Best Motorcycle Touring Accessories
Many riders use their motorcycles for different purposes and in many cases, it is possible to simply hop on the motorbike and be on their way. However, that is not the case when it comes to motorcycle touring.
In fact, touring is much more complex. Consisting of long journeys and various terrains in all hours of the day and night, motorcycle tours require a great deal of thought and preparation for all possible eventualities. They are not quite as simple as nipping down to the local shop, cruising by the coast or commuting to work and after all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
On that note, anyone planning to put their motorcycle through its paces on a tour will want to know not just what kit will be required, but also that they can place their confidence in said kit. So, to make matters a little easier, here are the best accessories for motorcycle touring.
Puig New Generation Touring Screen
When travelling long distances out on the open road, heavy gusts of wind can only be expected and let’s face it, no one wants their head and torso to be blasted with wind let alone the discomfort and distraction it can cause when riding a motorcycle.
Thankfully, Puig offer the perfect solution. Their new generation touring motorcycle screen is often taller than the original motorbike windscreens and has undergone Puig’s revolutionary wind tunnel testing. As a result, this screen significantly increases both wind protection and aerodynamics, deflecting airflow away from the rider and redirecting it down the sides of the motorcycle.
SHAD Luggage
No one embarks on a motorcycle tour empty-handed, quite the opposite really, many riders like to take everything but the kitchen sink with them. With all that gear, something is going to be needed to transport it in and that is where motorcycle luggage really earns its salt.
SHAD arguably offer the most well-rounded motorbike luggage out there and their products cover all bases when it comes to motorcycle touring. Their top boxes offer capacities ranging from 26 to 58 litres, a waterproof structure, security locking, quick, easy mounting and convenient transportation. Their motorcycle panniers echo the features of the top boxes but with internal volumes spanning from 23 to 47 litres while their tank bags offer the most convenient storage of all, keeping essentials within reach.
Puig Footpegs
Naturally, when touring, a significant amount of time is going to be spent on the motorcycle and therefore, comfort is going to be a priority. Ultimately, tours are supposed to be an enjoyable experience and enjoyment levels are going to take a hit if there is a lack of comfort.
One standout way to increase comfort is through the addition of a new set of aftermarket footpegs. Effortlessly mounting to the existing footrest brackets, Puig footpegs can be rotated to fine-tune the lean angle and are often available with an adjustable offset which helps each individual find the positioning that is best for them. These motorcycle footpegs are available for both the rider and pillion and some even include rubber pads for increased grip, helping to maintain foot positioning and ensuring comfort can be retained.
Puig Crash Protection
Picture this, you fall victim to the unfortunate event of a fall or slide, sustaining damage to the motorcycle’s vital components in the process. Not ideal but not the end of the world? Well, imagine this occurs late at night or in the middle of nowhere and there is no access to repairs. That could be the worst case scenario on a tour. Luckily, there are solutions, or rather, preventative measures.
Puig motorcycle crash protection, namely engine guards and frame sliders, are designed with the aim of reducing these types of scenarios. Engine guards act as a frame around the engine, bearing the brunt of any impact while frame sliders act as one of the first points of contact with the ground, taking the hit so more important parts do not have to. While neither of these grow on trees, damaging them is not going to completely halt the trip.
Puig Mudguards
While crash protection is a great addition to help protect the motorcycle throughout tours, it really would not hurt to take that protection to another level. Aside from the obvious problems caused by crashes, there are other issues that can arise courtesy of mud, dirt and other road debris.
Motorcycle tours are a prime example of these issues thanks to the various terrains and riding conditions that they involve. As a response, Puig mudguards have been designed to reduce the amount of mud and debris that can get in and around the motorbike, protecting the main components build-up. In the same vein, these mudguards are simply easier to clean than naked components, saving a lot of time and effort that are better served enjoying the journey.