5 Safety Mods For New Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycle safety mods are a great way to improve your motorbike. On-road safety is always first regardless of how many wheels you have. Needless to say, this is especially important for motorcycle riders, who, unlike car drivers, are exposed to the elements. If you are a novice in the world of motorcycle riding, there is a high probability you are still getting the hang of riding a motorbike.

Not all motorcycles are equal when it comes to safety and this leaves plenty of room for improvement. If you are a new rider, maximizing your safety should be at the top of your list. Luckily, the aftermarket is vast and there are plenty of motorcycle safety mods every new rider should aspire to get for maximum survivability on the road. 

Motorcycle safety mod 1: High-grade Tires

Like on every motor vehicle that has wheels, your tires are your first and hopefully, only contact point with the ground. As a new rider who is still getting to grips with a motorcycle’s capabilities, maximizing your grip is crucial. The optimal tire depends on the type of motorcycle – adventure and touring bikes will need different types of rubber compared to sports bikes. Some owners of adventure motorbikes opt for stiffer tires with extremely deep grooves, which prioritize off-road grip, but are still suitable for street use.

Sport-bike owners looking for maximum performance opt for aggressive rubber with a lower thread count and higher treadwear. Typically, a tire with a higher thread count is better suited for variable weather conditions. There are plenty of options and you have to do your own research to find out the perfect tire for you and your bike. There are plenty of offers for motorcycle tires by Continental, Michelin, Pirelli, and other manufacturers. Most importantly, spare no expense when it comes to tires. As far as motorcycle safety mods go, this is probably the most crucial one.

Motorcycle safety mod 2: High-performance Brake Pads

Stopping fast is more important than going fast, especially on a motorbike, which is what one of our next motorcycle safety mods is about. That is why, another must-have safety mod for your motorcycle has to be a good set of brake pads. Most bikes come with adequate stopping power, although there are a few examples where there is plenty of room for improvement.

Regardless, a set of high-quality brake pads will improve feedback from the brakes as well as additional bite, which is a real confidence booster when having to come to a stop or slow down for a bend. There are plenty of options for high-performance brake pads by Brembo, EBC, and other manufacturers. Together with a proper set of tires, high-quality brake pads is one of the most important motorcycle safety mods.

Motorcycle safety mod 3: Engine Guards And Skid Plates

There is a popular saying in the motorcycle world that goes like this: “There are two types of riders. “Those who have fallen and those who will fall.” I was lucky enough to do that early on (at low speeds), but if you are a new rider you have to be prepared for this inevitability. Fear not, there are motorcycle safety mods that also address this. If you tip your bike over, you are bound to scrape or ding a few parts.

You want to keep your engine intact as best as possible, which is why, as a new rider, you would be wise to invest in an engine guard. Let that take the damage from the fall, instead of the engine case, which can lead to cracks, leaks, and expensive repairs. If your intention is to go off-roading, a skid plate is another thing you should consider when looking at must-have motorcycle safety mods. There are plenty of options from MachineartMoto, AltRider, and other companies. 

Motorcycle safety mod 4: Frame Sliders And/Or Crash Bars

Tipping your motorbike over is an unpleasant experience. Sadly, it is also very likely to happen to new riders. If you want to add a layer of safety and protect yourself and your motorcycle, frame sliders and crash bars are a must-have bike mod for beginners. Yes, these are, essentially, the equivalent of training wheels for motorbikes, but it can save you a lot of trouble and repairs.

Frame sliders are typically made of plastic-based materials like polyurethane and nylon and are designed to absorb damage as well as to scrub off speed during those unwanted slides. Most frame sliders mount directly to the bike’s frame. As far as motorcycle safety mods go, this one is small in size, but can save you a ton of money by protecting your bike. Crash bars serve a similar purpose while also protecting the engine from direct damage. These are typically made of heavy-duty stainless steel.  

Motorcycle safety mod 5: Traction Knee Grips And Saddle With Traction Inserts

As a new rider, it is particularly important to become one with your motorcycle. What will aid this symbiotic process is a pair of traction knee grips. These are also known as tank grips, since they are typically placed on the side of the fuel tank where your knees are located. Another good, must-have motorcycle mod is a seat with a grippy texture. These two motorcycle safety mods will help keep you and your passenger in place instead of sliding around, causing unwanted weight transfer and sporadic movements. In case you want to enhance your riding experience even more, here are five must-have accessories for motorcycle riders, regardless of what level you are at. If you think there are more must-have safety features for new motorcycle riders, feel free to comment below.