Customisation Tips to Reflect Your Style Through Your Bike

Posted on: Sep 8, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Customisation Tips to Reflect Your Style Through Your Bike

India is one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world. And it is not surprising that our streets are filled with motorcycles. And if you were to buy a new bike, it would mostly be lost in the sea. However, there are a few simple ways to make your bike stand out from the rest. With the help of bike customisation, you can transform your bike and add a hint of personalisation.

There are a lot of ways to implement bike customisation. Right from being very subtle to making it quite obvious. However, there is one more factor that you need to be cognizant of before proceeding with the customisations, the bike insurance policy. Make sure that you are aware of whether your insurance provider offers coverage post customisations. You can either inquire about them or read the policy documents for details. The absolute last thing that you would want is to lose the bike insurance policy coverage due to customisations.

How you can customise your two-wheeler to suit your style better?

Here are some popular bike customisation options that you can implement for your bike.

1. Lights

There are a lot of potential options when it comes to lights. If your bike has halogen lights, you can upgrade it to projector lights or go completely LED as well. It will vastly improve the visibility at night. You can opt for strip lights, which will ensure that you are easily visible to others. Alternatively, you can implement pencil beams, which are ideal for increasing visibility for longer distances. Another simple yet effective measure is to use clear lenses for lights.

2. Seats

Stock seats on a lot of bikes are not adequate and can cause a lot of discomfort while travelling longer distances. It is one of the easiest customisations that does not require any approvals or verifications. You can opt for a more comfortable and stylish seat or even spice things up with a good seat cover. Practically, it will make your future rides even more comfortable.

3. Windshield

People who ride a fair bit know the amount of wind resistance that they have to face on longer rides. Though windshields might not be particularly helpful for city rides, they can be a blessing on highway trips and longer rides. And it is one of the most effective bike customisation options. Apart from keeping the wind away from your upper body, they can even prevent bugs and insects from crashing into you. And will keep you a bit warm at night and windy conditions. And the best part is, you can find a windshield for most of the bike types out there.

4. Paint job

A paint job on your bike can transform its looks and make it undeniable yours. Whether you want to repaint the entire bike, some panels or add decals, the choice is entirely yours. You can add accents to highlight specific parts of the bike or add chrome to make it highly visible. It allows a greater level of bike customisation, right from all the plastic parts to the rims to the handlebars.

5. Luggage

If you are someone who wants to ride a fair bit and indulge in a lot of highway trips, you would want additional luggage space. Carrying backpacks can be tedious and tiring. For such riders, rack and pannier frames can be great additions to the bike. You can easily install them on your bike, making way for additional luggage. With a ton of different styles and designs to choose from, panniers can not only transform your bike but make it easier for long rides.

6. Handlebar

Another simple bike customisation is that of the handlebar. You can easily find a different handlebar for your bike and install one that you prefer. Changing the handlebar will offer a better riding experience and comfort and allow you to cruise for a longer duration without getting tired. And not to forget, it does enhance the appearance of the bike.

Safety considerations

Vehicle customisations can be done without relative ease. However, there are a few things that you must keep in mind before opting for one. The following are some of these factors, which can make things a bit easier for you.

1. Compliance with law

There are a few customisations and modifications that are not allowed by the law. The law states that modifications that alter the original specifications provided by the manufacturer are not permitted. Some examples of such modifications include the size of the bike, engine specifications, and braking system.

2. By approved professionals

Even though there have been a few restrictions on the number of modifications, there are still a few places that you can customise. For example, most RTOs allow bike owners to paint their bikes or change the colours. Similarly, you can add decals, fairing, etc. all within permissible limits. However, for best results, it is recommended to get the job done by professionals.

3. Function

If you are customising your bike, make sure that you prioritise function over looks. It might be a great feeling to ride a good-looking bike, but it should not come at the cost of functionality or chances of higher wear and tear.

Check your 2-wheeler insurance policy

Any sort of bike customisation must be informed to the insurance provider. It is essential that you do not forget this step. One of the major reasons for buying a bike insurance policy is to protect your bike against unforeseen circumstances. In the unfortunate event of your bike being stolen, your insurer will pay the IDV in bike insurance . IDV in bike insurance is the insured declared value of the current market value of the bike.

However, failing to inform your insurance provider about the customisations can lead to claims rejection. When you buy a bike insurance policy, most insurance providers offer the option to declare any modifications or customisations. Make sure that you declare them during the renewal of the policy.

Conclusion

Customising a bike as per your liking is a simple way of adding a personal touch to the bike. Above is a list of some popular bike customisations that you can carry out on your bike. However, it is essential that you keep in mind your bike insurance policy. And if you are planning to add some customisations, ensure that you inform the provider of your third party bike insurance about the modifications.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Bike Modifications - All That You Need to Know

How to Remove Rust from Your Bike or Scooty?

How to Avoid Purchasing Fraudulent Two-Wheeler Insurance Online?

What Is Automatic Headlight On?

Anti-Lock Braking System in Bikes: How Does It Work?