In India, a helmet is mandatory and riding jackets or gloves are strongly recommended, but those aren’t accessories, they are safety gear. Bike Accessories, on the other hand, are add-ons that make your rides safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. From preventing theft in crowded cities to making highway rides less tiring, the right accessories solve real problems faced by Indian riders.
Here are 9 must-have bike accessories that improve both safety and comfort on Indian roads.
1. Mobile Phone Mount With USB Charger
Navigation is now part of daily riding, whether it’s finding your way through Bengaluru traffic or following Google Maps on a weekend ride to Lonavala. Holding a phone in your hand while riding is unsafe and illegal, yet many riders still do it.
A sturdy phone mount keeps your phone secure, while models with vibration dampeners prevent damage to sensitive phone cameras. USB and Type-C charging ports powered by the bike battery ensure your phone won’t die mid-ride. In long trips like Mumbai-Goa, this accessory becomes essential.
Example: Riders often use brands like BOBO phone mounts, which offer multiple models suited for Indian roads with potholes.
2. Disc Lock or GPS Tracker for Anti-Theft
Bike theft remains a daily reality in cities like Delhi, Patna, and Hyderabad. A disc lock makes it physically harder to move the bike, while a GPS tracker lets you track the bike in real time. Some GPS units send an SMS alert if the bike is moved without authorization.
Example: Many riders in Delhi NCR pair a simple ₹800 disc lock with a ₹2,500 GPS tracker, giving double protection when parking outside metro stations or colleges.
3. LED Auxiliary Lights or Fog Lamps
Indian highways are often poorly lit, and rural roads can be pitch dark. Stock headlights are rarely enough. Auxiliary LED lights or fog lamps increase visibility at night and during monsoon rides when visibility drops.
These need proper installation to avoid draining the battery or blinding oncoming traffic. Affordable options from Maddog and HJG are popular in the Indian touring community.
Example: On the Jaipur-Jaisalmer highway, riders often use auxiliary lamps to safely ride after sunset, where street lights are almost non-existent.
4. Reflective Stickers and Rim Tapes
Many bike accidents in India happen at night because riders are not visible enough. Reflective stickers on helmets, jackets, or panniers make a huge difference in visibility. Rim tapes not only add style but also reflect light, alerting drivers to your presence.
Example: Food delivery riders in Chennai often use reflective vests or rim tapes, which cost under ₹300, to stay visible during late-night shifts.
5. Crash Guards and Frame Sliders
Low-speed crashes are common in city traffic, especially on crowded roads in Mumbai or Bengaluru. A crash guard protects the engine, while frame sliders reduce the impact on the bike body during a fall. More importantly, crash guards give the rider’s legs a layer of protection.
Example: Royal Enfield riders frequently add crash guards before long rides like the Manali-Leh route, where skidding on gravel roads is common.
6. Saddle Bags or Tank Bags
Carrying a backpack while riding can cause back pain and imbalance. Saddle bags and tank bags distribute weight evenly and free up your shoulders.
Tank bags with magnetic mounts are perfect for city riders who need quick access to wallets, toll cash, or documents. Saddle bags are ideal for touring, like weekend road trips from Pune to Mahabaleshwar or longer Ladakh circuits.
Example: Indian brands like Rynox, ViaTerra, and Guardian Gears are widely trusted by touring groups across India.
7. Side Stand Extender
Indian roads are rarely flat, and in villages or hilly areas you often have to park on uneven soil. A side stand extender increases the foot area of the stand, reducing the chance of your bike tipping over.
Example: Riders in Kerala’s backwater regions or Himachal’s mountain villages often install stand extenders because bikes sink into soft mud during monsoon parking.
8. Seat Cushions or Gel Pads
Long-distance riding on patchy Indian highways can quickly cause back and hip pain. A gel or air cushion seat pad reduces vibration and improves comfort, especially on budget commuter bikes with thin stock seats.
Example: Riders traveling the Bengaluru-Chennai corridor often use air cushion pads to avoid fatigue on the 6-hour journey. Brands like AirRider and Royal Enfield Touring seats are common upgrades.
9. Windshield or Visor Extension
Above 60 km/h, windblast becomes tiring on highways. A windshield or visor extension deflects air, making highway rides far more comfortable. Even small commuter bikes benefit from this during longer trips.
Example: On the Mumbai-Ahmedabad expressway, commuters who add a universal windshield find less strain on shoulders and neck during high-speed runs.
Small Accessories, Big Impact on Indian Roads
Riding a bike in India brings its own set of challenges, from potholes and heavy traffic in cities to unlit highways and unpredictable weather. The right accessories don’t just add convenience, they directly improve safety, comfort, and peace of mind. A simple side stand extender prevents a fall in muddy parking spots, while a phone mount with charger keeps navigation safe and reliable on long trips.
These are not luxury upgrades, but practical solutions for everyday riding. Whether you use your bike for office commutes in Bengaluru or long tours across Ladakh, the right set of accessories can make every ride safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
