Motorcycle equipment

Luggage

All bikers need to know how to travel light. But this depends on the luggage you have, and the conditions in which you'll be spending your vacation. Of course, the amount of luggage you can take with you depends on whether you're traveling alone or with a partner. Bear in mind that some of the available space will be taken up by a few essential items, such as an anti-theft device, a puncture-proof kit, vehicle documents (driver's manual, maintenance booklet, photocopies of vehicle registration documents and green card), a high-visibility vest (compulsory since January^1, 2016), several accident reports, not forgetting a pen, or even a camera (or the one on your phone) to provide evidence in the event of a dispute. Also useful are a microfiber cloth for wiping everything down, earplugs, rain gear and warm equipment (such as a choker and winter gloves), especially if you're planning to ride in the mountains. Remember that the breathalyzer remains a mandatory accessory in all motor vehicles since 2012.

The tank bag

Close to the center of gravity of the motorcycle, it is ideal for heavy objects. Flexible, sometimes equipped with one or more gussets for a variable capacity, the most voluminous exceed 30 liters.
Almost always equipped with a waterproof card holder, they also have side pockets where you can put your toll tickets, for example. Make sure the bag has a rain cover. As with all soft luggage, packing fragile items in plastic bags is a reliable way to keep them dry. There are several types of attachment. Magnetic bags are attached to the tank. They are attractive in terms of price and easy to fit. However, it is recommended to clean the tank well before installation to protect it from scratches. Tank mats have the advantage of protecting the tank from the ravages of time and from any damage, provided that they are carefully maintained: dust can get under the mat and wear away the paint. The mat includes attachments for manufacturer-specific panniers. The weak point of this solution lies in its cost: in addition to the purchase of the pannier, the mat can be purchased for the same amount. In addition to its classic models, Bagster offers universal mats with a minimal surface area at a very competitive price, called Easy. Finally, we can also mention the Tanklock models from Givi. The manufacturer's bags can be clipped onto a support fixed to the tank by means of the tank cap screws.
Make sure that the bag does not reduce your field of vision or your maneuvers too much. Once filled, the larger models hide the dashboard and reduce the bike's maneuverability if the handlebars come up against the saddlebag (beware of accidentally pushing in the starter or even the circuit breaker). Finally, note that it is better to avoid leaving your tank bag on your bike if you are away from it for a long time. Quick to install and therefore to remove, interchangeable, they can be stolen easily! Most of them are equipped with straps that allow them to be carried as a backpack.

The top case

It is one of the most common pieces of luggage. Its capacity can reach 72 liters. Some models are equipped with a brake light kit. In duo, it can be equipped with a backrest that increases the comfort of the passenger. When riding in heavy traffic, it will allow you to carry luggage without increasing the size of your motorcycle. When stopped, it allows you to carry a helmet, or even two for the largest ones.
Make sure that once loaded, the top case does not cause any safety risks. Positioned far behind the center of gravity and in height, it modifies the aerodynamics and the distribution of the motorcycle's weight. Even if it is part of the original equipment, it makes the motorcycle more sensitive to turbulence and can cause the bike to spin.
Also make sure that the weight carried will be supported by the top case and by the luggage rack, but also by the latter's supports. If a turntable exists, it will certainly be sold separately. Its purchase can increase the quality of the top-case support and save you from having to do some dangerous work on the original luggage rack.
The locking system is above all a deterrent. All models are more or less easy to break into, including those supplied by the manufacturers. Thus, many thefts regularly occur on parked motorcycles or scooters (contents of the top case or top case itself). Stay alert and do not leave any valuable object or document in it. Leave it open if it is empty.

Riding bags

These saddlebags are attached in the manner of a horse saddle. You have to be careful to balance them well, and also to strap them so that they don't flap around. If the fastening system goes over the saddle, it can interfere with the passenger's comfort. It is therefore preferable to have it pass under the saddle by removing it. It is also important to note that the fastening systems provided are quickly damaged and are sometimes insufficient to guarantee the stability of the assembly. It is better to use additional tensioners. Affordable, expandable, these bags have removable covers, because their waterproofness is not always total. Be careful with their positioning, as they can melt when in contact with the exhaust pipes, although manufacturers try to adapt to this constraint with thermal protections. These bags can be carried on the shoulder or on the back.

Hard cases

They are easy to install once their permanent mount is in place, and have the advantage of being waterproof. They are detachable and can be carried by hand. They have a locking system which, like the top cases, is primarily a deterrent, but not tamper-proof. If you leave your suitcases on your parked motorcycle, do not leave any valuable objects or documents in them. On motorcycles that are not equipped with the appropriate support, a specific one must be installed, often non-removable, which can seriously jeopardize the charm of your bike. In addition, mounts and cases represent a certain investment - but they pay for themselves with a long service life. Be careful the first times: once equipped with this luggage, the rear of the bike is wider than usual. Also consider that painted cases are very beautiful, but much more prone to scratches than black cases, tinted in the mass. A protection, often in the form of a rubber band, exists on certain models, sometimes as an option.

The saddle bag

It is fixed on the passenger seat or on the package holder. Among these bags, there are so-called "soft-case" bags, which are similar to the tank bags. There are also waterproof "duffel" bags of varying capacity (up to 90 liters), which can be strapped on using the fasteners provided or using tensioners. But to carry luggage behind you for short distances, it is not necessary to invest in a special motorcycle bag. A classic bag or backpack can be secured with a "spider", a stretch net with hooks - an extremely practical and inexpensive accessory.

The trailer

With a trailer, there is no deprivation in sight: its large carrying capacity (up to several hundred liters) makes it possible to bring back souvenirs and to carry a lot of spare clothes. They are easy to handle and designed not to interfere with the ease of movement that characterizes the two-wheeler. A few manufacturers share the market, with very diverse products, with one or two wheels, with a retro or futuristic look, and at prices that are often high due to the low volume of sales. For a trip abroad, be aware of the regulations in each country. Some may restrict the use of luggage trailers, or even prohibit it.

The backpack

Today, there are specific motorcycle backpacks, equipped with preformed straps and back protections for more comfort and safety. Tightenings are designed to improve the stability of the bag and a removable cover often improves the waterproofness (not always guaranteed at the origin). Their capacity can vary from 10 to more than 50 liters. Check that the bag's wind resistance will not hinder you. For the most bulky bags, the ideal is to be able to rest the lower part on the saddle, without loosening the straps and risking to destabilize you.
Whatever the model of backpack, it is absolutely necessary to avoid carrying rigid, blunt or heavy objects (typical examples: a lock), very dangerous for your back if you fall. And what about glass bottles when you have been shopping or going to a party.
If you have no choice but to carry your belongings in a backpack, the People Delite Aero from the Swedish manufacturer Boblbee is one of the ergonomic models. It has a level 2 approved hard shell.
In any case, if you fall and slip, remember that any backpack can hurt you because of its prominent shape and that it can get caught on other vehicles or street furniture. Of course, it is not recommended for airbag wearers.

The helmet bag

Helmets are hard to find a place on a parked motorcycle. For full-face and modular helmets, one solution is to attach them to the bike with a flexible, expandable lock. If you are concerned about the safety of your latest replica helmet, there are either specific backpacks for helmets or covers, often supplied with the helmet at the time of purchase (don't hesitate to ask for them as gifts). The latter allow first of all to protect the helmet from small shocks and dust. They also constitute bags of transport thanks to their straps or cords. Make sure to check regularly the solidity of the latter, especially the knots that slowly unravel. Some covers are covered with a shell.

Comfort accessories

Some bikers add an array of equipment to improve their comfort against the bite of the cold, the rain or the inconvenience of a long ride. Available at the design stage on more and more models, heated grips can be acquired later for older bikes or without this option. They replace the original grips or can be fitted over them. They only heat the inside of the hand and do not prevent frostbite in extreme cold. To protect yourself from the cold (in addition to gloves, which must be worn), you can install muffs, a kind of mittens attached to the handles into which the gloved hands slip. This is an efficient system, but often criticized by bikers, because it is not very aesthetic. They can be heated. At the cost of a questionable aesthetic, but a formidable effectiveness, the apron for the legs is the ideal tool to protect yourself from the cold and rain. Like the muffs, it can be heated. More and more models of GT and trail bikes offer a heated seat. It is possible to manage the passenger part separately. Some saddlery and accessory manufacturers also offer heated saddles in adaptable form.
We could laugh about it, but the truth is there and all bikers will tell you: our backside is the part of our anatomy most sensitive to the lack of comfort on long rides. The cheapest way to solve this problem when it becomes recurrent is to have your original saddle reworked. You will then have to entrust it either directly to the saddler or to a motorcycle dealer who will then send it by courier. You will also need to find an alternative if you need to use your bike while the part is unavailable. Going through a motorcycle shop sometimes has the advantage of being able to borrow a saddle; it is also possible (depending on your model) to order a complete saddle that will replace your original one. Of course, it is more expensive! Note that for people of average height, the specialist can lower the height of the seat by reducing the thickness of the foam. It is then possible to ask to insert a gel (driver and/or passenger saddle) which, while allowing to gain on the thickness, offers a very good comfort.

The navigation system

GPS (Global Positioning System) is the only system to date developed on a large scale to help us navigate. With GPS, the trip loses spontaneity, but gains in efficiency. Without much interest on a known route, this tool brings an important help to the motorcyclist on a trip. You always know where you are (provided you can get a satellite signal) and even if the route indicated is not always the most direct or the most pleasant, you are sure to reach your destination. It is no longer necessary to stop to consult a map or change the map fold (especially at night, under a streetlight or in the light of headlights). In addition, the GPS provides a considerable amount of information, called POI (points of interest), such as gas stations, garages, tourist spots, hotels and restaurants, or accident zones. Finally, the speed limits are indicated and any overtaking can be reported to the driver depending on the chosen settings.
The GPS can be used "on the fly" by giving you the shortest route in distance or the fastest route in time, including traffic (often at a cost), with or without tolls, from your current location to your final destination. Intermediate stages can also be chosen.
For a "free" afternoon stroll, some GPS units offer a very useful "winding road" option in their menu, which will allow you to take only the side roads and other alternative routes... but of course always chosen by the unit's algorithms.
For trips where you want to impose a particular route, dedicated planning software (BaseCamp for Garmin, My Drive for Tom Tom ...) can prepare on computer the route of your choice and then store it in your GPS. Many smartphone applications also allow you to read GPX files prepared in advance (Geo Tracker, Trails, GPX Viewer...). Osmond is one of the most suitable for motorcyclists.
The main question remains: which model to choose among the plethora of products, whose prices are constantly falling? The motorcycle GPS are waterproof and made to be used with gloves. However, it should be noted that many smartphones increasingly offer these two features, with or without the addition of pockets and the installation of suitable supports. Some car GPS devices can also be used in the same protective conditions. Another criterion to consider is the mounting system, which can be brand-specific (BMW, Ducati, certain Japanese models, etc.) or universal (RAM Mounts, Touratech, etc.). Depending on the size of the GPS and the possibilities offered by the type of motorcycle, the device can be integrated into a specific housing, attached to the handlebars, the windscreen or the steering column. Make sure that it does not obscure the dashboard, that it does not interfere with the installation of a tank bag and that the orientation of the screen allows you to read it without suffering from reflections or taking your eyes off the road.
All current models of GPS have Bluetooth, which allows you to receive voice instructions through the audio system built into the helmet (the use of the headset is prohibited since 2015). The sound volume adapts to the ambient noise.
If you are a long-distance traveler, consider using an external power supply, as internal GPS batteries do not last more than 5 to 7 hours in continuous use. The easiest way to do this is to plug the GPS into an on-board outlet or directly into the power supply (protected by a fuse).
When choosing a GPS, test the buttons and touch screen if possible, keeping in mind that the GPS will often be used with gloves on. Indeed, if it is not recommended to manipulate the device while driving, we are reluctant to remove our protective equipment when stopped, especially when it is cold. The use of a stylus remains possible, but not very suitable. Remember also that the touch screen can be quickly scratched by the action of fingers, gloved or not. A protective plastic film will therefore be most useful.
Among the competitors on the market of GPS for two-wheelers, we can mention the Dutch TomTom, the American Garmin, the Belgian Tripy and the French Mappy. Their GPS are commonly available with a France or Europe map.
Driving assistance systems (DAS) are not related to navigation and their purpose is not there. As radar detectors and alarms were banned in France in 2012, the devices were simply converted into danger zone alarms. Inforad is the only manufacturer known in France to provide specific devices to the motorcycle.

Communication systems and devices

Sharing impressions is one of the pleasures of riding with a duo, or even motorcycle to motorcycle. There are solutions if you don't want to have to turn your head and listen to yourself. Let's remember that any sound source distracts some of your alertness to the detriment of your safety, especially if you are engaged in an ongoing conversation. Let's also remember that, since 2015, it is illegal in France to drive a car, motorcycle or scooter with a headset, wired or wireless. The Bluetooth kit uses a wireless technology that allows you to communicate with a duo, or even with several motorcycles, and to receive calls or listen to music from devices that are also Bluetooth. With the main market leaders (Scala Rider, Cellular Line, Nextel, etc.), each helmet must be equipped with earphones, a microphone and a transmission box. Some helmets (Shoei, Nolan, Schuberth, BMW, etc.) have an integrated slot for the receiver and the microphone/earphone fitting.
The electronic intercom consists of a box, an earphone and a microphone for each biker, with the possibility of connecting a telephone, a GPS, a music source... A connection cable is necessary for the pilot and the passenger. Despite their excellent performance, they have given way to Bluetooth wireless systems. Hands-free kits for smartphones and other cell phones are now added to all these communication systems originally intended for the rider and his passenger. The device itself can be attached to the handlebars thanks to the numerous attachment systems and carrying cases available. Preferably, waterproof covers are available. Be careful to respect the French regulation prohibiting the wearing of an earpiece. Before leaving for a foreign country, find out about the legislation in force. Among other technologies, the American Buhel marketed from 2015 a Bluetooth kit (D01 and D02) that did not use internal earphones. The micro-receiver was positioned on the helmet by an adhesive system, and then the received sound is transmitted by vibration to the helmet wearer directly from the cap. The company no longer exists, but kits are still available on the net.

Video recording

Video recording has progressively taken its fashionable place in the world of motorized travelers, whether to preserve the beauty of landscapes, the fun of the road or tangible proof in case of an accident. Colloquially known as a dashcam, this object whose name means "dashboard camera" refers to the camera fixed on the helmet or on the chassis of the motorcycle. The quality of the video recording, but also the audio, the stability of the image, the angle of view, the robustness, the simplicity of use (important when driving the motorcycle), the wireless connectivity, the autonomy and the brand are some of the determining elements in the price of this little toy whose prices vary from 100 € to 500 € for the most advanced.
Several important things are considered when buying a "biker": the choice of support (motorcycle, rider's chest, helmet) and the passage of any cables, the attenuation of vibrations (there will be less on the helmet) hence the interest of a good image stabilizer, and perfect waterproofness to film whatever the weather (camera itself or protective case).
Beware of the regulations observed by various states, including those near our borders. Our cameras are strictly forbidden in some countries for the protection of privacy. Their use is notably sanctioned in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Portugal. This list was updated at the beginning of 2023 and is not exhaustive. It should be updated before any departure abroad or simple border crossing.