Ten Great Motorcycle Gadgets for the Road

By Motorcycle Classics Staff
Published on August 30, 2011
1 / 10
True motorcycle gadgets should be designed specifically for motorcycles, and the TPX Radar and Laser Detection System from Adaptive Systems is so designed.
True motorcycle gadgets should be designed specifically for motorcycles, and the TPX Radar and Laser Detection System from Adaptive Systems is so designed.
2 / 10
The AdaptiveMount from AdaptiSorb damps vibrations that could damage electronic devices.
The AdaptiveMount from AdaptiSorb damps vibrations that could damage electronic devices.
3 / 10
This flashing halogen bulb from our friends at Aerostich looks like a bright taillight.
This flashing halogen bulb from our friends at Aerostich looks like a bright taillight.
4 / 10
This basic luggage Electrix Tankbag & Saddlebag Power Kit from Powerlet has everything you need to get things wired.
This basic luggage Electrix Tankbag & Saddlebag Power Kit from Powerlet has everything you need to get things wired.
5 / 10
Though they’re not cheap, these PIAA Cross Country 2-inch HID lamps are the gold standard in motorcycle driving lights.
Though they’re not cheap, these PIAA Cross Country 2-inch HID lamps are the gold standard in motorcycle driving lights.
6 / 10
Looking for another way to make your bike more visible? The Versa LED Turn/Brake/Running light is a simple row of super-bright LEDs made to attach directly to the bottom of your license plate using the same mounting holes.
Looking for another way to make your bike more visible? The Versa LED Turn/Brake/Running light is a simple row of super-bright LEDs made to attach directly to the bottom of your license plate using the same mounting holes.
7 / 10
The Scala Rider G4 Power Set motorcycle communication system.
The Scala Rider G4 Power Set motorcycle communication system.
8 / 10
You can’t repair a trashed battery, but you can help extend your battery’s life by keeping it hooked up to a motorcycle battery tender whenever you’re not riding or when you don’t plan to be getting back on the bike anytime soon.
You can’t repair a trashed battery, but you can help extend your battery’s life by keeping it hooked up to a motorcycle battery tender whenever you’re not riding or when you don’t plan to be getting back on the bike anytime soon.
9 / 10
The Zumo 665 is the latest motorcycle GPS unit from Garmin, and it’s chock-full of handy features.
The Zumo 665 is the latest motorcycle GPS unit from Garmin, and it’s chock-full of handy features.
10 / 10
One of the most compact motorcycle alarm systems out there, the Cyclone 866F is no larger than a pack of cigarettes, yet it contains all of the best features known to prevent motorcycle theft.
One of the most compact motorcycle alarm systems out there, the Cyclone 866F is no larger than a pack of cigarettes, yet it contains all of the best features known to prevent motorcycle theft.

From motorcycle radar detectors to motorcycle GPS units, there are a lot of interesting motorcycle gadgets for the road. Here are 10 reviews from the editors at Motorcycle Classics:

1. Different people look at motorcycle radar detectors in different ways. Some believe that if you drive (and ride) like the law-obeying citizen you should be, there’s no need for one. The reality is that speeding tickets suck. They’re expensive, and that’s before court costs, lawyer fees, increased insurance premiums and the time spent getting it all taken care of. Want help avoiding the next speed trap? The TPX Radar and Laser Detection System from Adaptive Systems is designed specifically for motorcycles. The system features a quick-release mounting plate that attaches to a variety of mounts, including, of course, the AdaptiveMount, also sold on the company’s website. The TPX is water resistant, comes with a heavy duty wiring harness, a Visual Alert system that can be mounted just about anywhere on your bike for optimal viewing, and features large buttons designed to be easy to use, even with gloves on. The angled, backlit LCD screen allows you to read it day or night. Certified by Speed Measurement Laboratories, Inc., the leading independent evaluator of radar detectors in the market today. Price: $299.

2. Designed specifically to isolate your expensive electronics from the vibrations of your motorcycle, the AdaptiveMount motorcycle accessory mount features two plates separated by AdaptiSorb vibration dampers. Your gadget mounts to the top plate only, insulating it from the stem of the mount. The double ball-joint design provides a variety of positioning options, easy adjustment and simple installation. Price: starting at $85.  

3. When you’re traveling, it’s really nice to be able to keep your gadgets powered on the go, especially if it’s a cell phone you rely on in an emergency. Why not turn your tank bag or saddlebag into a charging station? This Basic Luggage Electrix Tankbag & Saddlebag Power Kit from Powerlet has everything you need to get things wired. Perfect for charging cell phones, GPS units, radar detectors, satellite radios, air compressors and more, the connector can be installed into most any piece of motorcycle luggage. Power can come from an SAE battery lead, a Powerlet outlet or a battery charger SAE lead. Price: $59.95.

4. Anything that makes a bike more visible in traffic is a good thing. This Flashing Halogen Taillight Bulb from our friends at Aerostich looks like a bright taillight. And it is, until you hit the brakes. Then it goes into action, and becomes a great flashing motorcycle brake light. It flashes four times fast, then pauses, then flashes three times a little slower, then pauses, then flashes two more times really slow, and then stays on full time as a stop light. The full flash/pause sequence only takes 4 seconds, and it repeats each time you re-apply the brakes. Cool, eh? The reliable digital electronics are all contained inside the bulb’s base, and it uses a widely available, easily replaceable G4 halogen bulb. It even comes with an easy-to-carry extra bulb, and fits standard 1157 dual filament brake/taillight bulb sockets. Price: $69.

5. Once you’ve ridden down a country road on a dark night with a good set of motorcycle driving lights, you’ll wonder how you ever managed to get along without them. And if you ever tour in the boonies and like to ride at night, you’ll really appreciate the difference they make. Though they’re not cheap, these PIAA Cross Country 2-inch HID lamps are the gold standard in motorcycle driving lights. These lights feature an internal ballast and igniter, with a housing built from machined anodized aluminum and a hardened glass lens. They feature 25-30 watt HID bulbs, pull just 1-2 amps (5 amps at start up), and will operate down to 9 volts and up to 14.5 volts. Think about it; the farther you can see, the better you can prepare for the road ahead. Price: $594.95.

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