Best Motorcycle Gadgets: Must-Have Accessories for Your Bike

If you have a GPS device but nowhere to mount it on your bike, this accessory from Nelson-Rigg will do the trick. It attaches to the gas tank with magnetic mounts, and it's designed to stay put without leaving any marks behind. It's made of UV-treated Tri-Max ballistic nylon. 

The pocket can accommodate nearly any type of GPS and electronic device. It also features a second clear pocket for smartphones and other devices. The clear pouches are touch-screen friendly, and there’s an extra zippered pocket for smaller items, such as a garage door opener. The magnets are powerful, and the bag stays right where you put it, even at very high speeds. The case also keeps your gadgets dry when you get stuck in the rain.

One issue with the bag is the clear pockets may be too small for certain devices, especially if you have a larger smartphone. The case may also be too long for some tanks, and the pockets may not be the dimensions that are listed in the product’s description.

The Battery Tender Junior 12V Charger and Maintainer maintains the battery on your motorcycle, ATV, and other Powersports equipment. The device charges the battery and then switches to float mode to keep voltage levels at an optimal level, so your battery won't overcharge during long-term storage. The maintainer comes with a 12-foot cord and a five-year warranty.

The device is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It's designed for 12V lead-acid, flooded, and sealed maintenance-free batteries (AGM and gel cell). Modes include initialization, bulk charge, and float mode. It has a two-color LED light, so you know the status of the battery. Other features include reverse polarity protection, an automatic charge cycle, and ISM adaptive charging. Users report that it works well and keeps your batteries in tip-top condition.

One complaint about this device is that the cables may not be long enough for certain situations. Also, it has a tendency to create radio interference, which can be frustrating.

You can talk to up to eight people with this communication system from Sena. It works with both Sena and non-Sena Bluetooth headsets. It's easy to set up and pair with Bluetooth devices and uses hands-free voice commands. The system also features a multitasking mode so you can listen to music or GPS while having a conversation.

This is a great audio multi-tasking and multi-group intercom communication device. The audio is clear, precise, crisp, and smooth. You can pair this system up with one or two mobile phones, and it pairs instantaneously every time you turn it on to any phone you use. There's also little to no wind noise, depending on what type of helmet you use.

One problem with this device is the battery life is not very good. It can also be challenging to pair with other riders. In addition, there have been some complaints that Sena is difficult to deal with when it comes to warranty support.

This half helmet qualifies as a gadget because it comes with built-in Bluetooth 4.1, a feature usually reserved for full-face helmets. The communication device is integrated, so you can chat with fellow riders using the intercom mode, take and make phone calls, and listen to music. It features Sena's Advanced Noise Control Technology with a range of 0.5 miles and 10 hours of talk time.

Other features include wind noise reduction and wide volume control. Simply connect the helmet to the Sena headset app, which is available for iPhone and Android devices. The helmet also meets federal motor vehicle safety standards and is DOT certified. It is made of composite fiberglass and has an aerodynamic, low-profile, removable visor. Users report that it's comfortable, fits well, and the audio is clear.

Unfortunately, you can't use the Bluetooth while it is charging, which can be frustrating on rides that are several hours long. Also, the ear pads don’t stay in very well, so it's easy to lose one or both of them.

If you don't want to carry your helmet with you when you’re off the bike, the HelmetLok II Helmet Lock is a great option. It locks onto your motorcycle, even if it has a thick frame. The lock features a four-digit reprogrammable combination lock, so you can easily set the device to a group of numbers you're unlikely to forget.

The lock won't scratch your bike because while it's made of aluminum and zinc alloy, it features a rubber coating. The device is durable, so you don't have to worry if you get stuck in the rain or other weather conditions. It has a T-bar extension plate and is compact and portable. Users report that it is easy to open and close, the extension bar is very useful, and it is a good way to discourage thieves.

The biggest downside with this product is it's a little on the pricey side. There have also been complaints that the numbers wear off after a period of time, and it can be tough to find a place to use it on certain types of bikes.

While you can use a basic GPS to get you where you need to go, the Garmin Zumo XT Motorcycle GPS provides some features, especially for bikers. For example, it has a glove-friendly, rain-resistant, 5.5-inch HD display. It's designed to withstand a variety of temperatures, weather conditions, and vibrations. The unit also provides turn-by-turn directions for on-road adventures as well as satellite images for off-roading.

This GPS doesn't require a subscription, and you can set routes, tracks, and waypoints. It alerts you to curves and railroad crossings. The battery has a 3.5- to 6-hour lifespan, depending on the brightness level of the display. You can also hardwire it to your motorcycle. Other features include pre-loaded maps, adventure-focused routing, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the ability to stream music through the device using your smartphone. It comes with the mount, hardware, power cable, and USB cable. Users report that it's easy to operate, the screen is highly visible, and the interface is intuitive.

However, some users have found that it is a little challenging to program routes. There are also some features that you may have to experiment with in order to use them properly.

If you ride so much that you need to charge your smartphone, GPS, or other electronic device while on the go, you need a gadget like the Battery Tender USB Charger. This charger plugs into your bike battery's SAE harness, so you can juice up your iPhone, Android device, camera, etc. Anything that utilizes a USB for charging can benefit from this charger.

This unit is designed to work with a 12-volt battery and the Battery Tender SAE Quick Disconnect Harness, which you must purchase separately. It's very convenient because you can keep on riding without having to stop and recharge your phone or navigation device during a long trip. It's simple to set up and is compact and affordable.

There are not many complaints about this charger. However, one of the downsides is that it can take a while to charge a modern smartphone. You may also need a long USB cable in order to put the device that requires charging in the proper spot, such as a tank bag.

If you like to stay connected while you ride or use your smartphone for navigation, you may want to consider the RAM Mounts X-Grip Handlebar U-Bolt Base. This device lets you mount your electronic device to your bike's handlebar as long as it's 0.5 to 1.25 inches in diameter. It's constructed of powder-coated, marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel with rubber tips and has a spring-loaded X-Grip that securely holds your phone.

This holder is rustproof, and it articulates in a variety of angles, so you can easily adjust it to suit your needs. It's compatible with a wide range of Apple and Android devices, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, Motorola, and Samsung Galaxy models. Users report that it's well made, easy to install, and stays firmly in place. It won't budge even in windy conditions, and you can feel confident that your phone is protected. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Unfortunately, it can be a little challenging to install on naked bikes. Also, the edges of the mount may press on the power or volume buttons on your phone depending on what type of device it is.

If you're looking for a communication system as well as a camera, the Sena 10C Pro Bluetooth Headset & Camera is a great option. This headset device features a video camera that records 1440p QHD video and takes still shots. When used with the Sena camera app, you can easily download footage to your smartphone using Wi-Fi. It works using voice prompts and features shot, burst, and time lapse photo options.

As for the headset, this product has a four-way intercom, so you can speak to other riders who are within 1,600 meters. It comes with noise control and an FM radio tuner. The device is water resistant and features Bluetooth 4.1 technology. We like that it features several video and photo modes, including one-touch operation. Users report that it's easy to operate as well as install on your helmet.

However, the quality of the video is not as good as some rival brands, such as GoPro. There have also been some complaints that the sound quality isn't the best, and the firmware updates can be buggy.