steel-braided variety, gives you a superior feel, offering the rider superior feedback. This effect can be further amplified with the addition of an aftermarket lever set or master cylinder, enhancing your control and making every ride more precise.
7. Sticker Kit
If you’re looking for pure style, stickers are an easy and cheap solution to make your bike stand out. Unlike custom paint jobs, which can be expensive and may not always turn out the way you want, stickers can be easily applied and removed. You can mix and match or pick a set that fits your taste. Just make sure to choose high-quality print with vibrant colours that are resistant to UV-fading, so you don’t end up with a faded sticker due to sun exposure.
8. Wheels
One of the best ways to alter the riding characteristics of your bike is by reducing unsprung mass, and a great place to start is with the wheels. By choosing aftermarket wheels, you can add a significant amount of lightness, which will directly improve agility. Whether you have a cruiser, sportbike, or any other style of scoot in your garage, upgrading your wheels will deliver astounding results. With so many fantastic aftermarket wheel options available, you’re sure to find the perfect set for your bike’s genre.
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9. Tires
When it comes to modification, few things will improve a bike’s performance as much as upgrading to higher-quality motorcycle tires. At this price point, it’s hard to find another modification that can bring such a marked change in your bike’s traction and grip. These tires not only significantly enhance your cornering abilities, but they also boost the confidence of the rider, allowing them to evolve and develop their riding abilities.
10. Luggage
Bikes are an enjoyable way to add some fun and adventure to your daily routine, but they don’t offer much in terms of storage. Thankfully, many aftermarket manufacturers offer a variety of motorcycle backpacks, hard-cases, tank bags, and tail bags to solve this issue. If you’re planning to use your bike for more than just the occasional Sunday morning ride, you’ll need some proper luggage to carry your essentials.
11. Aftermarket Exhaust
At Fuel Exhausts, we believe there’s no better modification than an aftermarket exhaust for your motorcycle. This is the No. 1 modification, winning 25% of the vote, making it nearly twice as popular as the second-placed modification. It combines extra performance with added style and a perfect exhaust note. By adding a Fuel aftermarket exhaust, you’ll enjoy a deeptone sound with a rumbling note at tickover and a powerful roar at higher revs. Not only does it deliver a great sound, but it also offers a substantial weight saving and allows you to personalise your bike’s look to your liking.
12. Tail Tidy
Tail tidies are a simple yet effective way to tidy up the back of your bike, giving it a much neater and compact appearance at the rear end. This aftermarket modification came in second with 14% of the vote, showing that for many bikers, the look of their bike is a key priority. It reinforces the idea that having a bike that really looks the business is important to a large proportion of bikers.
13. Crash Bobbins
Crash bobbins, also known as crash bungs, offer vital protection for your bike’s fairings and engine casing in the event that your bike goes down on tarmac. They help minimize damage when you drop the bike, but if it lands on gravel or soft earth, the effects of the bobbins may be nearly wiped out, leading to fairing damage which is almost a dead cert. Despite this, crash bobbins are still hugely popular, ranking third place with 12% of the vote, demonstrating how much importance bikers place on protecting their pride and joy from unexpected mishaps.
It’s easy to bolt these protectors onto your bike, making it a simple and effective way to keep your bike safe from being damaged during a fall. The popularity of crash bobbins highlights their role in safeguarding your bike, especially when considering how crucial it is to protect both the engine and fairings.
14. Radiator and Oil Cooler Protectors
Coming in 7th place with 7% of the vote, the radiator and oil cooler protectors are an important mod that helps protect your bike from damage. These protectors shield the vulnerable parts like the rad and oil cooler, which are crucial but often exposed to damage. Radiators are expensive, so it makes sense to invest in a stylish cover that can protect them. With so many cost-effective options available, it’s a smart purchase that can also personalise your machine.
15. Indicators
It’s surprising how many manufacturers struggle to create a sexy-looking indicator, but that’s why stylish indicators are such a popular modification, coming in 8th place with 6% of the votes. There are many different types and brands of aftermarket indicators, including both standard and LED options, giving riders plenty of choices to upgrade their bike’s appearance and functionality.
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16. Heated Grips
Heated handlebar grips are a must-have for motorcycling when the weather isn’t perfect. It’s a bit surprising that fitting heated grips didn’t rank higher than No. 9, especially considering how uncomfortable it is to try and get numb fingers working again. These grips are a game-changer, showing just how hardcore the biking community is, braving the cold to ride even when the conditions are less than ideal.
17. Battery Charger
Battery chargers may not be the most exciting mod, but when you need one and don’t have it, you’ll quickly realize just how essential it is. Coming in the top ten, this mod does nothing more than make sure your bike is ready to ride whenever you are. It’s a simple but crucial addition to ensure you’re never left stranded with a dead battery.
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