13 Items Every Motorcyclist Should Have
What do you need to ride a motorcycle? Of course, the list starts with a bike, and also includes gas in your tank, air in your tires, and a passion for riding in your soul.
This, however, is just the beginning. It gets you on the road, but your panniers should contain a lot more if you want to stay on the asphalt for a longer tour.
Here’s a RoadRUNNER-recommended list of 13 essential items every motorcyclist should have.
First Aid Kit
A compact yet complete first aid kit is sadly one of the more often overlooked essential motorcycling items. But in the case of an accident, it’s not the bike you should care for first—it’s the rider.
When choosing a motorcycle first aid kit, look for full kits that are lightweight and come in a waterproof container (weather exposure will quickly ruin the items). Instead of car first aid kits, it’s often worth looking for outdoor or survival kits.
Tool Kit
Repairing your motorcycle on the road is nigh impossible without tools. You should always have a tool roll with you—and some bikes even offer a special compartment for them.
A generic tool roll often works in an emergency, but it’s best to invest in a manufacturer-specific kit to ensure you have the necessary tools to work with any proprietary screws or bolts. Also, don’t forget to add several sizes of zip ties into the roll. Most kits don’t include them, but they are incredibly useful.
Straps
If a problem comes around, you must strap it. A good selection of sturdy and durable straps will save you from a whole slew of situations, from loose bags to rattling exhaust pipes.
Universal straps work in any situation and don’t take up much space, so there’s no reason to not have them with you. However, some luggage manufacturer have proprietary straps that fit into their specific locks or clips. Having the special straps is typically not a necessity, but it can make managing your luggage that little bit easier.
Water Bladder
You can’t exactly shove a water bottle through your visor as you ride. A convenient water bladder will let you take a sip even as you carve through the curves.
There are many types of bladders available, from basic slim plastic pouches that slide under your jacket (some jackets even have a special compartment for them) to small backpacks. Choose the kind that works for your gear and riding style to stay hydrated.
Earplugs
We all love the roar of a revving motorcycle engine, but bikes can be loud—dangerously so. Add to that the wind noise, and a good pair of earplugs becomes a welcome addition to your riding gear ensemble.
You can get by fine with the basic foam earplugs that come in 500-packs for $10 at hardware stores. However, noise-canceling purpose-built earplugs can be much more comfortable on a long ride. As a bonus, some may even be able to connect to your comms or audio system to pull double duty as earbuds.
Tire Inflator
Every tire will lose pressure as the miles pile up, not to mention the ever-present chance of a tire puncture. A battery-powered tire inflator helps you fill your tires when they start looking sad and floppy, wherever you are. Just remember to keep the thing charged so you can rely on it when the need arises.
Antifog Visor Insert
If the eyes are the window to your soul, the visor is the window to your ride—and that window tends to get fogged up. An antifog visor insert helps keep your vision clear in any weather, so you’re ready for whatever the road brings. How the inserts work tends to depend on the manufacturer, but most use a combination of sealing and moisture-absorbent materials.
Visor Cloth and Cleaning Solution
Splat, splat, splat. That’s the soundtrack of your visor getting splattered with insect viscera as you ride through a swarm of bugs. If not that, you might get a face full of mud from the rider ahead of you.
This is exactly why you should always keep a visor cloth and cleaning spray with you.
Multi-tool
A sturdy multi-tool lets you rip a nail out of your tire, tighten a loose screw, pick a piece of jerky out of your teeth, and much more. These tools are handy space-saving implements that can save your butt when push comes to shove.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a Leatherman, Victorinox, or an unbranded cheaper tool (as long as it’s durable enough), every rider should carry a multi-tool on their motorcycle at all times.
Proper Boots and Gloves
You’d imagine riders would purchase proper gloves and foot gear, but it’s shockingly common to see motorcyclists in sneakers with no hand protection at all. At the minimum, you should always wear at least good leather gloves and ankle-length leather boots.
Of course, it’s always best to invest in tailor-made riding gloves and boots for maximum protection. What you need depends on your personal circumstances, but putting in some research is well worth the effort.
Battery Jump Starter
A dead motorcycle battery puts an end to your tour and replacement can be difficult to find, depending on where you are. With a jump starter, you can jolt the ailing power source back to life—at least long enough to get you to a garage or dealership.
Motorcycle batteries don’t typically need enormous amperage, so finding a functional jump starter is easier than, say, for a big pickup truck. That said, pay attention to the battery life and safety features, such as reverse polarity alerts.
Tow Strap
If your bike breaks down thoroughly, no tool roll or jump starter may be enough to bring it back to life. In such situations, it’s good to have a tow strap on hand so you can move your bike to a safe location and to a proper bike trailer. Towing a motorcycle with another motorcycle is tricky, but it sure beats being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Airbag Vest
In a car, you can (almost) always count on an airbag to cushion you if you crash. Not so much on a motorcycle—unless you don an airbag vest or jacket.
Personal motorcycle airbags are increasingly popular among riders, and for a good reason. The significant additional security they provide in accidents is quickly making them an essential piece of riding gear.