The Best Motorcycle EDC Essentials For Daily Riders

Everyday carry is all about convenience, utility, and preparedness, arming its carrier with the tools needed to tackle and overcome whatever the day might bring. If motorbikes happen to be your primary means of transportation, there’s a particular crop of items that can collectively make for a markedly more optimized and utilitarian loadout, for use both on and off the bike.

Aiming to compile the ultimate rider’s daily loadout, we’ve thoroughly considered some of the main obstacles and issues bikers experience when commuting daily on two-wheels in order to scour the moto gear and accessories market as well as pouring through our own riding kit in order to individually select an array of offerings that all serve a vital function, add major utility or convenience to the riding experience, and/or address the most hazardous or frequent problems riders face out on the roads. So, with that in mind, let’s dive into our picks for the best motorcycle EDC essentials.

Just like with normal EDC gear, motorcycle everyday carry items should bolster one or more aspects of your loadout, whether this be increasing safety, security, convenience, comfort, or connectivity. And this is the basic principle we uses to help guide or picks for the items that were included on this list. We began our search by first making a list of the types of products that we considered to be everyday essentials for riders, from tire pressure gauges to basic hand tools to comm systems to disc locks. Once we’d generated this list of the most important product categories within the larger moto EDC sector, we then proceeded to choose two to four products from each sector. These products were then individually scrutinized before then being compared and contrasted side-by-side. Using criteria such as materials, build quality, size and dimensions, and price and value, we then selected a single best-of item from each category — resulting in our final picks for the items included on this guide to the best motorcycle everyday carry essentials. 

Because the larger moto EDC space encompasses so many different product types, it can be a bit tricky knowing what to look for when shopping. Fortunately, regardless of the product type, there are certain traits that are pretty much universally shared by many of these items. Below, we’ll briefly be touching on the most pivotal factors to consider when buying motorcycle everyday carry kit. 

Materials: No matter the product, the materials used to craft it will always play a monumental role in determining its overall quality and durability. And motorcycle EDC gear is by no means an exception. Because these items need to withstand the immense vibration, exposure to the elements, and other rigors brought on by daily riding, material selection is of extreme importance and should always be closely considered when shopping in this space. 

Weatherproofing: Unlike cars that offer an enclosed cabin, motorcycling leaves the rider and all of their gear and kit fully exposed to the elements — making weatherproofing of extreme importance, as well. Whether its a garment, piece of gear, or gadget, you’ll always want to look into an item’s weather resistance when shopping in this segment. 

Size & Weight: Motorcycles offer pretty limited storage space. As such, it’s crucial that items are compact and lightweight enough to be easily tossed in a backpack or pannier or stashed under the seat. As such, you should always review any items exact physical dimensions, along with how much it weighs. 

Price & Value: Because moto EDC items need to withstand the abuse of being on the rode day in and day out, they’re typically feature robust designs that are crafted from hardwearing materials — traits that very seldom come cheap. With that said, some pieces of moto gear offer markedly better bang for your buck than others — making this a crucial area to consider, especially if you’re shopping on a budget. 

Versatility: While every item selected for this list was chosen for its conduciveness to daily use for riders, quite a few of these items can also be utilized when off the bike — a factor that affords them with markedly better versatility and therefor markedly better value and bang for your buck. As such, this is undoubtedly another pivotal factor to take into account when shopping for moto EDC gear. 

EatSleepRIDE Crashlight Service

Best Smartphone App: At less than a nickel per day, we’d argue that every rider should be using ESR’s Crashlight feature, as this service can automatically detect crashes and send live alerts with GPS locations to pre-selected emergency contacts should the rider be unresponsive. The free version of the app also tracks your rides, allows you too look up local routes, or review metrics from your rides like speed, elevation, and lean angle, all by simply utilizing the accelerometers and gyroscopes (which are run through an advanced algorithm) that you’re already carrying in your smartphone.

Nelson Rigg Shift Boot Protector

Best Shoe Cover: Anyone with their fair share of experience in the saddle is no doubt privy to how quickly and easily the toe of regular shoes gets scuffed and marked up as the rider shifts up and down. In a bid to protect normal shoes and sneakers, Nelson Ring has custom-designed its Shift Boot Protector. Secured via an elastic strap adorned in reflective taping, the Nelson Rigg Shift Boot Protector is crafted from neoprene and capped off with a rubber pad that separates the toe of the wearer’s shoe from a bike’s shifter pedal. Best of all, this item easily folds up into a tiny form, allowing it to easily be stuffed into a jacket pocket or under the bike’s seat once you arrive at your destination.

HelmetLok II

Best Helmet Lock: While it’s difficult to place an exact financial value on your brain, you’ll probably agree that it’s worth spending a decent chunk of cash on a quality motorcycle helmet to protect your skull and its contents. And if you’re going to invest in a high-end helmet, you’ll also want to protect that investment by securing it to your bike. At less than $35, the second-gen HelmetLok saves you the trouble of having to carry around your lid while off the bike, and affords peace of mind when you leave it on the motorcycle. This item can also serve as a normal EDC carabiner when not being used to secure your helmet.

Bikemaster Tire and Tube Flat Repair Kit

Best Tire Repair Kit: Flat tires are an unfortunate inevitability the vast majority of riders will eventually face out on the road, and when this happens, you’ll want to be prepared. One of the best and easiest ways to accomplish this is with BikeMaster’s Tire And Tube Flat Repair Kit as it contains everything needed to remedy a flat — whether running a tube or a tubeless moto tire — including four compressed air charges and a valve to re-inflate the rubber once it has been repaired. The entire kit also comes in a compact 6.5″ x 4″ x 2.5″ travel case.

Tanner Goods Key Lanyard

Best Keychain: It’s very seldom that riders leave their bike’s key on a keyring with the rest of their keys, as they have the propensity to scratch and scuff up the area around the bike’s ignition while they ride. As such, we recommend selecting a keychain that allows you to securely attach the rest of your keys to your clothing or bag to ensure it won’t fall off and get lost mid-ride. Cut, burnished, dyed, waxed, and stamped entirely by hand, entirely in America, the Tanner Goods Key Lanyard is an excellent option, having been cut from the same robust 10oz vegetable-tanned Meridian English Bridle leather that the brand uses to craft its belts. Spanning 5.5” in total, this everyday carry keychain is offered in several color options and with a bare or black-finished stainless steel rifle-style clip.

HOTO Electric Air Compressor

Best Mobile Air Compressor: A basic tire pressure gauge is unequivocally one of the most pivotal EDC essentials for any motorcyclist, no matter what bike they ride or what region they reside in. While it’s admittedly not anywhere near as compact as a pen-style tire pressure gauge, the HOTO Electric Air Compressor includes a digital pressure gauge that’s accurate to within 1.5 psi (0.1 bar), plus packs a wealth of additional features and functions, including the ability to re-inflate more than half a dozen motorcycle tires on a single charge thanks to a 2,500 mAh battery. Additionally, this moto gadget also boasts five modes including a dedicated motorcycle mode, plus features an automatic shutoff to prevent over-inflating. Equipped with an integrated LED flashlight, the body of this item is also fortified beneath a protective TPU outer case. 

Peak Design Motorcycle Bar Mount

Best Phone Mount: Since its inception in 2010, Peak Design has always excelled at delivering well-crafted, well-thought-out products, whether they be backpacks and bags or tech and EDC accessories like the company’s Motorcycle Bar Mount. Capable of being locked into 24 different positions, this handlebar mount system is precision-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum with an anodized finish. Equipped with a best-in-class vibration isolator, this item boasts all-PVD-coated stainless steel hardware, internal neodymium mounting magnets, and a cleverly-designed quick-release mounting system that’s insanely secure yet can easily be accessed while using gloves. It is important to note that in order to utilize this bar mount, you do need to use one of Peak Design’s Everyday Phone cases — which are phenomenal smartphone cases, however, the company also sells a universal adapter piece that’s compatible with the bar mount, or any of the other offerings from Peak Design’s ecosystem of Slimlink products. 

Monimoto M7 GPS Anti-Theft Tracker

Best GPS Tracker: The Monimoto M7 GPS tracker is a state-of-the-art tracking system made specifically for motorcycles. Completely wireless, this GPS-guided smart device utilizes the LTE-M network and consists of a compact 3.7″ x 2.4″ x .074″ tracker unit that can be hidden — in an airbox or under the seat — on a motorcycle in order to keep constant tabs on its whereabouts. This product does require a subscription fee of $49 per year, though it comes with a free two-month subscription. Do yourself a favor and get this instead of using an AirTag. 

Antigravity Micro-Start XP-1 Power Supply

Best Mobile Jumpstarter: Almost certainly the finest moto EDC power bank currently on the market, Antigravity’s Micro-Start XP-1 Power Supply is an ultra-potent yet ultra-compact item, tipping the scales at just less than 1lb while boasting 12,000mAh of energy. Capable of holding a charge for a full year, this power bank and mobile jump starter has enough juice to jumpstart a motorcycle battery, or fully recharge smartphones, tablets, and even laptops thanks to its 19V port. The power bank also packs a battery level indicator, built-in overcharge protection, and an integrated 110-lumen LED flashlight with a trio of light modes.

SKRAM Ones

Best Motorcycle Sunglasses: While they might look like a typical pair of high-end sunglasses, the SKRAM Ones have been engineered from the ground up specifically for riding duties. As such, the glasses are constructed around an acetate frame — offered in black or bare “Havana” — that houses a polarized pair of wildly shatterproof and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. Sold with an included SKRAM-branded leather carrying case, keyring, microfiber cleaning towel, and an adjustment tool, these moto glasses also make for just as stellar a pair of shades off the bike as they do on it.

ABUS Granit Detecto SMARTX 8078

Best Disc Lock: With the rates of motorcycle theft continuing to climb, security for your bike is arguably more important now than ever before. While they can be defeated with enough time and effort, moto disc locks nonetheless give your bike a fighting chance, greatly slowing down thieves so you can catch and stop them, or simply deterring them and prompting them to move on to an easier, less-secure target. Capable of being locked and unlocked using your smartphone, the ABUS Granit Detecto SMARTX 8078 is an ultra-tough option that features a 13.5mm locking bolt composed of specially-hardened steel, and a built-in alarm that blares out at 100 decibels as soon as it senses movement. And, at less than 2.5lbs, the Granit Detecto SMARTX 8078 can easily be stashed in a bag or under a seat when its not protecting your bike. 

Roeg x Victorinox Swiss Road Tool

Best Multi-Tool: In an effort to deliver something of the ultimate moto rider’s multi-tool, Victorinox has joined forces with Roeg, resulting in the surprisingly capable and utilitarian Swiss Road Tool. Made in Switzerland, this moto-specific EDC multi-tool boasts a ratchet, a plethora of screwdrivers, and a variety of other tools that are legitimately conducive to basic wrenching, as well as a bottle and can-opener, scissors, a file, wire cutters and crimpers, and a plain-edged drop point blade. Available in limited numbers, this item can also legally be carried in both the US and UK and is sold with a leather carrying case.

Insta360 GO 3

Best Action Camera: Measuring just 1.0” x2.1” x 0.9” and tipping the scales at only 1.2oz, the Insta360 GO 3 is the world’s smallest action camera, however, despite its diminutive size, the thing packs an impressive punch — along with some equally impressive specs and capabilities. Sold with an include true wireless earbuds-style wireless charging case referred to as an “Action Pod,” this tiny camera offers 2.7K video resolution plus offers features like FreeFrame Video, Timelapse, TimeShift, Slow Motion, Pre-Recording, and Loop Recording. And, while it’s battery life only allows for around 170 minutes of recording time, the GO 3’s provides enough juice to easily record your daily commute, plus its Action Pod features its own 1,270-mAh cell that can replenish the action cam’s battery four-times over. Insta360 also sells an available Motorcycle Kit for this third-gen action cam for an extra $60. 

Cardo Packtalk Edge

Best Moto Comm System: Having the ability to take calls, listen to music, or receive turn-by-turn GPS directions is an absolute game-changer when riding — making comm systems another bonafide moto EDC essential. And when it comes to modern moto comms, you really would be hard pressed to find an option superior to the Cardo Packtalk Edge. This state-of-the-art comm unit utilizes both Bluetooth and Mesh connectivity, plus can connect with up to 15 other rides at once and offers a range of up to a mile. Because it relies on Mesh tech, you don’t have to repair the comm with the rest of your buddies every time you stop. Add in a potent battery, excellent weatherproofing, an included boom mic, and crystal-clear audio quality that comes courtesy of a pair of 40mm JBL drivers, and you’ve undoubtedly got one of the best moto comms that money can currently buy. 

Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System

Best Airbag System: Offering the absolute pinnacle of protection, the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 System is a wireless airbag system that can be worn underneath any regular or moto-specific garment. Utilizing a charge from an argon canister, the Tech-Air 5 System features three onboard gyroscopes and a trio of accelerometers that collect hundreds of data points every second before feeding that info into a state-of-the-art algorithm that automatically detects crashes and is able to fully deploy its airbag in just a fraction of the amount of time that it takes the human eye to blink. And, while there are several other admittedly stellar wireless airbag systems currently on the market – such as the Dainese Smart Jacket and Klim Ai-1 Airbag Vest — though Astars’ Tech-Air 5 System affords the greatest protection, providing coverage for the wearer’s torso and chest while also extending up to fortify their shoulders and upper arms.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Best Smartwatch: Though the vast majority of the population is familiar with the Apple Watch, far fewer are privy to just how well this cutting-edge smartwatch lends itself to riding duties. In addition to being compatible with a host of moto-focused apps, the Apple Watch also allows riders to use turn-by-turn GPS directions, live speed or RPM readings, and control music playback, among an almost endless slew of other possibilities. Thanks to its immense durability and lightweight, the titanium-cased Apple Watch Ultra 2 is particularly conducive to use in the saddle. Some riders have also enjoyed mounting the Apple Watch’s case directly to their handlebars, thereby offering a super-compact alternative to traditional displays.

The Best Motorcycle Gear For Every Rider

Though this list if packed full of stellar EDC essentials for riders, with the exception of the airbag, it doesn’t contain any riding gear. So, if you’re in the market for a new jacket, helmet, or a pair of gloves, pants or boots, we recommend cruising over to our guide to the best motorcycle gear for every rider for another curated selection of quality kit.