Motorcycle touring is a thrilling and budget-friendly way to explore new destinations. With the right gear and accessories, you can ride safely, comfortably, and efficiently for as little as $130–$170 a day. Before hitting the road, equip your bike with must have motorcycle touring accessories to enhance your adventure and make every journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Comfortable riding gear: Must haves for short and long motorcycle touring
No matter the distance, every motorcycle trip starts with putting on the right riding gear. At a minimum, equip yourself with:
- Helmet – either a full-face helmet or a half-face helmet paired with goggles.
- Gloves and boots – padded gloves for grip and protection, and sturdy riding boots for safety.
- Clothing – durable, moisture-wicking apparel that fully covers your arms and legs, such as long-sleeved shirts and comfortable trousers.
- Waterproof layers – carry rainproof clothing to stay dry during unexpected showers.
For long rides, comfort and safety should never be compromised. Invest in high-quality gear designed to protect you and withstand changing conditions:
- A well-fitted helmet with good ventilation and clear visibility features.
- Seasonal gloves (light for summer, insulated for winter).
- A durable jacket and trousers with weatherproofing.
- Protective extras, such as a neck tube, ear plugs, and riding socks, to improve comfort and endurance.
Quick gear checklist
- Helmet
- Jacket and trousers
- Gloves (summer & winter)
- Boots
- Neck tube
- Ear plugs
- Riding socks
- Throw-over waterproofs
Helmet Bluetooth headset: One of must haves for motorcycle touring to stay safe and connected
Handling your phone or GPS while riding is unsafe, even if it’s mounted on the handlebars. A safer option is using a motorcycle Bluetooth helmet headset for wireless control.
This type of headset transforms the touring experience by letting you take calls, stream music, or follow voice navigation without needing to pull over. Choose a model with noise-canceling features and simple, glove-friendly controls. With the right headset, you can enjoy entertainment or communicate with other riders while keeping your focus on the road.
The Moman H2S is an excellent choice for motorcycle touring. It features ENC, DSP, and CVC noise-cancellation technology, along with a wind-proof microphone. This ensures clear audio and communication. Its audio multitasking allows the intercom to work simultaneously with FM radio and phone calls. This intercom system for motorcycle is simple to set up and operate, even while wearing gloves.
Phone or GPS mount: An essential accessory to secure smartphone or GPS device for focused motorcycle touring
Safe navigation is essential when touring on a motorcycle. Instead of risking distractions, secure your phone or GPS device with a sturdy handlebar mount. This keeps your route visible at eye level, reducing the need to glance down or fumble with your pockets. A good mount should hold your device firmly even on bumpy roads, offer adjustable viewing angles, and ideally be vibration-resistant. Some models also include waterproof covers or charging options, ensuring your navigation stays reliable throughout the ride.
Luggage bag: An item to store must have motorcycle touring accessories
Adequate storage is a must for any motorcycle tour. Choose luggage solutions made for motorcycles, such as saddlebags, tank bags, or tail bags, which provide plenty of space while maintaining proper weight balance on the bike. To safeguard your items from sudden rain, opt for waterproof designs. For larger or irregularly shaped loads, an expandable luggage net can help secure bags firmly to the rear of your motorcycle.
Motorcycle lock: It is a must to protect the motorcycle when it is parked
Protecting your bike when it’s parked is just as important as maintaining it on the road. In this case, a sturdy motorcycle lock is one of must have motorcycle accessories. It provides extra security and peace of mind whenever your bike is unattended.
Options include heavy-duty chain locks or flexible cable locks, which can be looped through the wheels or frame and fastened to fixed objects for added protection. For even greater security, consider disc locks with alarms or U-locks designed for motorcycles.
Always try to park in secure, well-lit areas, preferably with surveillance or high foot traffic, to further reduce the risk of theft.
Motorcycle tool kit: It allows you to deal with unexpected issues during touring
Even a well-serviced motorcycle can run into unexpected issues on the road. Carrying a compact tool kit ensures you’re prepared for flat tires, loose bolts, or small repairs that might otherwise leave you stuck. Essential items to pack include a tire repair kit, screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, and spare fuses. It’s also helpful to practice using these tools in advance, so you’re confident handling basic maintenance when needed.
Safety equipment: Must have accessories for motorcycle road trip, including reflective vests, TPMS, and more
When heading out on long rides, prioritizing safety is essential. Along with your riding gear, consider adding motorcycle riding accessories that improve both visibility and awareness on the road. Reflective vests or high-visibility bands make you stand out in low-light conditions, while LED auxiliary lights help other drivers notice you more easily at night or in poor weather.
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is also a smart investment, alerting you to sudden pressure drops that could lead to dangerous blowouts. Together, these tools not only reduce risks but also give you greater confidence throughout your journey.
Paper maps: Backup navigation in case your phone or GPS stops working
Getting off track is a natural part of discovering new routes on a motorcycle, but it’s important to be prepared if your phone or GPS stops working. Carry paper maps of the region as a reliable backup for emergencies. Always pull over safely before checking them to avoid distractions while riding. If you’re traveling with a group, communicate regularly to ensure everyone stays on course and no one gets separated.
First aid kit: Must have items for motorcycle touring without health concerns
Long hours on a motorcycle can lead to fatigue, soreness, or unexpected discomfort. Be prepared to stop if you experience headaches, nausea, or general body aches. Pack a small first-aid kit with over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, gauze, and antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to handle minor injuries. If your trip includes camping or hiking, include insect repellent to protect yourself from bites and keep your outdoor experience more comfortable.
Charging options for motorcycle touring: They ensure your devices stay powered
On long rides, many devices like smartphones, GPS units, Bluetooth headsets, or action cameras require reliable power to function throughout the journey. Absolutely—charging solutions are essential when planning a motorcycle tour. They ensure your devices stay powered, enabling navigation, communication, and entertainment throughout your journey.
- Handlebar/bike-mounted USB chargers: Charge smartphones, GPS, and headsets on the go; choose waterproof, vibration-resistant models.
- Portable power banks: High-capacity and fast-charging options are ideal for stops or camping; some support multiple devices.
- Integrated battery systems: Provide extended power for multi-day trips with USB or DC outputs.
- Solar chargers: Recharge power banks or small devices during the day, especially in remote areas.
- Charging cables & adapters: Use durable, weatherproof cables with quick-connect adapters for flexibility.
💡Tip: Combine on-bike and portable charging solutions for reliable power anywhere.
