25 Motorcycle Products I Wish I’d Bought Sooner
Beginner rider gear I wish I had before learning to ride at 58 — because motorcycles are fun, but pavement is still undefeated.
Before You Start Buying Everything With Two Wheels On It
When I started riding later in life, I thought I needed a motorcycle, a helmet, and courage. Turns out I also needed comfort, visibility, hydration, storage, protection, and a few things that would have saved me from looking like a confused raccoon at a gas pump.
The Gear List
1. DOT-Approved Full-Face Helmet
Your brain has no replacement parts. Get a helmet that fits right, vents well, and does not wobble around like a soup bowl.
Check Beginner Helmets on Amazon →2. Mesh Riding Jacket
Louisiana heat is brutal. Road rash is worse. A mesh jacket with armor gives you airflow and protection.
Check Mesh Riding Jackets →3. Motorcycle Gloves
Hands usually hit first. Good gloves help with grip, vibration, bugs, and the unfortunate possibility of gravity winning.
Check Riding Gloves →4. Riding Boots
Regular tennis shoes are not riding boots. Ankles matter. So do soles that grip when your foot hits gravel.
Check Riding Boots →5. Bluetooth Helmet Headset
GPS directions in your helmet beat staring at your phone like you are trying to decode the Dead Sea Scrolls at 60 mph.
Check Bluetooth Headsets →6. Motorcycle Phone Mount
A solid phone mount helps with navigation. A cheap one helps you donate your phone to the highway.
Check Phone Mounts →7. Tire Pressure Gauge
Motorcycle tires matter more than car tires. Check pressure before rides, especially before longer trips.
Check Tire Gauges →8. Portable Air Compressor
Finding low tire pressure at home is annoying. Finding it 40 miles from home is a character-building event.
Check Portable Compressors →9. Motorcycle Tool Kit
You do not need to rebuild the engine roadside, but you should be able to tighten, adjust, or fix basic things.
Check Motorcycle Tool Kits →10. Battery Tender
If your bike sits, a battery tender can save you from the sad click-click-click of disappointment.
Check Battery Tenders →11. Hi-Vis Vest or Reflective Gear
Drivers miss motorcycles. Help them see you before they turn left across your path.
Check Reflective Gear →12. Rain Gear
In Louisiana, clear skies can become a baptism in six minutes.
Check Motorcycle Rain Gear →13. Cooling Neck Gaiter
A cheap comfort upgrade for hot-weather riding. Wet it, wear it, and feel slightly less like boiled crawfish.
Check Cooling Gaiters →14. Insulated Water Bottle
Hydration is not optional down here. Louisiana humidity does not negotiate.
Check Water Bottles →15. Motorcycle Cover
Sun, rain, pollen, birds, and mystery tree slime all have plans for your bike.
Check Motorcycle Covers →16. Disc Lock
A simple theft deterrent that is easy to pack. Just remember to remove it before riding off like a hero.
Check Disc Locks →17. Ear Protection
Wind noise is sneaky. Protect your hearing before your ears start filing complaints.
Check Riding Earplugs →18. Anti-Fog Visor Insert
Fogged visors make you feel like you are riding inside a boiled shrimp pot.
Check Anti-Fog Inserts →19. Motorcycle Backpack
For water, gloves, snacks, rain gear, and all the stuff you swore you would not need.
Check Riding Backpacks →20. Saddlebags or Tail Bag
Storage turns a ride into a useful ride. Groceries, tools, layers, and road snacks need a home.
Check Motorcycle Bags →21. Helmet Cleaner
Bug guts are not a decorative finish. Keep your visor clean and your view clear.
Check Helmet Cleaner →22. Chain Cleaner and Lube
If your bike has a chain, take care of it. A neglected chain can get expensive fast.
Check Chain Care Kits →23. First Aid Kit
Small kit. Big peace of mind. Especially if you ride rural roads.
Check First Aid Kits →24. Action Camera Mount
Great for memories, scenery, and proving that yes, that raccoon really did run at you sideways.
Check Action Camera Mounts →25. Kickstand Pad
Soft asphalt, gravel, and grass can swallow a kickstand. This tiny thing can prevent a big embarrassing flop.
Check Kickstand Pads →