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Motorcycle accessories: your ultimate guide to personalizing your motorcycle
Your motorcycle, as it comes from the factory, is a fantastic base. But it's not yet your motorcycle. Only with the right accessories does it become a perfect extension of yourself—tailored to your needs, your riding style, and your personal taste. Accessories are much more than just “add-ons.” They are functional upgrades that make your motorcycle safer, revolutionize your comfort on long rides, improve performance, and give it a unique look that sets it apart from the crowd.
But the world of motorcycle accessories is a vast universe. Where should you start? With protection, ergonomics, or appearance? And what legal considerations should I be aware of when changing parts on my motorcycle? In this ultimate guide, we bring order to the diversity. We guide you through the most important categories – from indispensable protective components and ergonomic upgrades that increase comfort to essential parts for maintenance and care. Discover how you can turn your standard motorcycle into your personal dream bike.
Protection & safety: equipment for your bike and yourself
Before you think about performance or appearance, you first need to secure the basics. These accessories are your insurance against the pitfalls of everyday life and the terrain.
Hand guards: protection for hands and levers
Description: Especially indispensable for off-road and supermoto riding, but also a huge asset for adventure motorcyclists and commuters. Robust hand guards (hand protectors) protect your hands from stone chips, branches, and cold wind. More importantly, in the event of a minor fall or accident, they protect your brake and clutch levers from breaking, preventing your trip from ending prematurely.
Product example: Acerbis X-Factory hand guards
With their closed design and steel bracket, the Acerbis X-Factory hand guards are a prime example of maximum protection during intensive use on rough terrain.
Crash bars & engine protection: the safety net for your motorcycle
Description: The engine is the heart of your motorcycle – and often the most expensive part. A crash bar made of sturdy steel tubes forms a cage around the vulnerable engine covers and body parts. It absorbs the impact energy in the event of a fall or skid and prevents expensive consequential damage. For enduro and adventure bikes, an additional aluminum engine guard (skid plate) is essential to protect the engine block from stones and contact with the ground.
Comfort & ergonomics: make the motorcycle completely yours
Every motorcyclist is different. With these parts, you can perfectly adapt your motorcycle to your height and preferences for an effortless and controlled riding experience.
Handlebars, grips & bar ends: everything firmly in your hands
Description: The contact points with your motorcycle are crucial. A different handlebar (wider, narrower, higher, lower) can completely change your seating position and prevent tension. Ergonomic grips reduce vibration. And for motorcyclists who ride all year round, handlebar covers are the ultimate weapon against cold fingers.
Product example: Givi TM421 handlebar warmers
Givi handlebar warmers, also known as “pogies,” are mounted over the ends of the handlebars and create a cocoon for your hands that protects them from wind and weather, allowing you to ride even with thin summer gloves.
Windshield & fairings: your protection against wind resistance
Description: A taller windshield can significantly improve comfort during long highway rides by taking the wind pressure off your upper body. Complete fairings can not only radically change the look of your motorcycle, but also improve aerodynamics.
Maintenance & electricity: the invisible helpers for a long motorcycle life
These parts often work inconspicuously, but are essential for the reliability and longevity of your motorcycle.
Batteries & chargers: the lifeline of your motorcycle
Description: The motorcycle battery is one of the most sensitive components, especially during long periods of inactivity in winter. Deep discharge often means the end of the battery. A modern, intelligent battery charger is therefore not an option, but a must for every motorcyclist who wants to avoid unpleasant surprises in the spring.
The technology of modern chargers
Smart chargers such as those from CTEK or Tecmate do more than just charge. They go through a multi-stage process of diagnosis, resuscitation (desulfation), charging, and charge retention. You can leave the device connected throughout the winter and it will automatically keep your battery in a perfectly charged and healthy condition.
Product examples: CTEK CT5 Time-To-Go EU
The CTEK is the award-winning all-rounder for all types of lead-acid batteries.
Product example: Tecmate OptiMate 4
For modern, lightweight lithium-ion batteries (LiFePO4), you need a special charger, such as the OptiMate 4, which has the necessary charging algorithms for this technology.
Purchasing advice: TÜV and fit – what you need to know
There are clear legal limits to customization and individualization in Germany. It is important to be aware of these.
The law goes along with it: ABE, E-number & parts certificate explained
ABE (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis, general type approval): this is the “all-inclusive” option. If an add-on part has an ABE, all you have to do is install it and always carry the accompanying document with you. An entry in the vehicle documents is not necessary.
E-mark: this mark (an “E” in a circle or box with a number) is often found on lighting components (turn signals, taillights) or exhaust systems. Here too, the rule is: install and drive legally, no registration required.
Parts certificate: This is more complicated. After installation, you must take the certificate to an inspection authority (TÜV, Dekra, etc.). An inspector will check whether the installation has been carried out correctly and carry out a so-called modification inspection. You must then take this certificate to the registration authority and have the modification entered in the vehicle documents.
Without an inspection report (individual inspection): Parts without any inspection certificate require an expensive and cumbersome individual inspection, the outcome of which is often uncertain. When in doubt, always buy add-on parts with an ABE or E-mark!
The golden rule: model-specific fit
As with carrier systems, most high-quality add-on parts are vehicle-specific. A crash bar for a BMW R 1250 GS will not fit a Yamaha Ténéré 700. Always use the vehicle-specific filter in our shop to ensure that you order exactly the right part for your model and year of manufacture.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about motorcycle accessories
1. What is an accessory?
An accessory is any part that is attached to the motorcycle or replaces an original part to change its functionality, protection, comfort, or appearance.
2. Do I have to register every accessory?
No. Parts with an ABE (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis, general type approval) or an E-mark do not need to be registered. Only parts with a parts certificate must be approved by an inspection authority after installation and registered in the paperwork.
3. What is the difference between a charger and a trickle charger?
Modern, intelligent devices are both in one. They first charge the battery fully and then automatically switch to a maintenance mode, in which they keep the battery “fit” with small impulses without overcharging it.
4. Can I use my normal car charger for my motorcycle?
This is strongly discouraged. Car chargers often have too high a charging current, which can damage or destroy the much smaller motorcycle battery.
5. Are hand guards also worthwhile for road riders?
Yes, absolutely. They offer excellent protection for the hands against wind and weather, which is especially nice in the off-season. And they protect the expensive levers in the event of a fall.
6. What is the difference between a crash bar and an engine guard?
An engine guard usually only protects the engine itself. A crash bar is often larger and designed to also protect the side panels and tank.
7. What is the best material for crash bars?
Steel tubes are the tried and tested standard. They are extremely robust and can deform in the event of a fall to dissipate energy without breaking immediately. Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion, but often also more brittle.
8. Can I fit a windshield from another brand on my motorcycle?
Often yes, if it is a universal windshield that attaches to the handlebars. However, model-specific screens that are mounted on the fairing will only fit the model for which they are intended.
9. What are the most important tools I need for installation?
A good set of ring spanners, a set of Allen keys, and a torque wrench are the absolute basic equipment for every hobby mechanic.
10. Where can I find the correct tightening torque for bolts?
The correct torque values are listed in the accessory installation instructions or in your motorcycle's workshop manual. The use of a torque wrench is essential for safety-related parts!
Conclusion: make it your motorcycle
The world of add-on parts is a huge construction kit that gives you the freedom to tailor your motorcycle perfectly to your needs. Every part you choose and install makes your motorcycle a little more unique. Whether you invest in uncompromising protection, greater comfort when touring, or simply a cooler look, you are investing in more riding pleasure and a deeper connection with your machine.
Start your project.
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