The 10 WORST Motorcycle Gimmicks of all time

Motorcycle gimmicks have been around for a long time, but today we're looking at the very worst gimmicks that have existed. Enjoy!
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Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."
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[@GrigoriZhukov]

Cigarette lighter, that was a power port before the power port was a thing. You could plug so many things in. Radar detectors for one.

[@DuncanJimmy]

I installed a CL on my bike because you can plug just about anything into it, and USB adapters cost just a few bucks. Also means when the USB plugs change - voltage, amps, type - you only need the adapter, not a whole new installation.

[@misterdeeds2172]

I agree the cigarette lighter would be rather worthless were its only use lighting a cigarette while riding, but that is not the limit of its uses. Many cars today have the port for a cigarette lighter, yet no lighter, and there can be several spread through out the vehicle. I own a mini-van I use for parts chasing and it has 4 total. There are so many different devices that can be used to plug devices into. I installed two on my Honda ST 1100 (one on each side of the fairing. One i can plug my portable GPS into and the other I can use to charge my phone. I even have a heated riding suit with one plug in for the pants and one for the vest. It even came with heated socks and heated glove liners that have connectors to the pants and vest respectively. If it is only slightly cold I can plug in just the vest and glove liners, if I want.. If it is really cold I can plug in everything and still ride comfortably when temps are at freezing and below. Just have to watch out for icy spots. Where I live it can stay really cold for weeks and roads remain dry as a bone, so why not ride as long as I'm warn and comfortable. I even have a tiny 12V DC air compressor that I carry as standard equipment on my Honda. Since I ride long distances frequently it has saved my butt more than once when I pick up a nail or something and develop a slow lead in a tire. Being able to stop every 25 to 50 miles and add air until I reach a repair shop is a lot cheaper than calling out a rollback wrecker. It works great and it takes more time to unpack and re-pack it than it does to inflate both tires. It takes up very little room, and weighs about two pounds. I also carry a portable LED light that plugs into a lighter receptacle. it has a ten foot cord and is freestanding and directionally adjustable when placed on the ground or other relatively flat surface. It is really nice to be able to see after dark when something needs a bit of attention. I mean, there's a reason why most bikes come with a tool kit. It doesn't make much sense to me to have tools, but not way of seeing what the hell you're using them on. Yeah, cigarette lighter outlets make a lot of sense on certain bikes.

[@DuncanJimmy]

@@misterdeeds2172 That's an excellent list of powered accessories a CL makes possible, plus you can get adapters that allow for 2-4 USB plugs per CL, some which include a digital voltmeter. The heated suit with connections for socks, gloves, pants and jacket sounds absolutely amazing (and bloody expensive). I'd definitely prefer heated gloves to heated grips - no installation required and easy to replace.

[@laynetravis]

Cl is very versatile

[@russcattell955i]

Me too, got one under the seat on my Street Triple. Powers satnav from my car when needed and with a USB adapter charges phone or camera.

[@toddhughes7236]

I used to giggle at cup holders too until I did 2 cross country trips during the covid epidemic; all of the fast food restaurants were drive-thru only (dining rooms closed) and having a "gimmicky" cup holder gave me a place to put my drink while I held the bag of food in my lap and rode away to find someplace to park the bike and eat. Without that cup holder it would have been a major pain in the ass.

[@pauloconnor7951]

Good on you buddie.

[@slowpokebr549]

Yup, I ride daily. Sometimes you just need a third hand.

[@mikethomas5276]

I love the way he mentions that the cup holder is popular on a Harley then asks how they get a drink with a full face helmet. Most Harley guys don't wear a helmet unless in a state that requires it then it's only a half helmet. That's how

[@theenzoferrari458]

Straws exist stoopud jeenyus dee dah dee r💩

[@edcones2948]

I love how he mentions Harley when it's a very popular add-on for Goldwingers. Most of them I've seen use an insulated mug of some sort with a lid with a hole in it for a straw to be used on the highway with either no helmet or an open faced helmet.

[@savage22bolt32]

Nada cup holder, it's beer can holder.

[@patriotbarrow]

​@@edcones2948 Had you paid attention, you would have learned that he mentions Honda a lot as well.

[@daviscampbell9020]

Modular helmet.

[@djdj500dr]

This is like listening to a 7th grade book report by someone who's book was full of words they didn't already know

[@KaizokuShojo]

and strong opinions without a lot of deep thought or consideration for nuance. lol

[@lcdubs7847]

I would love to have a cupholder on my bike. It's not so I could drink it while riding, rather, it would be allow me to stop for a coffee on my way to work. Lots of people use their bikes for commuting, and stopping for a coffee on your way to work is an exceedingly common thing to do.

[@publicenemynr5]

The skis on the Husqvarna MC258 are not a gimmick. The whole bike was developed for the Swedish military and is meant to be versitile and get through tough terrain in any conditions. You can't go through a tight and bumpy forest on a snowmobile. It's also automatic so you can stand on the skis when you use them and use the rear break with your hand.

[@chiboreache]

it's also about riding on roads! one traveler around the world travel through whole Russian north with that skis

[@scandinerdian1961]

Yepp and it's still in use to this day within the Swedish armed forces. God knows they made lots of spare parts for it😅

[@anderstroberg3704]

As someone else said, it's used by the Swedish armed forces couriers, and also the Swedish police. It's not primarily for terrain use, it's more for being able to ride on winter roads that are completely ice covered, sometimes with a layer of snow on top of the ice.

[@publicenemynr5]

@@anderstroberg3704 i was talking about the bike as a whole not just the skis. Of course you couldn't use the skis when in deep terrain but the motorcycle needs to be able to traverse it, while also having the capability to drive on ice/snow.

[@calysagora3615]

I'm from Sweden and can confirm. I worked many years with motorcycles, and had lots of customers that drove with ski's in the winter, even to our store and workshop.

[@zykify]

The airbag is not a gimmick. The clip here in your own video demonstrates that very well. It might not prevent you rom flying, but it might prevent you from breaking your legs on take-off.

[@QuakeGamerROTMG]

Your neck on landing though? That one's on you.

[@zykify]

@@QuakeGamerROTMG so what you are saying is that surviving until the "landing" is irrelevant since you'll break your neck anyway, sooner or later?

[@blooptastic]

Probably works better on some bikes than others. On a Harley or Goldwing roughly the the size and weight of a campervan, traveling mostly straight lines on the freeway, it makes sense. On an offroad bike or a light, agile sportbike tearing up the twisties, maybe not so much. Apparently Honda even patented seat belts for motorbikes, with a release mechanism that opens if it senses the bike falling over, though that was never released.

[@zachw4394]

@@zykify same type of person wouldn't wear a helmet cause it would bounce off the concrete and snap their neck 😂

[@thetrumpnewsnetwork7503]

You have to admit it's pretty gay. If you need an airbag you might wanna sit your ass in a cage and leave motorcycling to someone else.

[@lcdubs7847]

I can't count the number of times I've gotten suited up, had my helmet and gloves on, climb on the bike, go to turn the key, only to remember that the key is in my pocket. Keyless entry would solve that. I usually have an action packer mounted on my rear rack, because it doesn't have a trunk. A trunk would be freaking awesome!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Well, you're wrong on the drink holders. I had them on my Goldwing and they worked great. My wife and I had Full face modular motorcycle helmets with flip-up face shields. When we wanted to take a drink, we just flipped up the face shield, drank and then flipped them back down. Those drinks kept us well hydrated on the long Wyoming interstates in the heat of the summer.

[@nealfeikema5161]

This guy really did a good job of 'displaying-announcing his lack of experience with bikes.

[@SephiMasamune]

About the PC800, i knew a guy with a driving school for motorcycles that had one. He used it to haul stuff he needed for instructions like traffic cones with him, he said it was more practical with space then having to crunch everything into saddlebags. So yeah, the PC800 was a tupperware bike but it definitely has a niche market.

[@5989921]

I always thought the PC800 would've made a good small package delivery vehicle.

[@Jsuwinski]

Ride one, you'll be surprised

[@okka57]

I have the PC 800 as my daily driver. It is cult bike i Europe, because Honda only sold it in USA/Canada. Why should I carry a backpack when I have a trunk. And it is not as wide as a bike with detachable bags. My other bike is genuin Cagiva Elephant 900 i.e.

[@lfernandplopsa3627]

You simple can not have to much space to put stuff away on a bike 😁😁😁😁👍👍👍👍

[@Arthurzeiro]

Looking at that airbag footage you've used I can safely say it would have saved a friend's life, it might not be the case in the US where bikes are not the main mode of transport for most, but in places where traffic is hectic and many daily their bikes t-boning a car is not uncommon and the airbag sure helps in those cases.

[@keepyourbilsteins]

My worst accident was almost a T-bone, except a head-on unprotected left turn in front of me. On a cruiser. Never was ejected from the bike. Airbag probably would have saved me the shattered patella and broken wrist though. Came close to snapping my femur and bleeding out on the spot. Never left the bike.

[@lsixty30]

So you think third word countries would benefit most from this high cost tech only wealthy first worlders have access to? What else is new?

[@SuperPogu]

There's not a lot of talk about groin injuries in motorcycling. But they're terrifyingly likely if being thrown forward over the bike. I think this is where the airbag helps.

[@BrianTRice77]

The PC800 really is about carrying all of your groceries, as well as gloves and tools, and just being able to toss them in there and shut the lid. I don’t own a PC800, but I do have a 68L Corbin tail trunk and regularly throw 2 bags of groceries in there with room to spare, and that makes the bike an essential daily driver that avoids using the car. I live in California, so lanesplitting is a reason to use my bike over the car, so I can filter through traffic. It also gets better mileage, which helps now that gas prices seem to stay inflated for months on end.

[@filthyanimal874]

Those PC800’s were designed for paramedics and emergency responders believe it or not. They could store a lot of equipment on it. The problem was that government agencies never really bought them so Honda marketed them to the general public. They’re very ugly in my opinion and look like big scooters.

[@billchessell8213]

I would so kill (just kidding Lord) to be 50 again and have a PC800 to cruise. Owners love ‘em. Maintenance free 100,000 miles as I understand it. Throw your stuff in the trunk and forget it, and if you don’t understand keyless ignition your brain is on hold. BTW: Love your videos! Even this one.

[@IamPinhead]

I use the trunk on my electra glide to hold my helmet, rain gear, and a jump pack. Definitely not a gimmick.

[@straightchad8059]

@Homie I saw the PC800 first time in 1989 Cycle magazine , there were pictures of Acura Legends too plus some other fancy looking things like a cone shaped kettle .

[@10000Mistakes]

100%. Test drove a used PC800 a few months ago, 56k miles and still a very solid bike. Trunk is a big plus that you might not want... until after you go back to a bike without it - then you'll miss it big time. The fact that saddle bags are the number 1 accessory for motorcycles is proof enough how desirable "trunk space" on a bike is. The PC's trunk propped up like a car PLUS had a drain in it so you can literally fill it with drinks and ice like a cooler. Damn... I probably should have bought that bike, haha. I have a Honda Silverwing maxi-scooter and the ONLY things I like about it vs a real motorcycle are no shifting (only in traffic, though) and tons of storage space (2 full helmets under seat plus 2 glove boxes). P.S. PC800 mechanicals by Honda Motorcycle engineers, body by Acura stylists. Designed for near zero maintenance and can be modded to make really good power for low $. Cool bikes.

[@XMcBainXUSA]

The PC800 was designed as a commuter bike, and it fits the bill perfectly. It is the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles.

[@johneagan931]

I used the "trunk" on my PC800 regularly and wouldn't trade it for bags.

[@misfitsailor]

I rode behind a Bates Clipper for years. You could fit jackets or light things inside it. An acquired taste, for sure. The Bates trunk and saddle bags were wonderful. In the old days you didn't buy a bagger, you built it.

[@sll-tt6bj]

The bates clipper was pretty cool

[@milksheihk]

It can be seen in the test video you included, in a frontal impact the Goldwing's airbag prevented the rider from being thrown off.

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

The PC800 I think was very much not a gimmick. If you go back to early 80's and look at the Honda Lineup, you find the GL500 and GL650 Silverwings. These were meant to be a smaller, lighter, and cheaper alternative to the Goldwing and I believe the PC800 is the spiritual successor to those bikes. They also both used a V-Twin further linking the two.

[@kenwise4596]

The PC800 was something else but we had a used one at the dealership that often was chosen over the many other bikes to get a dealer tag slapped on it and taken for the weekend. The trunk was the exact reason why it was so popular because you could drop a couple bags of ice in it then toss in a case of beer then meet everyone at the track or lake. It was water tight and had drain plugs in the bottom!

[@gerry5134]

Always liked the Honda Pacific coast . 800cc. Hidden storage space and shaft drive !

[@stevenwhitaker5477]

The PC800 was the perfect motorcycle for Southern California. With the PC you didn't need a car, you could go grocery shopping and secure the groceries in the trunk for the ride home. It was an excellent commuter vehicle.

[@gerry5134]

@@stevenwhitaker5477 I would like to get one, but they are getting very rare in my country .

[@williamnethercott4364]

Keyless ignition was available on most bikes before the sixties, you just had to turn a switch and know how to start the engine.

[@alternator7893]

Skis have been put on motorcycles since their inception. Even tho we have better options like snowmobiles and quads they are definitely not a gimmick. Ps: the Honda Motocompo is awesome 👍.

[@hdnet2112]

I put a clip on cup holder down below on my engine guard for the sole purpose of transporting my coffee that I pick up before I get to work. Ever try putting a cup of coffee in your saddle bag without it spilling everywhere? lol

[@villiamo3861]

No coffee machine at work, then.

[@hdnet2112]

@@villiamo3861... Work coffee? 🤮

[@Sandesh98147]

On track, speed doesn't tell a lot. You're not trying to follow the speed limit or anything. What helps is acceleration. R1M's g feature is helpful because it gives you a reference point of what acceleration your bike is producing. knowing that can help you make sure youre pushing the bike too less or too much through corners etc.

[@1985rfl]

As for the cigarette lighter, my 99' ultra classic came with a lighter. I was a smoker when I got the bike and it came in very handy. Used to smoke while riding a lot.

[@danielnicholson8190]

My motorcycle was stolen and recovered; when they recovered it, we found that the thieves had "barreled" the key lock. I'm going to have keyless ignitions when possible so that that never happens again. I'm afraid it's not a gimmick, it's almost a necessity in the UK where motorcycle theft is rife.

[@electric_boogaloo496]

Even my 2005 CBR600RR had an electronic chip in the key that the ECU would verify in addition to the mechanical lock. So does my current bike.

[@richpeggyfranks490]

Years ago I was at a MD rally and heard a "righteous" Harley idling behind me in the parking lot. When I turned to look, it was a GoldWing playing a Harley soundtrack on his stereo. Everybody was getting a good laugh.

[@bartmotorcycle]

Best gimmick ever

[@davidmichael1951]

Until you've owned a PC800, you just don't know what you just don't know. And yes, I definitely do my grocery shopping on my Pacific Coast. Nobody calls it a gimmick when I show up to camp with a case of beer, 2 bottles of booze, a package of burgers, a package of buns and a whole watermelon, all in a built-in cooler. The ONLY thing that sucks about the trunk is that you have to unlock a separate compartment in order to release the trunk latch.

[@29madmangaud29]

Dude, back in '81, I owned a brand new Honda CX500C, that I bought a Vetter "Rooster" fork mounted fairing on it. I used to stick all kinds of Cassettes ontop of the dash, and leave Yuma, Az, and ride up to the Bay Area of California,,,,,, doing 60 mph, (during the 55mpg limit) and listening to Bob Segar, cruising.......... had to have it up some bit to hear it, but it was very NICE!

[@kevinroeber4181]

Vetter had a radar detector option along with the cigarette lighter. The lighter did come in handy for charging my phone when they came out 20 years later.

[@YTRopp]

I had a Vetter fairing in the 80s. Great wind protection. Never found anything better. Could lite and smoke a cigarette while riding. Keyless ignition makes sense to me. Not only for ease of use. Once let my key in when I went shopping. Of course the key was gone when I came back.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

The Bates Clipper fairing always reminded me of the British car Robin Reliant. It was a three-wheeled car, made very cheaply, that was widely known for neither its performance nor its stability in corners.

[@judgegixxer]

Funny you say that because I seem to remember many of those 70's trikes using a Vw transaxle with chopper raked forks used a Clipper style front fairing.

[@damien5748]

Made famous as the vechile of choice by the "Trotter brothers" from thev1980s sitcom "Only Fools And Horses".🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@damien5748]

@@retiredbore378 speaking of odd ball vechiles from the 80s do you remember the Sinclair C-5?

[@damien5748]

@@theoldhusky5089 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@damien5748]

@@retiredbore378 absloutley....like that was a good idea.🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@judgegixxer]

I'm surprised that bikes don't have built in telescoping selfie sticks with the 3D cam on the end. lol

[@DK-ng8yh]

@@Mr_alexhefner_ the aftermarket make these. a lot of youtuber's use them.

[@justcruise241]

Just saying, on modern helmets, modular helmets are a thing. Even from the big brands. I have a neotech 2, I can vape and have a drink at any time. Soooo yeah, the cup holder thing is based on opinion and personal preference of helmet.

[@leeonardodienfield402]

i have a full face AGV and can still vape

[@justcruise241]

@@leeonardodienfield402 how? Unless you don't have a breath catcher? Or a custom made hole to poke your mod through... Which is not a bad idea.

[@leeonardodienfield402]

@@justcruise241 dunno what a breath catcher is. i just use a skinny vape from the chin

[@justcruise241]

@@leeonardodienfield402 it's the thing that goes over the inside front of your helmet to stop it fogging up. Useful even if you have a pinlock visor.

[@kloss213]

The snow ski has made a comeback and now they use a track in the back. Having grown up in Wisconsin as a kid I spent more time on the ice with my MC than on trails. A studded tire MC on ice is an amazing ride with more traction than on dirt or the rd try it.

[@judgegixxer]

I live up north at Lat 60 degrees. I build Ice roads. I have a 2 stroke RM 250. Yes it's fun.........very fun.

[@kenbrown2808]

snow bikes are now a commercial product,

[@robbchastain3036]

I commute by bicycle and I enjoy watching classic cars and motorcycles ease down placid two-lane roads before sunset on warm summer evenings. And I can verify that some motorcyclists have sound systems which loudly play a favorite by Steppenwolf. 😀

[@tettazwo9865]

Cranked-up stereos are the definition of 'obnoxious' in combination with needlessly loud exhausts. "Here, look at me! I have nothing to show but my bike is loud!"

[@pickoftheglitter]

About the keyless motorcycle: when I worked in a Honda dealer, there was a customer that claimed his bike (an Honda SH scooter) didn't turn off. After few tests, we had the idea to ask him about the other key (I mean: the other remote control). We discovered he simply dropped the manual and whatever was given to him inside the storage behind the seat and forgot it - All those stuffs lied under the seat for about two month before he realized his bike simply turned on just pressing the start button LOL

[@matsgustavsson665]

I'm not sure if its the same for all keyless motorcycles but mine is impossible to hotwire. It can be started without the electronic key but it is a hassle and you have the code available and stuff. Anyway, I don't think its a gimmick but an anti theft feature-.

[@stephenmaxwellfuks3484]

I think the cup holder would work well with those flip up front style helmet that bmw dads always wear, and would be useful for touring. I feel like motorcycle airbags are also useful but generally serve a much better purpose being on motorcycle gear than the motorcycle

[@jtrogue]

Love my cup holder with my modular helmet on my wing.

[@johnkenneally4662]

I have a cup holder for coffee and sound system on my Road Glide. Use both all the time. Use a half helmet.

[@notmirelnam248]

The cupholder is for half-helmet cruiser riders to swig water from a Gatorade squeeze bottle on the interstate as they stretch their feet out on highway bars with the cruise control engaged. If you have a large bagger cruiser, the least silly thing you can do to it is add a cupholder. I really enjoyed having one when motoring through multiple states in the dry heat.

[@cerealtiller]

My GL1200 has a Passenger Cup holder as well.

[@AndyZE123]

My cup holder on the Goldwing worked the same as a gimble, but without the batteries. In those days we wore Nolan N42 helmets, an open face helmet with a visor that came down to the bottom of the chin, but could be pushed up to just underneath the peak. The stereo on the 'Wing was well used on my bike out on the motorways when it gets dull riding mile after mile with nothing to see. The Goldwing system used to turn itself up as you went faster. The best thing about the 'Wing was the rider backrest, an optional extra on mine. It stopped the slumped position that you could get into on a long ride.

[@David_McCaig]

Aren't gimmicks mostly a feature or approach that entices the consumer to buy a product (the whole bike in this case) when talking about material objects? The Bates Clipper might make for a cool Bosozuku bike.

[@cydrych]

Try riding from Detroit to Anchorage without wanting a coffee or soda while on a 78 CB750, a cup holder is a godsend. If you’re going to wear a FF helmet you may as well ride in a cage.

[@aricharp9717]

Cupholder on a Wing is a must. 3' tall windscreen with a modular helmet and factory cruise control with a 215 mile range - I'm enjoying my coffee all morning.

[@ddavidson5]

I like the keyless ignition on my 2018 Goldwing, I don't have much use for the sound system though. I did hear of someone who's life was saved by the airbag on his Goldwing when he had a collision with a car. Air bags on a Goldwing are much like airbags in cars. Almost all airbags just sit there, unused for the life of the vehicle, but when you need one, you need one.

[@villiamo3861]

Ah, but what about the cupholder - has your life been saved by this vital & crucial accessory, like TennWingman's has? Apparently.

[@tennwingman3350]

@@villiamo3861 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wesleycardinal8869]

I have the keyless start on the new C125 supercub. I quite like it, but it does add another layer of complexity for not much benefit.

[@dtezla]

I had a Pacific Coast for years. Best bike I ever owned. The trunk made the decision between driving a car and riding my bike much easier & the trunk came in very handy.

[@jeffreyburrows9157]

I like keyless entry on my HD. The alternative is to remember to lock the ignition switch every time you stop by a gas station to have a sip of coffee. With a key fob you can simply shut down the bike and walk away and not worry about somebody taking your bike meanwhile.

[@jackglabere6653]

I also remember a helmet from the 80's that was airconditioned. There was a bladder inside the helmet that when plugged into the bike's electrical system. it would circulate a cool and to keep your head cool. I never saw one outside of a magazine article, but if I remember right, they were damn heavy. Pretty stupid.

[@bryanbrowning5746]

Right. It had a huge aluminum heat sink that caught the airflow.

[@aka_pierre]

I love the jokes, but I saw around 4 motorcyclists on the blue ridge with a sound system and cup holder and giant fairings, and guess what, they weren't wearing full face helmets. There's definitely a market for these gimmicky features and its not you or me, but a certain subset of people who don't wear helmets or wear plastic caps instead.

[@bartmotorcycle]

It's funny, I totally get the appeal of sipping Dr pepper while riding 😂

[@CantingYETI]

My 07 hd Electra glide ultra classic has a factory cigarette lighter on the lower left side of the batwing. Didn’t realize it was there for a month

[@Pinky-lg3lz]

Back in the 80's I mounted a set of walkman headphone speakers inside my helmet. It worked great.

[@leoveroude4492]

😅 me too! Worked well enough.

[@samyin330]

Yup. Ditto.

[@IanSantopietro]

Quick note about cupholders: from a physics standpoint you're actually way less likely to spill going around a corner on a motorcycle compared to a car because of the lean. Items on your bike experience very little (if any) lateral g forces because you need to use the lean to cancel it.

[@Paciat]

You are right. I saw a guy stepping in the ford T. He was scared because the whole car tilded as soon as he put his foot on it. A cup holder wouldnt work on a 100 year old car: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57Yd2Nmpq9mmtE

[@nouua6513]

I don’t really know if the keyless system works similarly on all motorcycles, but on my 125 it’s actually a lifesaver. If the key isn’t in range it’s not possible to turn the electricity on, and since it has electric ignition if anyone tried to steal and jump start the bike it wouldn’t turn on. If most other keyless system worked like that it would be the perfect anti-theft

[@camgere]

Harley riders are horrified at the thought of a key ring scratching their cosmetically perfect motorcycle.

[@bobfately9382]

I'm quite pleased with my cupholder - and I ride a bit - 93K miles in 3-1/2 years on my 2019 Goldwing thus far - and find myself glad to have a drink handy at stoplights and such where I can pull up the chinbar of my AGV carbon sportmodular helmet. Truth be told, I have also sucked through the straw of my Yeti insulated cup (or a plastic cup from a fast food place) while doing 70+ MPH - not all that difficult so long as it's not crazy windy and there is not much traffic on the road. As for the notion of "just pull over and take a drink" - where the heck would you put the cup? Get off the bike, stick it in a saddlebag and hope it doesn't spill into whatever else is in there? And I hear the stereo, which I use all the time (both radio and music from my phone) just fine on the sportmodular helmet as well - maybe I have supersensitive ears? Unless it's very windy (like 40MPH + wind speeds) the wind noise is not an issue. As for the airbag, I agree - I have a Helite airbag vest, which comes along with you should you find yourself airborne after a, um, sub-optimal event.

[@clawhammer704]

I had a vetter flaring on my gold wing and BWM cycles. Had a radio, cigarette lighter. The cigarette lighter was made for the radar detector folks would get. The radar detector worked well back then. Folks would speed 65 or 70 mph during 55 mph limits during the gas crisis years. Just the way it was.

[@dennismims2999]

Had a Vetter Quicksilver fairing on an 81 Suzuki GS450L. It was so good looking and the color match was almost perfect. Blue and silver metal flake bike, silver metal flake fairing. The amount of storage in the side openings was unreal. People like this need to dig a little deeper to find the whole story. Craig Vetter was a true innovator in the world of motorcycles.

[@pieceworkstudios]

Cup holder makes perfect sense. Modular helmet in traffic, no spill cup in the holder, flip it up, drink and stay hydrated. You can get dehydrated without knowing it until you end up lightheaded. I agree on most of the other crap though and that Bates fairing may be scientifically sound, but it ain't going on my ride. I don't need a hood! 😂

[@ralphcantrell3214]

How to use a cup holder on a bike? It's very simple: 1) Always wear a flip-up helmet. 2) Use only a "pop top" water bottle. 3) Only fill it with water or another non-carbonated drink that won't fizz up or go flat. 4) If you are left handed you are good to go, but if you are right handed, install a throttle lock on the bike. Then just use your preferred hand to lift the lid, lift the bottle to your mouth, pull it open with your teeth, squeeze the bottle and squirt it in your mouth. It isn't rocket science, folks. Every road-going bike I purchase gets a cup holder within the first couple of weeks. I prefer the stiff, nylon "tobacco sack-looking" ones that can be tightened around the bottle with the drawstring if the going gets rough. 👍

[@frankbaine3918]

The 2011 Harley CVO Roadglide has a weatherproof cigarette lighter on the lower left side of the fairing. It was a common aftermarket accessory in the 50s and onward as well when cruising on a Duo-glide dresser was a pretty chill event and burning a cigarette in the saddle was just the thing. Also there is a Harley storage accessory that includes a sport water bottle and sheath that attaches to the saddlebag bars so you can reach down and grab it. In the southwest with highway temps of well over 100⁰F you're not going to stop constantly to take a drink. You're gonna do it on the fly. Full face helmets are rare on Harleys. You are correct that the Bates gooney-bird fairing was just stupid looking.

[@aaronbrown5252]

I have those water bottle and storage bags on my Road King - super helpful and keeps me from having to open my saddlebags just to get a drink. The are also a great reminder to drink more water while riding.

[@pauls5745]

some that mount on or near the bars, you only need to bend down and sip the straw, no hands needed

[@fkat28]

I always like your videos and thank you for the effort in making them. one thing about this video I have to disagree is the keyless operation. It is a very welcomed feature for me. I have six bikes, only one, an RT, has keyless function. I just have to keep the key in my jacket, zipped up, and I don't need to fiddle with it every time I make a stop or dig into my pocket every time I stop to buy something to put in the sidebags. Years ago before keyless features even offered I did lost my key out on a ride during a stop from in and out of a pocket action. Human errors do happen.

[@rangerjones5531]

Lighters haven’t been called that in years, called a power port now

[@pyrodoll2422]

I was hoping sound systems would be top haha. Great vid.

[@nommadd5758]

"...because cruiser riders are inherently lazy, I guess." ROFL!! 🤣 Great video! (I have three cruisers. 😃)

[@theenzoferrari458]

Which is why you ain't getting anywhere fast. Lmao.

[@nommadd5758]

@@theenzoferrari458 : Two are Yamaha XS Eleven Specials. They're still pretty fast for being about forty years old! (They're just set up as cruisers).

[@samfordanglican8542]

I once had a 1500cc Goldwing (also an 1800 later on) and the sound system was effective up to about 160kph (100mph) For long distance highway riding, particularly in remote areas, the kind of riding the Goldwing is made for, having music to while away the hours was a bonus. Radio was a different matter. Voice tended to be hard to understand. These day the blue tooth headsets do the job a lot more effectively. Then again, pulling away from a popular motorcycle cafe wth Led Zeppelin of full volume always went down well.

[@leeonardodienfield402]

one of the most common injuries in a crash is broken pelvis from slamming into the handlebars just fyi

[@izaacmp]

The Super Cub C125 has keyless ignition. I think it could be helpful since gloves and pockets don’t mix well, and if you keep your key on a keychain, then you can open up your luggage compartment or remove your disc-lock while the motor is warming up.

[@deepprey2776]

Yea, you missed the boat on the cup holders. Ride from San Diego to sturgis and you’ll understand. Your correct about the McDonald’s cup tho. However you missed the biggest gimmick of them all. Crotch rockets….the most useless thing ever made. A moped can at least make a grocery run.

[@bartmotorcycle]

So do you just rock an open face helmet so you can take drinks?

[@Chasing.Adventure]

@@bartmotorcycle Modular. Being able to flip your helmet up at a stop light and get a swig of water on a summer day makes a TON of difference in comfort.

[@TravisTerrell]

@@bartmotorcycle I also wear a modular, but don't even flip mine up to take drinks! It's got a straw in it, and I've found I stick it up underneath the chin bar and drink without cold wind in the winter, ha.

[@deepprey2776]

Harley ultra custom, hardly any direct wind and a full face modular during the cold and rain

[@BrianTRice77]

A hydration backpack with a tube is a lot safer than a cup, though. If I use a tube, I can release it instantly and it cuts off and just hangs a little until I want to deal with it. A cup with a holder seems like it could cause problems if there’s a surprise.

[@markbarber7839]

Camping tents that incorporates your motorcycle. Who wants to smell gas, oil and road kills?

[@marcanthony1680]

One comment in this video says it all , "It just doesn't work for me." Okay, I get it, you don't like some of the things on your list. Bully for you. That doesn't mean they are a "gimmick". Let me correct my last statement, I guess it does in your head, but not in other people's estimation. I have had a sound system of some kind on a majority of my bikes for the last 30 years. I love music when I ride. And yes I can hear it on my present bike (Triumph Trophy se) until I get to about 90 MPH. One person's "gimmick" is another person's essential equipment.

[@olethorhermansen5696]

I totally agree about sound systems. If you must listen to music while you ride, use ear phones, that way everyone else don't have to listen to it. Blaring stereos in cars or motorcycles are not cool, they are a pain in the ... to everyone around you.

[@darkiee69]

They didn't have wireless systems back then.

[@gomezgomezian3236]

And for exactly the same reason ... don't have a bluudy noisy exhaust! I even know people that have an exhaust so noisy that they wear ear plugs specifically to not hear their own exhaust. No one around you wants to hear that either! (And in their modern, basically sound-proof car/truck, they don't hear them. It's just pedestrians or people in their homes that have to put up with it!)

[@patrickburton4195]

@@gomezgomezian3236 whine more

[@Bikerbros1987]

I love the way how everybody stand up for the gimmick they obviously have on their own bikes! I also love the lack of arguments “this is a gimmick because it’s silly”. 😂

[@jlrutube1312]

But it only makes sense that the people who have these things on their own bikes would be the ones that would know whether or not these things are useful or just gimmicks. It would be silly if we only listened to the opinion of those who never tried these things.

[@richardahola692]

Never saw a Bates clipper. Cup holders? I have cup holders on all my bikes except the scooter. I have to have my coffee. First full helmet I got on a trip. Next morning I got up fixed my coffee and took off. Coffee everywhere when I tried to drink with a full helmet. I went back to open. Power port I use for charging my phone and plugging in a tire inflater. My '80 Wing had a Better fairing. It worked. I have keyless ignition on my Falcon 400. Ignition switch wore out and I couldn't find a replacement. Toggle switch works. Yes Honda went too far with the PC. My latest Wing was missing the radio when I bought it. Don't miss it. I'm hard of hearing. How about big luggage racks and top boxes. I can carry a whole cart of groceries.

[@gunslingerspartan]

I am actually surprised a lot of city bikes don't have cup holders, if you want to make a quick run to Starbucks it could really come in handy Not for drinking while you're riding but just so you don't need to fuck around with a bag

[@rodintoulouse3054]

I’ve noticed over time that the are 2 different Barts. One is research piece Bart, who is very thorough and informative and the other one in opinion ( top 10 lists) Bart who is very hit and miss. I personally prefer the first one. Your lists usually tend to punish things you don’t understand or don’t have experience of and that diminishes the overall quality of your channel. For unsupported opinions and pointless lists Jamie knob already cornered the market. If i may suggest, stick to what you do best. Thanks for the content!

[@MadMaxxMoto]

I concur! For many of us that rode in the '70s to mid-90s, these 'gimmicks' were sometimes actually essentials. Sure, moto-skis make no sense for anyone living south of I-70 (in the USA, anyways. reset to your nation/ continent as needed!), but for those of us that only had access to a motorcycle for transportation - aka, no car - you made do and skis work quite well. On a side note, look up the Chrysler Sno-runner for a killer adaption of Motocompo and ski/ single-track moto from the late 70s that breaks down and fits well into a compact car trunk. Cig lighters were used by some to actually light their smokes, but for most of us it was the power source for radar detectors, spot/ flashlights, radios, emergency air compressors, etc., not to mention heated gear (again, see that third sentence!). As for the argument against the cupholder, it isn't always about drinking while riding - unless you've ever tried to traverse a looong stretch of desert in 120 degree heat or actually completed an Iron Butt ride, and I have used a 'bite valve' tube for drinking (just like for bladder packs, but a 24oz coffee doesn't work well in a bladder!!) which reduces the hand-off-bar time to 2-3 seconds per motion, and reduces spillage to near zero - but just getting a drink to your destination. And BTW, 26 of the US States do NOT require all adults to wear a helmet, and NONE REQUIRE full face, so remember that even in the States that require a helmet, many of those riders are wearing 3/4, 1/2 or modular helmets so drinking and smoking are feasible. As for most of the rest of the items on this list, it's all opinion because either he hadn't used them, needed them, or his style just doesn't meet that of others. Then there's that air bag issue... This has been about as much of a ranks-splitting sore subject as the helmet mandates or ABS, with impressive arguments on both sides from all levels in the field. However, the argument involving MotoGP (and WSBK's) use of the in-suit deployment system over in-bike is misguided. There aren't any cars, trucks or buses on the racetrack, and most racing injuries are post-departure of the motorcycle. The Goldwing airbag deploys during a frontal collision (between 40 & 80% of all 2-vehicle and around 40 - 60% of all single MC accidents, depending on whose report you read) and greatly reduces the chance of bodily impact/ breakage due to contacting that big fairing as well as the other vehicle. However, the GW airbag is useless in a side or rear end collision or when ejected from the bike, which is where the in-suit/ on-body system makes sense. YMMV...

[@tennwingman3350]

This about the cup holders spoken from a guy who has never ridden state to state on multiple days in 100 degree heat. On the Goldwing on a extended trip and you have water in the cup and the cruise is set the hydration can be life saving. Wake up sport bike boy, there are us that have toured all over the US. Maybe you have heard of speakers in the Helmet? We have all our systems piped into our helmets, Nav, Stereo, Intercom even the CB radio. Wake up. LOL I have the Goldwing Airbag model and I feel safer. If that guy turns left into you at the intersection and you go forward that airbag will keep you from slamming into that car. Watch the video man. Wake up. The number one crash is a car turning in front of you

[@donaldoehl7690]

I don't understand buying a motorcycle and then trying to turn it into a car: windshield, radio, cupholders, etc.

[@BigBratJ]

You literally just described the advantages of having a car. The Goldwing just sounds like a waste of money to me with your arguments.

[@TravisTerrell]

@@BigBratJ Umm except motorcycles are way more fun to ride. Having creature comforts doesn't eliminate the fact that you're on 2 wheels, wind flying by, looking down and seeing your feet flying less than 6" above the pavement.

[@elixier33]

@@BigBratJ I have always had a wing I use the audio system on most rides, my. Pillions use copyholder all the time as they do arm tests and the trunk space is half the reason I bought the bike.i don't want a car I ride 100k a year and I want these features for my sanity.

[@rustyshackleford4728]

Lol someone got offended!

[@DaveFiggley]

On the Triumph, I used to wedge a folded Rizla packet between the rubber of the twistgrip and it's mounting thereby locking the throttle to keep a steady 20 mph or so. Steering was easily achieved with knees gripping the tank and subtle shifts of weight. That then gave me the opportunity to roll a cigarette and light it. Why? Well, why not?

[@jono.pom-downunder]

A man after my own heart.

[@buffalodebill7986]

I have a cup holder, where I hold an empty can, so I can throw cigarette butts in there - instead of littering the environment.

[@cpuuk]

I still want a sippy cup holder- it's my dream!

[@richbenoit1840]

Audio in my helmet is awesome. AM,FM, XM ,My Ipod,and intercom with other riders,and/or passengers. Gimmick? I think not. Oh, I forgot audio from navigation.

[@SamuelLanghorn]

you are an old school guy my friend. Keyless fobs are the greatest thing on earth ! .... I hate them so much. Every time I park my new car in my garage and I need to get something out, I need to go inside fetch the key to unlock it. What a shameful nuisance. Greetings, enjoying your channel a lot 🙂

[@Cologne_Trooper]

Keyless ignition sounds good but isn’t really necessary. I hate leaving my key in my pocket when I already put my gloves on. I like it but it’s something else to break and adds cost.

[@mikepopelka2349]

Radios on a motorcycle are an irritation for anyone at a stoplight/stop sign! Radios on motorcycles are as much of an irritation as any bike with loud pipes that the rider feels the need to rev up at a stop light/sign!

[@Deerock_FL]

Whats wrong with a cupholder? There are people who don't ride with full face helmets and there are states that dont require helmets at all if a person doesnt want to wear one. And riding with one hand is done all the time on a sportbike just for comfort reasons. It's nice to be able to take a sip while riding or while stopped at a light.

[@AndrewWilsonOz]

I stop at a coffee shop, but never finish my coffee, so I put it in my keep cup, and carry it in my cup holder, to drink at my next stop. Or if I stop at Hungry Jacks (Burger King), I get a thickshake to take home, the cup holder comes in handy. So, not really a gimmick. I know lots of other bikers that have them also, and do use them. It is one thing you might consider. Once you get one, and use it, you wonder why you didn't before.

[@ericschultz9540]

Second time watching this. Laughing every time he says “DOT approved full face helmet”. This guy is gold.

[@paulyoon3327]

I thought keyless ignition was a gimmick until my cars and motorcycles came with it, now I love it.

[@PMCraig]

I had a 2009 Harley Road Glide that had a cigarette lighter. Great place to plug in a cell phone charger or a heated vest. Also had a 2005 BMW that had a “power port”, very useful for the same reasons.

[@leroyschaeffer6574]

Having a stereo on your motorcycle doing long trips is a must for me. It makes the iron butt challenge a little more tolerable.

[@JA-zh5xi]

I agree - that clipper fairing might be the ugliest thing ever

[@satanssurfer5965]

I've just fitted an self emptying ashtray on my Z650.

[@paulvanniekerk1027]

1. Puncture proof tires that are 100% puncture proof , not the slime we pump into our tires , but tires constructed not to puncture . 2 .Genuine front wheel drive , Yamaha has a good hydraulic powered system on their WR 450 Enduro bike .The front and back wheels supply power on demand depending which wheel needs the torque , this system apparently illuminates front wheel washing out on loose gravel corners .A hydraulic pump supplies power via a hydraulic pipe to a hydraulic power motor in the front wheel hub.I googled a few years ago and the system was up and running on Enduro bikes . The power to the two wheels is delivered to the wheel that needs it most , going up a hill with limited traction as one wheel slippes causing it to spin the power created by the extra revs automatically is transfered to the wheel most need the one with positive traction. Keep up the excellent work you are producing such good memories I am 70 years old and have owned over 10 off road thumpers the XT 500 YAMAHA , the Honda 500 XL , the XL 250 1970 model oft road bikes , I even had a WR 450 F with a FMF PIPE MACHINE !!!!. I now own a little 200 cc Eurotrack Chinese trail bike , it is not over dressed and is slightly retro looking . No fancy bull ^%%#%&*.I weigh over 130 kg this ittle Missy hauls me around no problem I change oil every 1000 km she just gets stronger by the day . . . The motor is an exact copy of the legendary Honda 200 XR motor , made by the Jayling Motor Co in China , by the way they produce most Yamaha spares . Look at a busy Chines stree what do you see ? . Thousands of 200 cc bikes buzzing all over ha ha anything bigger is not practical , you can not reinvent the the wheel , I am reaching.the 89k

[@paulvanniekerk1027]

I was not finished , 89k and I promise you having changed filters , oil, on a regular basis the trick , sometimes every 500 km. I use the fairly good oil in my generators , lawnmowers, chainsaws etc no waste . This little bile shows very little signs of corrosion.( sorry !! Going off on.a tangent but I just had to tell you how much value for your money a cheap CHINESE BIKE WILL GIVE YOU . THANK YOU FOR YOUR VERY GOOD ARTCLES PAUL DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA

[@keithhightower646]

As a rider i gotta say keyless start makes a hell of a lot of sense. Starting my bike at night trying to find the keyhole in the shadow can be a pain in the ass sometimes, and sometimes it would be nice to just hit the ignition and just go.

[@floydhoward8038]

The lighter port can now be used to charge a cell phone

[@SlimTony]

I have to disagree on the trunk... Cramming groceries into side-opening saddlebags gets tiring after a while. But the keyless ignition is really so unnecessary. And the current Super Cub has one. You know, the light, cheap, everyday transport vehicle gets keyless ignition before it gets a rear disk brake.

[@ChumpMasterSupreme]

Bro doesn’t know physics lol

[@brianvasko5048]

My 2000 H-D Electra Glide Standard came with a factory cigarette lighter in the fairing.

[@ChitFromChinola]

Yup, stripped down naked motorcycles for me, too. The external sound systems are the worst - tragically unhip to tell the world you’re listening to White Snake. Cringe . . .

[@rickkubik6666]

Actually now that you mention it, an IV holder would be a handy device for Harley riders!

[@alelectric2767]

The stereo thing I’ll never understand. Can you even hear the music while riding?

[@TravisTerrell]

I can often hear them in my car when they cruise by in the freeway at 70! It's nuts! (And keep in mind the average guy blasting music isn't usually wearing a helmet.)