Any rider worth their salt spends time considering all the big purchases — the bike, the jacket, the helmet. And yes, those are all important purchases that matter. Yet a rarely discussed series of smaller purchases come along when talking about upgrades that can make a day to day riding experience far more enjoyable and comfortable.
It’s never one drastic overhaul. It’s several small, yet personalized updates that cumulatively add up for a more enjoyable riding experience and feel far more comfortable (especially over time).
What You Wear
The initial impulse is that gear is where it starts, and yes, for sure, the upgrades in gear are often most identifiable. However, it’s the small details that count within gear that most riders settle for and therefore miss an opportunity to improve their riding experience.
For example, a properly fit helmet (not just in size but in head shape adjustment) makes a world of difference over long periods of time between wind noise, fatigue reduction and increased focus. Getting one fitted is a worthy investment over one that’s merely acceptable.
Gloves are another component where an extra layer of comfort makes a world of difference. Good grip, decent weather protection, and no restrictive movement means hours on the road become exponentially easier. As do base layers, why temperature comfort on a ride is not prioritized by so many riders is beyond logical reasoning. It’s not enough to be wearing comfort based clothing to accommodate for warms or cools in the wrong environment. It’s also about comfort across different temperatures throughout the day with increased degrees of warmth or layering ability. Merino wool base layers beat synthetic alternatives hands down for warmth and moisture control — so invest where it matters, especially for year round riders.
Vision is Vital
This is where vision tends to fall under the radar as it does not come up often in gear discussions. For the vision impaired rider out there, eyewear is a major consideration that needs to be made since certain choices make feasible differences.
Wearing standard prescription glasses under a helmet is a common workaround, but it’s far from ideal. Frames can press uncomfortably against the temples, lenses fog up, and the fit is rarely secure enough for the conditions that riding creates. Purpose-built prescription motorcycle glasses are designed to address exactly these issues, with frames that sit properly under helmets, lenses built to handle wind and glare, and the kind of secure fit that standard glasses simply aren’t built to provide. For riders who need corrective lenses, this is one upgrade that genuinely earns its place.
Comfort While Riding
After gear, it’s best to consider the bike set up itself as the next option. Handlebar position and comfort level, seat situating and footpeg preference all play a role in how comfortable one feels while riding after only an hour vs four hours.
Many riders tolerate a not-quite-perfect setup for too long without realizing the difference it can make until they finally succumb to their comfort needs. For example, aftermarket seats are popular among touring riders for obvious reasons. There’s a world of difference between stock and properly formed seats for extended time riding; aftermarket grips are another small adjustment that provides better feedback and subsequently hands on an extended basis (or wet conditions in certain scenarios).
Mirrors are another easy thing that can be overlooked as well. Factory mirrors do the job fine but wider options with a bit more stability can go a long way for anyone looking for improved rear visibility — something that does appeal to first time and experienced riders alike.
Electronics
The modern motorcycle has turned electronics into a staple that years gone by would have been considered excessive. However, legitimate safety improvements and practical benefits can’t be denied from such additions.
A decent GPS unit or phone mount is incredibly helpful to see navigation without risking too long of glances down and away — it’s a safety upgrade for sure. Tyre pressure monitoring systems are another cheap addition for integrated real time info with little effort as well. Heated grips can be divisive however anyone who rides through autumn’s chilling impact — and can even throw in winter’s cooler months — will find this upgrade inescapable once experiencing such comfort. Comfort over cold conditions drives focus down and fatigue up. As would a quality intercom system. Whether someone rides with a pillion or in a group, good communication lessens stress on the ride surprisingly effectively.
The Cumulative Effect
Any and all of these upgrades are not life changing but that’s kind of the goal. There’s no single revamping product that proves successful. Instead, it’s a series of helpful options that each take away a small frustration or add a small benefit that makes riding improvement less about making drastic decisions than cumulative small ones instead.
Better vision, a more comfortable helmet, a well-fitted seat, reliable navigation — these things stack up. And when they do, the experience of riding shifts from something you manage to something you genuinely look forward to from the moment you put your kit on.
That’s what good riding should feel like, and it’s well within reach with the right approach.
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