Accessories for motorcycles and scooters: how to choose well
Purpose first, product second
Motorcycle accessories fall into three big groups: those that add comfort on the road, those that protect the bike, and those that solve practical matters like storage or security. This decides what to look at: compatibility, material or how secure the mounting is.
For long trips, look at motorcycle bags and top cases, fairings and windscreens, and phone holders. To protect against falls, there are crash bars. For storage you need covers, stands and lifts, and anti-theft systems.
What to put in the request
Motorcycles differ even within one model, so without exact details the seller cannot confirm compatibility.
- Motorcycle or scooter: make, model, year and engine size.
- Type of accessory: mirrors, crash bars, top case, footpegs, intercom and so on.
- Mounting: for the handlebar (22 or 28 mm diameter), for specific frame points, or universal.
- Material: steel, aluminium, plastic, nylon or Cordura for bags.
- Volume or size: in litres, for top cases and bags.
- Protection needs: waterproofing, a rain cover, a lock, reflective elements.
- New or used: and what condition is acceptable.
- City and budget: pickup or delivery; you can leave out the amount.
How to compare offers
When you write a request on BlaBlaPrice, motorcycle sellers reply in the chat themselves: what they offer, at what price, with what delivery. BlaBlaPrice compares the replies and puts the best one first, with reviews of the seller beside it. Sellers can see where they stand among the others and may improve their terms, so they compete for your request.
When comparing, look at compatibility (is your model listed), the material, the tube thickness in crash bars, the mounting kit and the warranty. Two top cases that look the same in photos can differ in the quality of locks, seams and seals. Ask for photos and inside dimensions.
Common mistakes
- Buying “universal” mirrors or a holder without checking the handlebar diameter and thread.
- Putting a heavy top case on a scooter without a reinforced rack: it changes the handling.
- Saving on the lock and chain: the anti-theft system should match the value of the bike.
- Choosing a fairing or screen without thinking of your height, because turbulence depends on it.
Season and storage
In the rainy season a motorcycle often stands unused, so that is a good time to buy a cover, a battery charger, a rear-wheel lift or a stand. Before the touring season, demand for top cases, bags and holders rises, and prices can be higher. If you are planning a long trip, get your accessories early and test them on a short ride.
Think about security separately: a good disc lock or chain together with an alarm protects against theft better than either alone.
New or used accessories
Used items suit things that wear little: stands, top cases, luggage systems. But inspect them: cracks in plastic and loose mounts appear quickly. Anything related to safety is better bought new. If you buy used, ask for a video or photos from different angles and ask which motorcycle the accessory was fitted to before.
If you need a part, see motorcycle parts. Your contacts stay hidden: only the seller you choose will get them.
