Must-Have Gear Every Harley Owner Needs To Buy
If you’re planning on racking up the miles on your newly purchased Harley Davidson, there are a few must-have items you’re going to need to buy.
You’ll need gear to keep you safe and comfortable on the road, tools to look after your bike, and even a few accessories that will make your life a little easier.
Proper Riding Gear
Staying safe in the event that things go wrong is hugely important. This is where the phrase “dress for the slide, not the ride” comes in. Sure, we all want to look cool while we’re riding – but your appearance isn’t going to help save you from road rash if you go down.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of “cool-looking” gear available that is also perfectly functional at keeping you safe. On that note, I understand that some states don’t have any helmet laws – wear one anyways. Just because government officials don’t care if you splatter your brain on the highway doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
Here’s some gear you’re going to want to purchase so you can ride your Harley safely:
Helmet
The most important piece of gear you should buy with your new bike is a helmet. A full-face or modular helmet will give your entire face protection, but make sure that the one you buy comes with a face shield.
You may also choose a three-quarter or half-helmet when you ride, but you’ll have less protection in the event of an incident. Look for a helmet that fits snugly and has a DOT certification.
Riding Jacket
A good riding jacket will protect you from the wind, rain, and road debris. Look for a jacket that has armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back, and is made of abrasion-resistant material. A jacket with reflective piping or strips will also increase your visibility to other drivers on the road.
Boots
Your feet need to be protected too, so invest in a sturdy pair of riding boots. Look for boots with non-slip soles, ankle protection, and a reinforced toe box. A good pair of boots will keep your feet dry, comfortable, and protected in the event of an accident.
Gloves
Gloves are often overlooked by riders. They’ll help you maintain your grip on the handlebars and keep you from shredding your hands in the event of a slide. Look for gloves that are made of abrasion-resistant material and have padding in the palms and knuckles.
Riding Pants
Protect your legs with a good pair of riding pants. Look for pants that are made of abrasion-resistant material and have armor in the knees and hips. Pants with reflective piping or strips will also increase your visibility to other drivers on the road.
If you aren’t willing to buy riding-specific pants, make sure to wear thick, high-quality jeans at a minimum.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have for any rider. They will protect your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris. Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare and improve visibility. A comfortable fit is also important to ensure that your sunglasses stay in place while you ride.
Maintenance Tools
Keeping up with maintenance is the best way to prolong your Harley’s life and keep it performing well. Here are some essential maintenance tools you should consider having in your garage.
Tool Kit
Maintaining your bike requires a good set of tools. A basic tool kit should include a set of wrenches, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, and a torque wrench. Investing in a quality tool kit will save you time and money in the long run.
Basic Detailing Products
Keeping your Harley clean and shiny is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps prevent corrosion and damage to the paint and metal. Basic detailing products such as soap or rinseless wash, wax/sealant, a clay bar, and brushes along with microfiber towels, will help you keep your Harley looking its best.
Battery Tender
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their powerful engines, but they also require a lot of power to start. A dead battery can ruin your day, so investing in a battery tender is a wise choice.
Let’s be honest – we don’t all have time to ride every day (or even every week). As the bike sits, any constant power draws on the bike will eventually kill the battery. A battery tender will help keep your battery charged and ready to go whenever you are.
By having these maintenance tools on hand, you can keep your Harley running smoothly and looking great. With regular maintenance and care, your Harley will provide you with years of enjoyment on the road.
Additional Accessories
Accessories for your new Harley might not be required, but they can certainly make your life easier. Here are a few you might want to consider:
Phone Mount
A phone mount is a great accessory for any rider who wants to stay connected while on the road. With a phone mount, you can easily access your phone’s GPS, music, and other features without having to take your eyes off the road.
There are many different types of phone mounts available, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with your phone and your Harley.
Helmet Lock
A helmet lock is a simple accessory that can help keep your helmet safe and secure when you’re not riding. With a helmet lock, you can easily attach your helmet to your bike and leave it there, knowing that it will be safe from theft.
There are many different types of helmet locks available – some that are intended to mount directly to your frame and others that are more universal.
This simple design from Helmetlok allows you to lock your helmet to any part of your bike easily.
Bike Cover
A bike cover is a good accessory for any rider who wants to keep their Harley clean and dust-free when not in use. There are many different types of bike covers available, so be sure to choose one that fits your Harley and provides the level of protection you need.
Overall, these additional accessories can help make your ride more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Be sure to choose accessories that are compatible with your Harley and your needs, and always prioritize safety when choosing accessories for your bike.
