Best Motorcycle Accessories

It depends on the state. As of 2024, 19 states and Washington D.C. require helmets for all riders. 28 states require helmets only for riders under a certain age (typically 17–20). Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no helmet requirement. Even where helmets aren't legally required, a DOT-certified helmet dramatically reduces the risk of fatal head injury. Snell 2020 and ECE 22.06 certifications indicate a higher standard of testing than DOT alone.

Fit is paramount—a helmet that doesn't fit correctly won't protect you effectively. Try on multiple brands; helmet shapes vary (round oval, intermediate oval, long oval) and brands have tendencies toward each shape. Shoei and Arai fit long oval heads well; Bell and HJC tend toward intermediate oval. The helmet should feel snug without pressure points, and the cheek pads should contact your cheeks firmly. The outer shell should not move independently of your head when you try to rotate it. After fit, choose the style (full-face, modular, or open-face) based on your riding type—full-face is safest for sport and commuting.

At minimum: a DOT-certified helmet, a jacket with CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor at shoulders and elbows (with a back protector pocket), gloves with palm sliders and knuckle protection, and boots that cover the ankle. Riding pants or jeans with CE-rated knee and hip armor round out the basics. Alpinestars, Rev'it, and Icon make solid entry-level gear. Avoid textile jackets without listed CE armor ratings—the armor quality matters as much as the material.

Street-legal exhausts must meet EPA and state noise regulations. Slip-on exhausts replace the muffler section only and are the most common upgrade—they're easier to install and usually remain emissions-compliant. Full-system exhausts (headers plus muffler) offer more power but often require EPA exemption approval. In California, CARB-compliant products must carry an EO (Executive Order) number to be street legal. Always check the product's compliance claims against your state's regulations before purchasing.

The main options are saddlebags (hard or soft), a tank bag, and a tail bag or top case. Hard saddlebags from Givi, Kappa, or SW-Motech offer the best weather protection and security—they require a specific mounting rack for your motorcycle model. Soft saddlebags from Kriega or Nelson-Rigg are more universal, lighter, and easier to remove. A Givi or Shad top case adds 30–55 liters of secure, waterproof storage at the rear. Kriega bags are particularly well-regarded for adventure riding because of their bombproof waterproofing.

Clean leather gear with a damp cloth and a dedicated leather cleaner (Leather Honey or Bick 4 work well) every few months. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to prevent cracking and maintain flexibility—dry leather loses its protective properties and abrasion resistance. Store leather in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never machine wash leather gear. If the jacket gets soaked, let it dry naturally away from heat sources, then condition it while it's still slightly damp.