10 Must-Have Features In A Motorcycle In 2021

Motorcycles have come a long way ever since their inception in the year 1885. Over the years, through experience and advancement in technologies, motorcycles are now safer and enjoyable than before. The features seen on standard bikes these days were only seen on high-end expensive bikes before. The list of features has increased multiple folds compared to just a decade ago, and we believe some should be made compulsory. So we made a list of 10 must-have features in a motorcycle in 2021.

1. Dual-Channel ABS
   

   

   Thanks to the government’s mandate to install ABS on bikes above 125cc, we have seen improvement from the manufacturer end. Still, some manufacturers try to cut corners by providing a single-channel ABS to the front wheel only. While this might be enough for daily commuters, it does not suffice for more powerful sports bikes. The advantage of a dual-channel ABS is high and should be offered on all motorcycles 200cc and above. There are many instances that we have faced ourselves where the dual-channel ABS has saved our lives.

2. Rear Lift Prevention
   

   

   This is another must-have feature in a motorcycle that is already seen on TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. This feature can be had in both single-channel and dual-channel ABS. During a panic brake situation, all your body will do is jam the brakes as hard as possible. At higher speeds, there is a possibility of the rear wheel lifting as the front wheel has stopped rapidly, resulting in the bike throwing you off, which is a bad thing. This feature prevents this from happening and makes sure that the rear wheel does not lift from the road, ensuring more control to the rider.

3. Adjustable Suspension
   

   

   Manufacturers usually tune the suspension setup of bikes with a generalized setting to make sure the rider and pillion are comfortable in most situations. The option of an adjustable suspension gives a rider a more comprehensive range of settings to play with. For example, you can tune the Duke 390 softer while travelling to work or puttering around the city and change the tuning when you take it on a track or even on a set of winding roads. Sometimes you will have to tune the suspension stiffer or softer based on the number of people travelling or even consider the load or luggage you will be traveling with. All in all, this is a must-have feature in a motorcycle.

4. Hazard Lights
   

   

   Since the dimensions of a motorcycle are already small, it is tougher to spot it at night, making it more dangerous. Hazard lights are definitely a boon in those situations, and they really are a must-have feature for all motorcycles and not just for the ones meant for performance or touring.

5. Adjustable Clutch and Brake Levers
   

   

   This is another must-have feature but it is more on the comfort side than safety. Not all riders are the same in dimension. That is why manufacturers should provide these features like adjustable brake and clutch levers so that individual riders can set the lever positions to whichever they are comfortable with. In that case, it might be a safety concern if you consider a person with short fingers not pulling the brakes in a panic situation.

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6. Tyre Puncture Kit with Portable Inflator
   

   

   We never know when we face situations like a puncture, and hence it is better to be prepared for them by having a tyre puncture kit always with us. We faced such a dire situation once without the puncture kit, and trusted me, it was horrible. These are DIY kits and very easy to learn how to use, and they even come with an instruction manual to make it easier for us.

7. Extensive Tool Kit
   

   

   The tool kit provided by default by the manufacturer is nothing but a joke. There are a few exceptions to this but most of them are pretty useless. We could not even fix a loose mirror on our Honda Dio using the tool kit they provided. So it is always better to have an extensive tool kit that comes in different shapes and sizes. Some of them are very compact and contain almost everything you require in a portable pack which is a must-have, especially during long rides. It would be better if the manufacturer gave us themselves considering the prices some of the motorcycles come at.

8. Performance Tyres
   

   

   We are talking about performance tyres for performance motorcycles 250cc and above. The OEM units provided by manufacturers are enough for bikes below 250cc, but you need good performance tyres above that. Without a firm-footed tyre, it is nearly impossible to feel the brilliance of anything else. The most recent mistake was when KTM started offering even the RC390 with MRF tyres for the year 2020. I believe it might have changed for the 2021 RC390 that came with a significant update, but last year is no excuse at all. The performance numbers are sky high while the grip on the tyres is close to none. We are not telling MRF tyres are wrong, but it is nowhere enough to the power on tap on the RC 390. Similarly, other performance motorcycles will need better performance tyres and are no doubt a must-have feature.

9. Liquid Cooling
   

   

   In order to keep the temperature of a high-performance motorcycle engine in check, air-cooling alone can never be enough. Liquid cooling is a more effective method as the heat dissipated by the engine is absorbed by the liquid which is circulated around the engine. It is then sent to a radiator to cool down, after which it is sent back to perform the same cycle again. This makes sure that the engine temperature is optimal for extended periods of time. This we feel is a must-have feature in motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which is meant to tour long distances, and yet it comes with only an air-cooling system.

10. Crash Protection Accessories
    

    

    We believe only Royal Enfield and a few other manufacturers understand the importance of crash guards/engine guards. Though most consumers think of it mostly from the design and looks perspective, it is a safer option. Manufacturers need to start giving crash guards, engine guards, frame sliders, tank protection, etc. at least as an option. It is not easy for most of us to own one of our dream bikes and something like a simple fall can cost us thousands of rupees and it hurts us, more than it hurts our wallets. This is undoubtedly a must-have feature in a motorcycle in 2021 to ensure our beautiful rides are safe.

We missed plenty of other must-have features in a motorcycle, butt we believe these make it to the top ten. We will discuss more the other important features in another article. In the meantime, you can let us know which feature you believe is a must-have for a motorcycle in 2021. They should be features on a motorcycle that should be available as default or at least as an option. Kindly do not include riding gear and rider accessories as it is a different topic.