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Bikes 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 more 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 bikes
1. Dual-Channel ABS
Due to the government’s mandate to install ABS on bikes above 125cc, we have seen improvement from the manufacturer's 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. Prevention of Rear Lift
Another essential component for a motorcycle that is already present on the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is this one. ABS with a single channel and ABS with two channels both offer this feature. Your body will only use the emergency brake to slam on the brakes as hard as it can. At faster speeds, there is a chance that the back wheel will rise because the front wheel has stopped suddenly, which will cause the bike to knock you off balance. The rider has more control because this feature makes sure the back wheel doesn't lift off the ground and prevents it from happening.
3. Flexibility in Suspension
In order to ensure that the rider and passenger are comfortable in most circumstances, manufacturers typically tune the suspension system of bikes with a generic setting. A rider has a wider variety of settings to experiment with when using an adjustable suspension. The Duke 390, for instance, can be tuned differently depending on whether you're driving to work, strolling around the city, or using a track or twisting roads. You may need to change the suspension to be firmer or softer depending on how many passengers or even how much stuff you will be hauling. Overall, a motorcycle ought to possess this quality.
4. Hazard lights
Motorcycles are already small in size, which makes it harder to see them at night, increasing their hazard. Hazard lights come in very handy in certain circumstances and should be standard equipment on all motorcycles, not just those built for performance or touring.
5. Adjustable Clutch and Brake Handle
The reach and engagement point of the clutch and brake handles can be adjusted by the rider to suit their preferred level of comfort and hand size. Because it makes it easy to use the clutch and brakes, this feature is especially helpful for riders with tiny or large hands. Levers that are correctly adjusted ensure precise control, especially during emergency stops, which further improves safety.
6. Tyre Puncture Kit with Portable Inflator
Since we can't predict when we will experience events like a puncture, it is best to be ready for them by carrying a tyre puncture kit at all times. Without the puncture kit, we once encountered a terrible circumstance, and believe me, it was awful. These DIY kits are simple to use and extremely simple to learn how to utilize; they even provide an instruction booklet to make things easier for us.
7. Comprehensive Tool Kit
The standard tool set offered by the manufacturer is a complete joke. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but most are not particularly beneficial. With the toolbox they gave us, we were unable to even fix a loose mirror on our Honda Dio. Therefore, it is usually preferable to have a wide variety of tools in various sizes and types. A must-have, especially on long trips, some of them are incredibly portable and contain nearly everything you need. Given some of the motorcycles' pricing, it would be preferable if the manufacturer provided the goods themselves.
8. Tyre Performance
For bikes under 250cc, the OEM units provided by manufacturers are sufficient, but for bikes larger than that, you need decent performance tyres. It is incredibly difficult to perceive the beauty of anything else without a solid foundation. The most recent error occurred when KTM began marketing even the RC390 for the year 2020 with MRF tires although we think it might have changed in the 2023 RC390. The performance figures are astounding, but the tyres' grip is virtually nonexistent.
While we do not criticize MRF tires, they fall well short of the RC 390's available power. Similar to how other performance bikes will require superior performance tyres, these tires are unquestionably a necessity.
9. Liquid Cooling
Air cooling by itself is insufficient to control the temperature of a high-performance bike engine. Since the liquid that circulates around the engine absorbs the heat that the engine emits, liquid cooling is more efficient. It is then delivered to a radiator to cool off before being returned to complete the cycle once more. By doing this, the engine temperature is maintained at its ideal level for lengthy periods of time. This, in our opinion, is a crucial component for motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which is designed for long-distance touring but only includes 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 bikes.
The bike companies are still developing in 2023, providing riders with a wide range of innovative technologies that put safety, connectivity, and overall riding fun first. The top ten bike characteristics are instances of modern technology that will impact future bike design.