Motorcycle Accessory Financing | Synchrony Powersports

Motorcycle Accessories

Motorcycles are great for commuting or relaxing on a long weekend ride. But once you've found the perfect bike, it’s time to accessorize. From your helmet and other safety accessories to customized seats and storage, optional extras help you have the best riding experience.

Motorcycle accessories for beginners

All new riders need a full set of safety gear, including:

• Helmet: Look for one with Department of Transportation (DOT) certification. Helmets that meet the European standards, or ECE 22.05 certification, are even safer. Consider a full-face helmet, which covers the entire head and is the safest type. In fact, this is the safest helmet for riders of all abilities.
• Jacket and pants: A leather or textile jacket and pants protect you from scrapes and road rash if you fall off your bike. Look for a jacket and pants with armor, which gives an extra level of protection. Level 2 armor is adequate for most new riders.
• Gloves: Gloves protect your hands in the event or a crash, and help ensure you always have a good grip on the handlebars.
• Boots: Boots are important for all riders. Regular work boots can work, but motorcycle boots have extra protection. If you're interested in racing, invest in racing boots, which have armor throughout to protect your feet and legs in the event of a crash.

When you're buying gear, think about the type of riding you'll do. Most beginners take leisure rides, which only require the basic equipment listed above. If you'll be commuting on your bike, you'll probably want rain gear; and if you're looking to get into racing, you'll want high-end protective gear, including a race suit, or one piece reinforced garment that helps protect you in the event of a crash.

Don't overlook the importance of keeping comfortable. When your gear is comfortable, you're more likely to wear it. Think about the temperature and time of year when you'll be riding, and invest in gear that has good airflow and will keep you warm or cool as needed.

Accessories to help level up your riding

Once you have a comfortable set of safety gear, it's time to focus on accessories that make your riding experience better. This is highly personal and depends on where you are, what type of riding you enjoy and when you'll be using your bike. The possibilities for upgrades are endless, so it's helpful to think of them in categories.

Personalized comfort upgrades

These accessories allow you to fine-tune your bike to the type of riding you love. You can also tweak the seats and handlebars for your own optimal comfort. Here are a few things to consider:

• Seats: Changing your seat, known as a saddle in motorcycle lingo, is an easy way to personalize your bike. If you're into long-distance riding, find a wide, comfortable, cushioned seat. For carrying passengers, especially those who haven't ridden before, consider installing a backrest.
• Handlebars: Handlebars impact the look of your bike, the maneuverability and your comfort while riding. There are many different types of handlebars, from wide-set ape-hangers that give cruisers a distinctive look, to chumps handlebars that fit a variety of bikes and riders.
• Storage systems: No matter how light you travel, most riders can use some extra storage. Tank bags attach to a motorcycle's gas tank. They come in either magnetic, strap-mount or clamp-on designs and are perfect for holding small, essential items like sunglasses, phone, maps or cosmetics. Saddlebags attach to the sides of your bike. They're a bit bigger and can hold a change of clothes, water and other items. If you need more space, consider a top box, also known as a tour pack. This attaches to the back of the bike and offers enclosed space and rails to attach overnight bags and bigger items.

Performance upgrades

Performance accessories and upgraded motorcycle parts help give you the responsiveness and performance that you're looking for.

• Exhaust: An aftermarket exhaust or slip-on muffler can change the look, sound and performance of your bike. If you have a cruiser, you might like a long exhaust or slip-on muffler that produces a deep, low rumble. For racing bikes, swapping the stock exhaust for a lighter weight option can take pounds off your bike and let you ride faster.
• Air filters: If you're planning long or fast rides, you want your engine operating at its best. Swapping a stock air filter for a high-flow option can help your bike run more efficiently.
• Levers: Some riders choose after-market brake and clutch levers to match the color and aesthetic of their bike. Others opt for shorty levers, which are operated with just two fingers rather than the whole hand. Fans of these levers appreciate how these levers seem to give more control and responsiveness.

Safety and crash accessories

To really enjoy your ride, you'll want to feel as safe as possible on your bike. Whenever you ride, make sure to wear your full safety gear. In addition, consider these safety upgrades that could help you avoid a crash and minimize injury and damage if one occurs.

• Upgraded lights: Lights increase your visibility day and night. Auxiliary lights or highway lights make it easy for other motorists to see you and give you the space you need on the road.
• Frame sliders: No one wants to think about dropping or sliding their bike, but it's possible. Frame sliders absorb fall impact and help protect the body of your bike and your engine if it hits the ground.
• Skid plate: A skid plate helps protect the undercarriage of your bike from damaging debris like rocks. While most street riders may not need a skid plate, racers and off-road riders should consider one.
• Guards: Guards help protect specific areas of your bike in the event of an impact, to minimize damage. Consider the radiator, engine, headlight and frame guards.
• Louder horn: If another motorist drifts into your lane, a horn can be lifesaving. When it comes to getting attention, louder is better, so consider an upgraded horn.

Financing motorcycle accessories

Personalizing your bike and accessories can transform your riding experience. Accessories can help boost your performance and control, keep you safe and make sure you're comfortable on the road.

If you plan on purchasing a few things from the list, you might consider rolling them into a Synchrony installment loan, which you can use to finance both your bike and additional gear.* With flexible terms, it’s a financing option that can allow you to pay back the loan over time and make convenient monthly payments.

You can also choose to use the Synchrony Outdoors credit card at enrolled powersports retailers.** It’s a card that can be used for powersports parts, gear, accessories and even fuel you need to maintain your motorcycle (or other powersports vehicle).

Whatever the weather and whatever the gear, the Synchrony Outdoors credit card can help you kickstart your great escape. Activate your adventure and apply today.

*Offer subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank.

**Subject to credit approval. See Synchrony Outdoors | MySynchrony for details.