Welcome to the incredible world of motorcycling! You’ve got your license, your helmet, and your first bike. But as you look at all the high-tech motorcycle gear on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially by the prices.
The great news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your ride safer, more convenient, and a lot more fun. Technology that was once reserved for top-of-the-line touring bikes is now more accessible than ever.
This guide is for you, the new rider. We’ve handpicked the 5 best budget-friendly motorcycle gear that offer the most bang for your buck.
1. A Rock-Solid Phone Mount
Before anything else, you need a secure way to see your GPS. Fumbling with your phone in a pocket is a recipe for disaster. A good phone mount is arguably the most important motorcycle gear investment a new rider can make.
- Why You Need It: Essential for turn-by-turn navigation without taking your hands off the bars.
- What to Look For: Look for a mount with a secure, multi-point grip and vibration dampening to protect your phone’s camera. Brands like Quad Lock and RAM Mounts are industry leaders, but you can find many highly-rated, affordable alternatives on Amazon.
- Approximate Cost: $25 – $70
2. A “Must-Have” Bluetooth Helmet Headset
Hearing your GPS directions is just as important as seeing them. A Bluetooth helmet headset allows you to get audio cues directly in your helmet, take important calls without stopping, and listen to some tunes on a long ride.
For new riders, you don’t need a top-of-the-line system designed for multiple-person group chats. You need something reliable, easy to use, and affordable motorcycle gear.
- Why You Need It: Hands-free GPS audio, calls, and music. Massively improves safety and convenience.
- Our Top Budget Pick: The MotoMelody A30. We designed this headset specifically for riders who need clear, essential features without the premium price tag. It offers crisp audio for navigation and music, a clear microphone for calls, and a battery that will last all week. It’s the definition of best budget-friendly motorcycle gear in the communications category.
- Approximate Cost: $30
3. A Portable Tire Inflator
A flat tire can leave you stranded. While not as “gadgety” as other items, a compact, portable tire inflator is a life-saving piece of motorcycle gear that every rider should carry.
- Why You Need It: Allows you to fix a slow leak or top off your tire pressure on the go, which is critical for safe handling.
- What to Look For: A small, rechargeable unit that can be powered by your bike’s battery (SAE connector) or its own internal battery. Many models are no bigger than a soda can.
- Approximate Cost: $30 – $60
4. A USB Charging Port
Modern bikes are starting to include USB ports, but many older or entry-level bikes don’t have them. Installing one is a cheap and easy modification that ensures your phone and other gadgets never run out of juice on a long ride.
- Why You Need It: To keep your phone (your GPS!) and your new headset charged.
- What to Look For: A waterproof, handlebar-mounted USB port that connects directly to your bike’s battery. Look for one with an on/off switch to prevent it from draining your battery when the bike is off.
- Approximate Cost: $15 – $30
5. A Simple Gear Indicator
As a new rider, are you ever unsure if you’re in 2nd or 3rd gear? Or have you tried to shift up one more time, only to realize you’re already in top gear? A simple gear indicator can solve this.
- Why You Need It: Reduces mental load and helps you learn how your bike feels in each gear, making you a smoother, more confident rider.
- What to Look For: A small LED display that plugs into your bike’s diagnostic port. Installation is often plug-and-play for many popular models.
- Approximate Cost: $20 – $50
Conclusion: Tech Up Your Motorcycle Gear Without Breaking the Bank
Enhancing your ride with high-tech motorcycle gear doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. By focusing on these five key areas, you can significantly boost your safety, convenience, and overall enjoyment on the road.
Start with what’s most important—a solid phone mount and a reliable Bluetooth headset—and build from there. The open road is waiting for you!
Ready to hear the difference a great headset can make?
Check out the entry-level motorcycle headset MotoMelody A30 and C50 headsets. They are built to provide the best value in motorcycle communication and are the perfect first piece of tech for any new rider.
