Motorbike accessories: why do I need them?
Motorbike accessories are where practicality meets personality. They make riding more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable, whether you’re commuting daily or heading out on long tours. Beyond improving your experience on the bike, the right accessories can also enhance safety, protect your machine, and even save you money in the long run.
From simple add-ons that make daily riding less of a chore to advanced tech that keeps you connected and aware, these upgrades turn a standard ride into something far more capable and personal. Here are BeMoto’s best of the best motorbike accessories that combine function, comfort, and great design.
1. Intercom system
Don't get lonely, chat with the homies
A Bluetooth intercom system is the ultimate upgrade when you want to stay connected without shouting wildly into the wind. Clip it onto your helmet, pair it with your phone and your riding mate’s device, and suddenly you’re swapping witty banter mid-ride as easily as sending a text (but far more European).
Whether you’re giving directions, sharing a ridiculous roadside sighting, or queuing up your favourite tune while cruising the lanes, it works smoothly without messing with the bike itself. Bonus: when you park up, it detaches cleanly for easy charging.
2. GPS / sat-nav
Know your route, no matter where you are in the world
GPS is a hugely useful tool for when you’re riding a bit further afield. There’s plenty of options out there with many manufacturers, such as Trail Tech, designing motorbike specific systems that mount straight to your handlebars (or other handy locations). These units are tried and tested and have detailed, high quality TFT screens, making following routes a piece of cake.
Alternatively, you might prefer a smaller, less in-your-face design such as the Beeline Moto II. This minimalist navigation device provides turn-by-turn guidance without the clutter of a full GPS mount and unit. It’s simple design and vibration-resistant build make it perfect for riders who want clear, distraction-free navigation.
Whatever you decide, make sure it’s securely mounted and easily visible in your line of sight. Try to avoid interacting with the device while moving as your hands should be at the controls. Always set your route before you ride and if you need to adjust your route or change some settings, do so when stationary.
3. Throttle stabiliser
Cruise control... on a sports bike? Why not?!
A throttle stabiliser is a simple yet effective tool that reduces wrist strain on long rides, allowing smoother throttle control and less fatigue. In the modern age, big touring bikes, like BMW’s R1300 GS or Ducati’s Multistrada, come with cruise control as standard – but why should they have all the fun? This handy gadget lets you enjoy some modern convenience on just about any bike.
It’s particularly useful on motorways or long-distance touring, for obvious reasons. Removing the worry of wrist pain lets you focus more on the ride and the road around you. Install it carefully to maintain full control, incorrect positioning can interfere with throttle return. We recommend testing at low speeds around local roads before you take that impromptu ride to France.
4. Tail bag
Think of it like a bike's back pocket...
A tail bag sits quietly on the pillion seat of your bike, holding all the important things you can’t fit in your pockets. Snacks, spare gloves, emergency Haribos, and that tool kit you pretend you know how to use (that might just be us). Unlike a backpack, it’s not uncomfortable over long periods and you don’t have to take it off every time you want to get to your wallet.
A great recommendation is the Givi EA132B, a compact and durable tail bag with expandable zips, providing flexibility for a variety of trips. It’s not too cumbersome and wouldn’t look out of place on any style of bike. A tip for fitting; ensure it’s tightly secured and doesn’t interfere with suspension movement or tail lighting.
5. Roll bag
Keeps the rain of your kit and the sweat off your back
It straps neatly onto your bike like it was born to be there, swallows an ungodly amount of stuff. Whether you’re packing clothes, tools, or five different waterproof layers because the weather can’t be trusted, the roll bag handles it without complaining. Plus, it keeps a heavy, sweat-inducing backpack off your back!
We at BeMoto love the Kriega OS-12 Adventure Pack. Designed for adventure and touring riders, the OS-12 is waterproof, rugged, and modular system you can combine with other bags. It offers dependable storage even in extreme conditions, keeping your gear dry and organised.
Pro tip: partner your roll bag with a waterproof liner. A lot of the cheaper brands and products claim to be waterproof but we’ve been unpleasantly surprised in the past. A waterproof liner takes the worry away and will mean your pants stay bone dry after a 100 mile ride in a torrential downpour.
6. Panniers / saddle bags
Storage Wars: hard cases vs throw-overs
Couple of options for panniers. One choice is the hard-case style; solid, locked-in and extremely robust. Hard-case panniers stay bolted to the bike, offer proper security for valuables, tools or cameras, and shrug off bad weather and road grime. They give you peace of mind on long trips, look purposeful and make your bike feel tour-ready. The trade-off is they’re heavier, more expensive and not something you take on and off in a hurry.
On the other hand, you may prefer saddle-bags if you want a less bulky and permanent setup. Saddle-bags are all about convenience and flexibility; you can strap them on in minutes, load them up and head out without any special rack or fittings. They’re lighter, easier to store when not in use and perfect for weekend trips or when you don’t want to commit to ungainly mounting brackets on your bike. The downside is they’re not as secure, weatherproof or theft-resistant as hard cases.
Either way, they’re a great option for daily commuting or weekend riders. If you go for the soft-style panniers, don’t overload them. Excessive weight or poor mounting can throw off balance or melt near hot exhausts, meaning you might leave a trail of your belongings behind you.
7. Seat cushion
Give your backside the first-class treatment
Yeah, yeah, save the witty quips about getting old, we’ve heard them all before! Fitting a seat cushion can massively change how long you can stay on the bike without questioning your life choices. They use a special gel layer that absorbs vibrations, spreads your weight more evenly and stops that numb, pins-and-needles feeling you get after an hour on a stock seat fashioned from an old dining table.
They’re super simple to fit, easy to remove and makes your bike feel far more tour-friendly. A gel cushion costs a fraction of what a replacement seat unit would, so it’s a great alternative that doesn’t empty the bank account. Wild Ass make some fantastic seat cushions; I’ve got one for my Speed Twin and it’s staved off any spinal surgery thus far.
8. Paddock stand
The first piece of kit in any biker's arsenal
Ideal for chain maintenance, cleaning and tyre changes, paddock stands are the best companions for anyone keen on maintaining and servicing their steed. They lift the rear (or front) safely off the ground, offering stability and convenience if you need to spin the wheels or remove components.
I recently got hold of an R&G Rear Paddock Stand and it’s a brilliant bit of kit, with a very modest price tag attached. I use it for just about everything; oiling and adjusting the chain, cleaning, servicing, or for some edgy garage photography (makes me look like I know what I’m doing).
Want to learn more about maintaining your bike? Check out our maintenance & DIY guides.
9. Battery trickle chargers
Make sure you've plenty of juice for the next ride
Leaving your bike in the garage for long periods can be a real killer, mainly for your battery. If your bike has an immobiliser or alarm system, these can be a constant drain on battery life, so it’s important to keep it topped up to prevent a tantrum when trying to fire her up after a long break.
A trickle charger keeps your battery healthy during storage by charging when the voltage drops below a certain level. Unlike conventional chargers, the trickle element ensures you’re not overcharging the battery and damaging it long-term. Technically, they not only maintain your bike’s battery in storage, they also extend battery lifespan by maintaining an optimal charge level.
It’s important to match your charger to your battery type (lithium, AGM, or lead-acid) to prevent overcharging or damage. Brands like TecMate have a huge selection of chargers under their OptiMate brand, with some models even being set up for specific makes such as Triumph and BMW.
10. Phone mount
Use your phone for everything? Who doesn't?
We consider a specific GPS or sat-nav system to be one of our top picks for motorbike accessories, but they don’t come cheap and don’t suit everyone. Your phone can do all of that and more in the modern age. So if you ride fairly locally, or don’t plan on touring Mongolia for 3 months at a time, a phone mount might be all you need. Motorbike specific phone mounts securely hold your phone in clear view, perfect for route guidance, music or monitoring ride data.
Outside of GPS, your phone has access to apps, meaning you can show handy information on your screen if GPS isn’t necessary. For example, a phone mount is perfect for picking your favourite rock ballad to wind through the twisties, or for monitoring ride data if you’re more technically minded.
As the science has developed, brands like Quad Lock have incorporated some cool features with their phone mounts and products like quick-release locking mechanisms, vibration-dampening technology, and wireless charging attachments. You can really personalise your setup with a bunch of awesome add-ons, or keep it simple, whatever suits you best.
Equipping your ride for every journey
Choosing the right motorbike accessories isn’t just about adding extras; it’s about tailoring your bike to suit your lifestyle and the way you ride. The best accessories enhance comfort, practicality, and safety, making every trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Whether it’s heated grips for winter mornings, luggage for weekend adventures, or navigation tools for exploring new routes, each addition helps you get more from every mile.
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