15 Harley Davidson Motorcycle Accessories Worth Considering
The best Harley accessories are not the ones that add the most chrome. They solve a real problem: carrying gear, reducing fatigue, improving visibility, protecting the bike, adding useful technology or making the riding position fit you better.
Year, model and configuration matter. Harley accessories that look interchangeable often are not. Fairing type, handlebar diameter, luggage configuration, seat hardware, lighting connectors, exhaust layout and calibration requirements can change by model year. Verify fitment before ordering anything that bolts to or plugs into the motorcycle.
Best Harley Accessories by Riding Goal
| Accessory | Best for | Why riders buy it | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat | Long rides | Changes pressure distribution and riding position | High |
| Windshield / wind management | Touring | Reduces wind load and can improve highway comfort | High |
| Saddlebags / Tour-Pak / luggage | Travel | Adds secure cargo capacity | High |
| Foot controls / highway pegs | Ergonomics | Gives the rider more comfortable leg positions | High |
| Lighting | Visibility | Can improve road illumination and conspicuity | High |
| Cover | Storage | Helps protect paint and finishes from dust and weather | High |
| Security / tracker | Theft deterrence | Adds locks, alarms or location awareness | High |
| Bluetooth / navigation | Touring tech | Navigation, communication and audio | Medium |
| Exhaust / air cleaner | Performance and sound | Changes airflow, sound and appearance | Model dependent |
Top Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Accessories
These are the categories we would consider first when building a Harley for actual use. A rider setting up a Street Glide for 500-mile days should prioritize differently than someone building a local cruiser or preserving a garage-kept bike.
Saddlebags, Tour-Paks & Motorcycle Luggage
Storage is one of the most useful upgrades you can make. Saddlebags work well for everyday cargo, while Tour-Pak-style top cases and larger touring bags make more sense for longer trips.
- Check mounting hardware and model fitment
- Think about waterproofing and locking
- Keep weight balanced and securely mounted
- Choose capacity based on real trip length, not appearance alone
Windshields & Wind Management
A properly sized windshield can reduce wind pressure at highway speed, but taller is not automatically better. Rider height, seat position, fairing style and helmet aerodynamics all affect buffeting.
- Choose height around your line of sight and riding posture
- Check fairing and mounting compatibility
- Consider adjustable vents or deflectors for touring bikes
- Evaluate buffeting, not just wind blockage
Comfort Seats & Backrests
The stock seat may be fine for short rides but uncomfortable after several hours. A different seat can change pressure points, reach to the bars and controls, and even effective seat height.
- Match the seat to rider and passenger needs
- Consider reach as well as cushioning
- Look at backrest compatibility for touring
- Verify luggage and grab-rail clearance
Foot Pegs, Floorboards & Highway Pegs
Foot controls affect comfort and control every mile. Highway pegs can give touring riders an alternate leg position, while replacement floorboards or pegs may improve grip, room and ergonomics.
- Confirm mount style and location
- Maintain safe cornering and control clearance
- Choose surfaces that grip wet boots
- Prioritize ergonomics over decorative size
Handlebars, Risers & Grips
Bars and risers can dramatically change wrist angle, shoulder position and reach. They can also trigger additional parts needs, including longer brake lines, clutch components, wiring or control extensions.
- Measure rise, pullback and width before buying
- Verify cable, hose and wiring length
- Check control and fairing clearance lock-to-lock
- Keep ergonomics and leverage in mind
LED Headlights, Auxiliary Lights & Signals
Lighting upgrades can improve illumination and visibility, but fitment, beam pattern and legal requirements matter. A bright light that throws a poor beam is not automatically an upgrade.
- Check connector and housing compatibility
- Look for a controlled beam pattern
- Confirm local requirements for color and placement
- Aim headlights correctly after installation
Motorcycle Covers
A good cover is cheap insurance for paint, chrome and controls. Indoor, outdoor and compact travel covers solve different problems, so choose around where the motorcycle actually sits.
- Correct fit reduces flapping and exposed areas
- Ventilation helps control trapped moisture
- Outdoor storage calls for stronger weather protection
- Travel covers should pack small enough to carry
Security Locks, Alarms & Trackers
No single accessory makes a motorcycle theft-proof. A layered setup—physical lock, alarm and location tracker—can provide better deterrence and recovery options than relying on one device.
- Use a lock suited to how and where you park
- Hide trackers where practical
- Keep tracker subscriptions and batteries current
- Never treat a cover alone as meaningful theft protection
Bluetooth Helmet Communication
A helmet communicator can combine navigation prompts, phone calls, music and rider-to-rider communication without adding another screen to the motorcycle.
- Check helmet installation compatibility
- Compare group-intercom requirements
- Battery life matters on touring days
- Use controls that are manageable with gloves
Phone Mounts & Navigation
For motorcycles without built-in navigation, a secure phone mount can be one of the highest-value additions. Dedicated GPS units still make sense for riders who want weather resistance, glove-friendly controls and navigation without depending on a phone.
- Use a vibration-resistant motorcycle mount
- Position the screen without blocking instruments
- Add weather-safe charging if needed
- Set navigation before moving
Audio & Speaker Upgrades
Fairing-equipped touring bikes can support major audio upgrades, but speaker size, amplifier load, waterproofing and factory infotainment integration should be checked before buying parts.
- Match speakers and amplifier requirements
- Choose motorcycle-rated components
- Protect wiring and connectors from weather
- Keep volume low enough to hear traffic and warnings
Mirrors
Replacement mirrors can improve rearward visibility and change the look of the controls. The practical goal should be a stable, useful field of view rather than simply using the smallest mirror possible.
- Check stem thread and mount compatibility
- Position mirrors around your shoulders
- Watch for vibration at highway speed
- Verify minimum mirror requirements where you ride
Air Cleaners
A replacement air cleaner can be a maintenance item, appearance upgrade or part of a performance package. High-flow systems may change airflow enough that the rest of the setup—and sometimes calibration—needs to be considered.
- Verify exact engine and model fitment
- Know whether tuning or calibration is required
- Check emissions legality where the bike is registered
- Use the correct filter service procedure
Exhaust Systems & Slip-On Mufflers
Exhaust is one of the most common Harley modifications, but sound is only one part of the decision. Fitment, heat management, tuning requirements, passenger clearance and emissions rules all matter.
- Verify model year and exhaust configuration
- Check whether ECM calibration is required
- Confirm street legality in your jurisdiction
- Do not assume louder means more power
Detailing, Chrome Care & Paint Protection
Cleaning products are accessories too—and they can preserve the expensive parts already on the motorcycle. Use cleaners and protectants made for the surface you are working on rather than one aggressive chemical everywhere.
- Separate paint, chrome, matte and wheel-care products
- Use clean microfiber to reduce scratching
- Avoid harsh products on hot surfaces
- Protect the motorcycle after cleaning, not just wash it
Where to Buy Harley Accessories
Useful for broad comparison shopping across covers, mounts, communication systems, luggage, maintenance accessories and model-specific aftermarket parts.
Browse Harley accessories on Amazon →A strong path for used OEM parts, take-offs, discontinued accessories, custom components and changing motorcycle inventory.
Browse the HarleyChop Chop Shop →Use HarleyChop’s parts and gear hubs for motorcycle-focused retailers and partner offers when a specialist merchant is the better fit.
Browse Parts & Accessories →Build Your Harley in the Right Order
1. Fix Comfort
Seat, bars, grips, pegs, floorboards and wind management affect every mile you ride.
2. Add Utility
Luggage, navigation, communication and charging solve practical ownership problems.
3. Protect the Bike
Covers, locks, alarms, trackers and proper cleaning protect what you already own.
4. Improve Visibility
Correctly aimed lighting and useful mirrors can improve how well you see and are seen.
5. Then Customize
Once the motorcycle fits you and works for your riding, move into sound, appearance and performance.
6. Verify Everything
Check year/model fitment, installation requirements, torque values and legal restrictions before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best first accessories for a Harley-Davidson?
For most riders, comfort and utility come first: a seat that fits the rider, appropriate wind management, secure luggage, useful foot controls and good lighting. The best first purchase depends on what bothers you most about the motorcycle in its current form.
What accessories are best for Harley touring?
Saddlebags or Tour-Pak luggage, a correctly sized windshield, a supportive seat and backrest, highway pegs, navigation or phone mounting, Bluetooth communication and weather protection are among the most useful touring upgrades.
Are Harley accessories interchangeable between models?
No. Many accessories are model-, year- or configuration-specific. Always use a fitment tool, manufacturer application chart or part number lookup before ordering.
Is an aftermarket exhaust a good first Harley modification?
Not necessarily. An exhaust can change sound and appearance, but comfort, controls, luggage and wind management often make a bigger difference to everyday riding. Exhaust changes can also involve calibration and emissions requirements.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket Harley accessories?
Both can make sense. OEM parts can simplify fitment and integration, while quality aftermarket brands may offer more choices, different ergonomics or better value. Compare fitment, materials, warranty, installation requirements and support rather than choosing on brand name alone.