Superbikes always grab enough eyeballs, no matter where they are. Yet, everyone tend to add a few aftermarket parts in order to enhance their bikes, aesthetically and functionally. So, here is a list of most popular accessories used on Superbikes. It is listed under two categories, for easier understanding. i. External accessories ii. Internal accessories.I. EXTERNAL ACCESSORIES: The ones under this category are present around the motorcycle, and can be seen visually. They are used to fulfill any functional purpose or to enhance looks. A few essential and most used accessories are listed below.
1. Frame Sliders
The Frame Sliders are the widely used aftermarket accessory of costly motorcycles. The reason behind is very vivid, because this saves the motorcycle during an unlucky mishap, by taking a toll on itself. First it has a slider puck, which is designed to break off on impact. The frame slider then absorbs the impact of collision and the force is distributed evenly throughout the frame. The slider puck is made of a Nylon material, which helps the machine to slide for a slow stop. The frame sliders cost a lot less when compared with fairings and engine casing. Thus, they are vastly used on expensive motorcycles.2. Swingarm Sliders
More production Superbikes now use expensive cast aluminium swingarms. As the exhaust systems are also upswept, the chances of damaging the swingarms are high during a fall. These sliders are similar to the frame sliders, and are bolted to the swingarms. It protects the rear wheel, swingarm, axle and axle nut in the event of a fall.3. Fork Sliders
The job of Fork Sliders is to protect the bottom portion of the front suspension, brake calipers, front wheel, axle and axle nut in case of a crash. These work in a way similar to the Frame and Swingarm sliders.4. Radiator Guards
The radiator cores are made up of thin aluminium, which is very soft and prone to damage on a long run. The muck or tiny debris on the road can go airborne and hit the radiator, causing an expensive damage. In order to prevent that, the radiator guards are used. It is a metal guard which is made exactly as the size of the specific radiator. The guard is precisely manufactured in a way that it's a direct fit above the radiator core, which makes the installation process very easy.5. Swingarm Spool
The swingarm spool is made up of metal and is bolted onto the swingarm of the motorcycle. The paddock stand sits on these spools which helps to lift the bike, during a wash or general maintenance. They are tiny in size, yet get the job done perfectly.6. Tank pads
As the rider rubs and holds on to the tank of the bike while riding, the tank is susceptible to minute scratches. The tank pads are used to avoid those minor scratches. They are made of a material named Elastomer, which feels like soft rubber(some get large expensive carbon fibre pads). The tank pads have an adhesive coat on the backside, suitable for sticking on the motorcycle. These pads come in different shapes, colours and sizes to choose from.7. Tail tidy kits
The stock rear fenders of motorcycles are placed, in order to stop the muck and dirt from hitting the people behind and also the back of the rider. But these fenders are typically large, and affects the visual appeal of the bike. Manufacturers still use them for it's practicality. For people who aren't a fan of them, buy Tail tidy kits. The bulky fender is replaced with a tiny plastic mounting that holds the license plate and turn indicators. It drastically increases the look of the motorcycle.8. Adjustable Levers
The stock levers are replaced by lightweight Aluminium levers. These are CNC machined to perfection, and have a good style statement. These levers come in various colours and are adjustable. Few are also foldable, that it can be folded in the vertical direction. This vertical movement saves the levers from breaking off during a fall. II. INTERNAL ACCESSORIES: These internal accessories are used for performance upgrades. They have an upper hand over the stock parts. A few of them are listed below.
1. HID Lamps
*** Stock headlamps vs HID lamps
Though the stock headlights produce sufficient brightness, the HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps produce more light per unit power when compared with tungsten/halogen lights. The HID lamps increase the visibility range and also have a higher efficacy.
2. High performance Air filters
*** Air filter box of a Yamaha R1
These aftermarket air filters allow for a better breathing to the engine, aiding to an increase in performance. They're made of an oiled cotton medium and are designed to increase the horsepower, torque and acceleration of the motorcycle. These air filters are washable and reusable, thereby saving the cost of replacing the filters on every service.
3. ECU tuning chips
The ECU tuning chip is a fuel injection adjustment unit, that is connected with the stock ECU of the motorcycle. These chips change various parameters of the engine, as soon as it is powered. The changes are made to the bikes fueling and ignition timings, which results in better performance without making any permanent changes to the stock ECU. These chips come in different tuning states that can be changed manually. The chips vastly increase the horsepower, torque and acceleration of the motorcycle. The latest chips also support advanced electronic components like quick shifters. Some of the famous aftermarket tuning chips are manufactured by Power Commander and Bazzaz.
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By: Aravind Rb