So, you’ve got that adventure motorsports machine all ready to go, but maybe it’s not quite *you* yet. Or perhaps after a long day in the saddle, you’re feeling it more than you’d like. That’s where the upgrades come in. We’re not talking about just making it look cool, though that’s part of it. These are the bits and pieces that can really make a difference in how your bike handles, how comfortable you are, and how much fun you have out there on the open road, or trail. Let’s dive into some of the gear that’s worth the investment.

Key Takeaways

• Adjustable handlebars or risers can significantly improve comfort by letting you fine-tune your riding position, whether sitting or standing.
• Upgraded suspension can make your adventure motorcycle handle better and feel more stable, especially when loaded with gear or on rough terrain.
• Wider, grippier footpegs help keep your boots planted and can adjust your leg position for better comfort on long rides.
• A better windshield can reduce wind fatigue, making long days in the saddle much more bearable by keeping the wind blast off your body and helmet.
• Mounting your GPS higher up improves visibility, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road more often.

1. Rox Bar Risers

When you’re out on an adventure ride, especially if you spend a lot of time standing on the pegs, your riding position matters. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about control. Rox Bar Risers are a pretty neat upgrade because they let you adjust your handlebars in a couple of ways. You can move them up, which is standard for risers, but you can also pivot them forward or backward. This adjustability is key to finding that sweet spot for your body, whether you’re sitting down for miles of highway or standing up on a rough trail.

Most of the time, you can even keep your stock handlebars, which is a nice bonus. They’re made from aluminum, so they’re pretty sturdy. If your bike has really basic bars, you might need to look at aftermarket ones, but for many, the Rox risers are enough to make a big difference. They help dial in your rider triangle – that’s the relationship between your seat, footpegs, and handlebars. Getting this right means less fatigue and better handling.

Here’s a quick rundown of why they’re worth considering:

• Adjustable Position: Move bars up and pivot them forward/backward.
• Improved Ergonomics: Helps find a comfortable position for both sitting and standing.
• Compatibility: Often works with stock handlebars.
• Reduced Fatigue: Better posture means less strain on your back and arms.

Some riders even find that the Rox risers help reduce vibrations, especially if you have a bike that tends to shake a bit. It’s a simple change, but it can really transform how your bike feels on longer trips or challenging terrain. It’s one of those upgrades that doesn’t scream for attention but makes a noticeable difference in your overall riding experience.

2. Pro Taper ADV Bars

When you’re out on the trail, especially for long stretches, standing up on the pegs is often more comfortable than sitting. The problem is, stock handlebars might not give you the right leverage or height for this. That’s where Pro Taper ADV Bars come in. These bars are designed with adventure riding in mind, offering a taller profile and often a different sweep than stock bars. This setup makes it much easier to stand for extended periods without feeling cramped or putting too much strain on your wrists and back.

Think about it: you’re covering miles, sometimes on rough terrain. Being able to shift your weight and posture by standing up can make a huge difference in fatigue. Pro Taper offers a few different bends and heights within their ADV line, so you can find one that suits your body and your bike.

Here’s why they’re a good idea:

• Improved Standing Comfort: The taller rise and often wider stance help you stand more naturally.
• Better Control: A different sweep can put your hands in a more neutral position, giving you better control over the bike.
• Durability: Pro Taper is known for making strong bars that can handle the abuse of adventure riding.

It’s not just about looks; it’s about making the bike work better for how you actually ride it off-road. Getting your handlebar position right is a big part of dialing in your rider triangle, and these bars are a solid step in that direction.

3. Touratech Suspension

Your motorcycle’s suspension is a pretty big deal, honestly. It’s what connects you to the road, or trail, and how well it works can make or break your ride. If you’re serious about adventure riding, especially if you plan on carrying a lot of gear or hitting rougher terrain, upgrading your stock suspension is a smart move. Touratech Suspension is a name that comes up a lot in this space, and for good reason.

These aren’t just generic shocks; they’re built specifically for the demands of adventure motorcycles. Think about it: you’re not just cruising down a highway. You’re dealing with bumps, rocks, maybe even jumps, all while carrying extra weight. The stock suspension on many bikes just isn’t designed for that kind of abuse over the long haul. Touratech aims to fix that.

What does a good suspension upgrade do for you?

• Better Handling: Your bike will feel more stable and predictable, especially when you’re standing up on the pegs or navigating tricky sections.
• Improved Comfort: Less jarring impacts mean less fatigue for you, letting you ride longer and further.
• Increased Confidence: When your bike feels planted and capable, you’re more likely to push your limits a little and explore more challenging routes.
• Durability: These units are built to last, handling the kind of stress that can make stock components fail prematurely.

Upgrading your suspension is one of those modifications that really changes how your bike feels and performs. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about control and the ability to handle whatever the adventure throws at you. A well-tuned suspension can make a huge difference, especially when you’re far from anywhere.

While it’s an investment, a quality suspension setup like Touratech’s can significantly boost your riding experience and confidence. It’s about getting the most out of your machine, no matter where you decide to take it.

4. Pivot Pegz

When you’re out on the trail, especially if you’re standing up on the pegs for extended periods, your stock foot pegs can feel pretty inadequate. They’re often too small and can get slick when they’re wet or muddy. That’s where Pivot Pegz come in. These things are seriously beefy and give you a much larger platform to stand on.

They’re designed to pivot with your foot as you move around on the bike, which sounds like a small thing, but it really makes a difference in comfort and control. It helps keep your boots planted, whether you’re navigating rocky terrain or just shifting your weight. Plus, the aggressive teeth give you a solid grip, so your feet aren’t going to slip off when things get dicey.

Here’s a quick rundown of why they’re a good idea:

• Larger Platform: Gives your feet more room to move and rest.
• Pivoting Action: Moves with your boot for better comfort and less strain.
• Aggressive Grip: Keeps your boots from slipping, even in mud or wet conditions.

They might seem like a small upgrade, but trust me, your feet will thank you after a long day in the saddle. It’s one of those mods that you don’t realize how much you needed until you have it.

5. Aftermarket Windshield

You know, sometimes that stock windshield on your bike just doesn’t cut it. Especially on longer rides, you start to feel every single bug and bit of wind hitting you. It’s not just annoying; it actually makes you more tired because you’re constantly fighting to keep your head steady. Upgrading to an aftermarket windshield can make a huge difference.

Think about it: a taller or differently shaped screen can push the wind up and over your helmet. This means less buffeting, less fatigue, and a much more enjoyable ride, whether you’re cruising down the highway or tackling some gravel roads. It’s one of those upgrades that you might not think you need until you try it, and then you wonder how you ever rode without it.

When you’re looking around, you’ll see a few different types:

• Touring Windshields: These are generally taller and wider, designed for maximum wind protection on long journeys.
• Adjustable Windshields: These let you change the height and angle on the fly, which is super handy if you hit some off-road sections where you might want less wind resistance.
• Sport Windshields: These are usually shorter and more streamlined, often for a sportier look and feel, but offer less wind protection.

It really depends on your bike and how you plan to use it. If you’re doing a lot of highway miles, a bigger screen is probably the way to go. If you’re bouncing between pavement and dirt, something adjustable might be better. You can find great options at many Idaho motorsports dealers or online.

Upgrading your windshield isn’t just about comfort; it’s about reducing the physical strain of riding, allowing you to focus more on the road and less on fighting the elements. This can significantly improve your endurance on long days.

6. Givi Airflow Windshield

When you’re out on the open road, especially for long stretches, wind can really wear you down. That’s where a good windshield comes in. The Givi Airflow is a pretty popular choice for adventure riders, and for good reason. It’s designed to give you a lot of adjustability, which is key.

What makes the Airflow stand out is how easily you can change its height and angle. This means you can dial in the perfect amount of wind protection for highway cruising. But here’s the cool part: if you hit some rougher terrain and want a clearer view or less wind resistance while standing, you can quickly adjust it out of the way. It’s not just about blocking wind; it’s about adapting to different riding situations without stopping.

Here’s a quick look at why it’s a solid upgrade:

• Adjustable Height: Lets you fine-tune the wind protection.
• Adjustable Angle: Further customization for your comfort.
• Quick Adjustments: Easy to move for off-road sections or different speeds.
• Reduced Fatigue: Significantly cuts down on wind buffeting, making long rides much more pleasant.

This windshield is a great example of how a simple change can make a big difference on longer trips. It helps keep the wind blast off your chest and helmet, meaning you’ll feel less tired at the end of the day. It’s not just about comfort, though; less buffeting means you can focus better on the road ahead.

While it might seem like just a piece of plastic, the Givi Airflow is a well-thought-out piece of gear that can really improve your riding experience, especially if you do a lot of miles on your adventure bike.

7. Puig Touring Windshield

When you’re out on the road for hours, especially on bigger bikes that eat up highway miles, wind can really wear you down. The stock windshield on many adventure bikes just doesn’t cut it. That’s where an aftermarket option like the Puig Touring Windshield comes in. It’s a straightforward upgrade that makes a big difference in comfort.

Puig offers a windshield that’s designed to give you better protection than what most bikes come with from the factory. It’s not overly complicated, but it does a solid job of deflecting wind and bugs away from your upper body and helmet. This means less fatigue on long rides, which is a huge win when you’re trying to cover a lot of ground.

What’s nice about the Puig is its versatility. It’s not just for massive touring rigs; it can work well on smaller bikes too. If your bike feels like it’s fighting the wind, even at moderate speeds, this could be the fix you need. It’s a pretty affordable way to improve your riding experience without breaking the bank.

Here’s a quick look at why it’s a good choice:

• Improved Wind Protection: Significantly reduces wind blast compared to stock screens.
• Reduced Rider Fatigue: Less buffeting means you can ride longer without feeling drained.
• Versatile Fitment: Works on a wide range of adventure and touring motorcycles.
• Affordable Upgrade: Offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Upgrading your windshield is one of those things that seems minor, but once you do it, you’ll wonder how you ever rode without it. It’s all about making the miles more enjoyable.

8. GPS Mount

When you’re out on the road, especially on longer trips or unfamiliar routes, having your GPS easily visible is a big deal. Constantly looking down at your handlebars or, worse, a tank bag, means taking your eyes off the road for longer than you’d like. A well-placed GPS mount can significantly improve your safety by keeping navigation information closer to your line of sight.

Many adventure bikes now come with a factory-installed mounting point for a GPS unit, often positioned above the instrument cluster. This is a smart design choice, putting the navigation screen right where you naturally look. If your bike doesn’t have this built-in, don’t worry. You can still achieve a similar result.

Adding an extension arm, like those offered by RAM Mounts, is a popular and effective solution. These arms allow you to reposition your GPS device higher up, closer to the top of your windshield or even above it. This simple adjustment means less time your eyes are off the pavement and more time you’re aware of your surroundings.

Here’s why a good GPS mount matters:

• Reduced Distraction: Keeps your eyes closer to the road, minimizing the time spent looking away.
• Improved Ergonomics: Prevents neck strain from constantly looking down.
• Versatility: Many mounts are adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect angle and position.
• Device Protection: Securely holds your GPS or smartphone, preventing drops or damage from vibrations.

While handlebar-mounted options are common, they often place the device too low for optimal viewing. Upgrading to a higher mount, whether factory or aftermarket, is a small change that makes a huge difference in rider awareness and comfort on long hauls.

9. RAM Mount Extension Arm

Sometimes, the stock GPS mount on your adventure bike just doesn’t cut it. Maybe it’s too low, forcing you to crane your neck and take your eyes off the road more than you’d like. That’s where a RAM Mount Extension Arm comes in handy. This simple piece of hardware can make a big difference in how you interact with your navigation.

Think about it: when you’re riding, especially on rougher terrain, you need to keep your focus forward. Constantly looking down at a GPS unit mounted on the handlebars means you’re not watching the trail or the traffic as much as you should be. An extension arm lets you reposition your GPS device higher up, closer to your natural line of sight, often near the top of your windshield. This means less time your eyes are off the road, which is a pretty big deal for safety.

It’s not just about safety, though. It’s also about comfort and efficiency. Having your GPS in a more visible spot means you can glance at it quickly without significant head movement. This is especially useful when you’re trying to follow a route or find your next turn.

Here’s why it’s a smart addition:

• Improved Visibility: Moves your GPS closer to your eye level.
• Reduced Neck Strain: Less looking down means less discomfort on long rides.
• Enhanced Safety: Minimizes the time your eyes are off the road.
• Quick Adjustments: Easy to position your device where you need it.

While many bikes now come with decent GPS mounting options, not all are created equal. If your bike’s factory setup leaves something to be desired, an extension arm is a relatively inexpensive way to fix it. It’s a small upgrade that pays off big time in terms of usability and peace of mind.

These arms are pretty straightforward. You typically attach one end to your existing mount or handlebar clamp, and the other end has a ball mount that connects to your GPS cradle. RAM Mounts are known for their durability and adjustability, making them a popular choice among adventure riders. You can find them in various lengths, so you can choose one that best suits your bike and your preferred mounting position.

10. MotorTablet Pro

If you’re still fiddling with your phone for directions, it’s time for a serious upgrade. The MotorTablet Pro is basically a dedicated screen for your motorcycle that brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right to your handlebars. No more fighting with a phone mount that vibrates itself to death or trying to tap a tiny screen with gloves on. This thing is built tough for bikes, so it won’t mess up your phone’s camera like some setups can.

It’s completely waterproof, which is a big plus when you get caught in a downpour. Plus, it turns on and off with your bike, so you don’t have to worry about battery drain or plugging in cables every time. The touchscreen works even with thicker riding gloves, and it pairs up easily with your Bluetooth headset. It really makes using navigation and music much safer and simpler.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Built for bikes: Won’t damage your phone’s camera.
• Waterproof: Handles rain without a fuss.
• Auto on/off: Connects with your bike’s ignition.
• Glove-friendly: Easy to use even with thick gloves.
• Bluetooth ready: Pairs with your headset for calls and music.

This is a solid upgrade for pretty much any rider, whether you’re commuting, touring, or hitting the trails. It just makes everything easier and safer.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it. Upgrading your adventure motorcycle isn’t just about looking cool or going faster, though those things are nice. It’s really about making the bike work better for you, especially on those long days. Whether it’s getting your handlebars just right so your shoulders don’t ache, or making sure your suspension can handle whatever the trail throws at you, these changes add up. Think about what bugs you most on your rides and start there. You don’t need to do everything at once, but a few smart upgrades can make a huge difference in how much fun you have out there. Happy trails!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are handlebar risers and why would I want them?

Handlebar risers are parts that lift your handlebars up and sometimes closer to you. This makes it easier to stand up on your bike and can make long rides more comfortable by letting you adjust your riding position. It’s like giving your bike a custom fit for your body.

How do different handlebars help with adventure riding?

Adventure bike handlebars, like Pro Taper ADV bars, are often stronger and shaped differently than regular bike bars. They can give you better control when standing up on rough terrain and are built tough for the demands of off-road adventures.

Why is upgrading motorcycle suspension important?

Upgrading your suspension, like with Touratech Suspension, makes your bike handle better and feel smoother, especially on bumpy roads or trails. It helps absorb shocks, giving you more control and making the ride much more comfortable, so you can ride longer without getting tired.

What’s the benefit of wider foot pegs?

Wider foot pegs, such as Pivot Pegz, offer a bigger platform for your boots. This gives you a more secure grip, especially when standing, and helps keep your feet from slipping. They can also help adjust your leg position for better comfort on long rides.

How does an aftermarket windshield improve the riding experience?

A different windshield can make a big difference by blocking wind and bugs. Taller or better-shaped windshields reduce the effort you need to fight the wind, especially at higher speeds, leading to less fatigue and a more enjoyable ride over long distances.

Why is a GPS mount considered a useful upgrade?

A good GPS mount puts your navigation device in a better spot, usually higher up and closer to your line of sight. This means you can check directions without looking too far away from the road, making your rides safer and more focused.

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