Top 10 Dual Sport Aftermarket Upgrades

Riding a dual sport motorcycle opens your world to riding beyond the pavement. The lightweight frame, knobby tires, and higher ground clearance are perfect for venturing out on the trails. Get away from civilization and commune with nature as you kick up some dirt. While motorcycle manufacturers do their best to produce quality machines, they don’t always get everything perfect. That is why many owners tweak their bikes with aftermarket upgrades. Check out these 10 dual sport aftermarket upgrades that will take your dual sport ride to the next level.

10/10 Seat

The vast majority of stock motorcycle seats are terrible. For some reason, motorcycle manufacturers think that rock-hard and stiff seats are good enough. For dual sports, this rings even more true. After all, you will spend most of your time standing, so why bother with a comfortable seat? This approach is misguided. Replacing your stock dual sport seat with a more comfortable aftermarket seat will make your time in the saddle more enjoyable. Look for one with more cushion that feels soft but is also supportive. Also, contouring is nice because it cradles your body for a more secure seat.

9/10 Soft Racks

Soft racks are a better aftermarket upgrade than hard racks. Hard racks are metal frames that are not forgiving when riding off-road. Soft racks are better because they are easier to take on and off. You can pack them away when not in use. They are also lighter, helping to keep the overall weight of your bike down. Should you crash, you do not have to worry about your soft rack bending or breaking. Stick with a high-quality aftermarket set, and your soft racks will be just as strong as hard racks. A dense nylon webbing has high tensile strength.

Related: Top 10 Skills to Learn on Your Dual Sport Motorcycle

8/10 Grips

Another common aftermarket upgrade that increases comfort is new grips. Stock grips on dual sport handlebars are typically hard and narrow. Aftermarket grips can come in a larger diameter. This helps the grips to fit better in larger hands, reducing long-term fatigue. A better grip also gives you greater control over the bike, making it safer to ride on challenging terrain. Additionally, you can buy them in materials other than hard plastic or TPU. Finally, look for a set that can dampen vibration. You’ll find that reduced vibration improves blood flow and tactile feel. Aftermarket grips are affordable enough for anyone, making them an easy upgrade for those on a tight budget.

7/10 Mirrors

Ride off-road on your dual sport long enough, and you’ll quickly learn that falling is a common part of the experience. Unfortunately, your mirrors take a beating every time you drop the bike. Instead, add some aftermarket adventure mirrors. You have two options when buying aftermarket dual sport mirrors. Opt for the cheap mirrors and plan to replace them often. Or you can invest in an expensive set with better build quality and plenty of features so they last. One of the biggest benefits of better mirrors is vibration reduction. Don’t increase risk by wasting time trying to see in a mirror that’s shaking all over the place.

Related: Top 10 Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires

6/10 Drive Chain and Sprocket

Changing out the drive chain and sprocket isn’t the coolest aftermarket upgrades, but it can transform your bike’s performance. Changing the sprocket and chain to better-quality parts helps them last longer. The last thing you want is to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a bike that does not move because the parts wore out before expected. In addition, a better-quality sprocket and chain can aid in faster and smoother shifting. The result is a sportier ride experience with a more responsive dual sport motorcycle. While you are at it, consider changing the sprocket’s size to adjust your bike’s performance to suit your ride style.

5/10 Lights

Lights are delicate and can break easily, so they don’t typically come on dual-sport and off-roading motorcycles. However, if you want your bike to be street-legal, you need lights. In addition, lights are incredibly helpful if you end up riding later than planned. Choose a set of aftermarket lights that are rugged and protective. Additionally, look for lights that mount on your bike in an out-of-the-way place. This helps protect the lights from damage when you drop the bike or ride on narrow trails. Finally, stick with LED bulbs that are more durable than other bulb types. They are also smaller and brighter, giving you maximum light effect for minimal bulk.

Related: 10 Best Motorcycles For Customizing Or Modifying

4/10 Tires

Depending on the dual sport motorcycle you buy, the stock tires could be great, just ok, or terrible. The tires you buy also depend on the type of riding you plan to do. If you plan to ride your dual sport mainly on the street, you will want tires that perform better on the pavement. This would be a less aggressive knobby tread design. If you want to do more off-road riding, then consider the terrain where you plan to ride. For example, sandy, muddy, and rocky terrain all call for a different type of tread pattern. Consider the rubber compound, too. A harder compound is more durable and less likely to tear apart on harsh terrain.

3/10 Skid Plate

Protect the underside of your bike by adding a skid plate. All it takes is one hard landing on a rock or tree branch, and your bike is out of commission. A skid plate is like a protective barrier between your bike and the terrain. You’ll find skid plates in various materials, including plastic, carbon fiber, and aluminum. Be careful with plastic; it can easily crack and break right off. Carbon fiber is incredibly lightweight but also not a material designed to absorb impacts. Your best option is aluminum. It is corrosion-resistant and lightweight, making it a better option than steel. Aluminum will bend and dent over time; however, this means the damage isn’t happening to your bike’s engine.

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2/10 Hand Guards

A set of handguards is necessary if you plan to ride narrow or single trails. These hard protective shells are mounted on your handlebars’ front side. They protect your hands on narrow trails from trees and other obstacles that may whack you while zipping down the trail. They also protect your hands from the roaster tail of the guy in front of you on rocky trails. Plus, drop your bike without hand guards and say hello to broken levers. Hand guards are cheap, easy to install, and save you a ton of frustration, bruised knuckles, and more expensive lever repairs.

1/10 Larger Fuel Tank

Typically, the fuel tanks that come on dual sport motorcycles are small. This is ok if you plan to stick close to your home base or only ride on the track. However, you need a larger tank if you want to go on longer rides or spend less time refueling. You could load up the bikes and go camping for the weekend. The larger fuel tank accommodates the higher demand on the bike’s engine to move you and your gear. The most well-known and trusted brands are Safari and Acerbis. They make fuel tanks that are compatible with your existing plastics or can replace them completely.