Top 5 Motorcycle Safety Gadgets

Motorcycles are great for providing a feeling of freedom and limitless opportunity, but they also lack many of the common conveniences and safety tools that other motor vehicles have. 

The good news is that it’s possible to buy many of these safety gadgets as accessories. Not only will these tools enhance your ride, but they’ll also ensure you get to your destination safely, allowing you to focus on the experience and thrill of the open road. 

Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers at The Dominguez Firm in Los Angeles, CA, has put together our list of most-recommended motorcycle safety gadgets.

1. Bluetooth Communication System

If you often ride with friends or a dedicated motorcyclist group, you know exactly how tricky it can be to coordinate with everyone involved. Bike intercoms have become increasingly popular and user-friendly, making them an essential tool for anyone riding in a group. 

These communication systems are a great safety tool for group riders. Not only can you keep track of everyone in the group, but you’ll immediately know if any hazards exist on the road. If someone does have an accident, having a reliable communication system will ensure that you can respond rapidly and appropriately. 

Important factors of a good communication system include:

• Audio distance
• Clarity of sound
• Hassle-free operation

One of the top manufacturers in this space is Sena, which has manufactured Bluetooth gadgets for motorcyclists for many years. The company has perfected its products with a mix of lab and real-world testing, ensuring a hassle-free, safe experience.

2. GPS System

If you travel the same route every weekend, you may not really need a GPS to find your way. But if you’re the adventurous type, a GPS will ensure that you get to your destination safely and with minimal backtracking. 

Modern GPS systems also offer many other amenities, such as weather predictions, hazard warnings, and even traffic alerts. This information can let you react accordingly and adjust your route whenever you run into any trouble. 

Garmin remains one of the best-known names in the GPS market. The company produces several motorcycle-friendly GPS systems that offer rider-centric amenities, such as waterproofing, long-lasting battery life, a glove-friendly touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

No matter what brand you choose, make sure that your GPS offers the necessary safety features. The last thing you need while riding is having to navigate tricky controls while trying to keep your eyes on the road. 

Try to take the GPS out for a test run before committing. Some systems may look great on the shop floor but will fail to impress on the road. In addition to durability and usability, also take note of how the system fits on your bike and how well it provides directions.

3. Mounted Camera

Many riders get a mounted camera to record their rides and share them with friends and family. But the benefits of a mounted camera extend much further than simply showing off your sweet moves or amazing landscapes. 

Mounted cameras are the best tool for recording any accidents or mishaps on the road. If you’ve ever struggled with an insurance claim, you know the value of having hard evidence to prove your motorcycle accident claim. 

While the GoPro remains the gold standard for helmet-mounted cameras, many riders are also getting into either dashboard or bike-mounted options. Some cameras can even offer a complete 360° view of your bike, regardless of where you mount the camera. Having both is also a good option as it allows you to capture things from your point of view as well as a more neutral viewpoint. 

Many modern cameras have become multi-purpose tools that include many other useful (and not-so-useful) features. The Garmin Virb X camera, for instance, has GPS and an interior tracking device that records speed, acceleration, and elevation.

If you want comprehensive footage with a wealth of extra detail, this may be the perfect motorcycle safety gadget for you.

4. Tire Repair Kit

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck at the side of the road with a flat tire. A tire repair kit can get you back on the road and to safety with minimal effort. Most kits include everything you need, including:

• Rasp tool
• Strings
• Tube plug cement
• Insert needle tool
• Small knife
• CO₂ canister

Most tire repair kits work just as well on tubed or tubeless tires, but it’s still a good idea to shop around for one that fits your needs.

You can also combine the tire repair kit with a portable tire inflator, which will produce much more CO₂ than the canister included in the repair kit. The only downside is that many inflators need a power source to function, but you can find slower options that don’t require an external power supply. 

Riding on flat or sub-optimal tires can be extremely dangerous, so having an inflator can save you a lot of hassle in the future.

5. Multitool

Just like flat tires, motorbike breakdowns will eventually happen. Calling for help can be potentially dangerous or impractical, especially if you’re riding alone and you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. Learning how to perform small repairs is an invaluable skill for any rider of any skill level. 

While you can’t haul around an entire workshop while riding, you can be prepared with a small toolkit. These kits come with everything you need to do small repairs by the roadside, including:

• Screwdrivers
• Open-ended wrenches
• Socket drivers
• Spoke wrenches

If you don’t have space for a full kit, you can also consider a small multitool that contains most of what you need. An impressive option is the BikeMaster Master Multitool, which comes with:

• 6 hex wrenches
• 3 sockets
• Attachment driver
• Combo open-end wrench

Honorable Mention: Power Supply

Another common roadside hazard is a flat battery, which can wreck your trip before it even begins. If you’ve loaded up on security gadgets, it may also be a good idea to bring along a power supply to prevent unwanted outages. 

Most bike-centric power supplies have enough juice to start an engine and can also power your GPS, Bluetooth, and even your mounted camera. 

Motorbikes offer plenty of excitement, fun, and freedom—which unfortunately come at a cost. While many of these gadgets can improve your safety on the road, they can’t help you recover from a severe accident. 

If you’ve been in a serious accident, you’ll need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. Our powerhouse legal team at The Dominguez Firm is here to help you protect your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. Give us a call at (800) 818-1818 to schedule your free consultation today!