Essential Gear Every Harley Rider Needs

Hopping onto the saddle of a classic American cruiser ignites a passion that only a true enthusiast can understand. You feel that rumble and just know you belong on that open road. But owning your legendary machine is just the first part of the fun.

Every Harley rider knows that the right gear changes the whole trip. You want to look good, feel great, and stay safe every mile. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to incorporate your own personality into the mix.

Here at Cox’s Harley-Davidson® in Asheboro, NC, we’ll equip you with all the fundamental pieces you need to take your ride to the ultimate level. So, if you’re searching for Harley riding gear in NC, our guide breaks down the essentials every rider should consider before rolling out.

Riding Gear

We know your unique style is a big deal, but all of that means nothing if you’re not safe on the road. You want to focus on the rumble instead of worrying about a sunburn or a loose rock.

Invest in some high-quality motorcycle safety gear so you’re always ready for any conditions you might find:

DOT-Certified Helmet – Your head deserves the highest level of protection available on every single ride. So choose a DOT-certified helmet that’s undergone rigorous testing to lower the risk of serious injury during an impact. Find a style that fits your head shape so it stays snug.
Leather Riding Jacket – Thick leather provides a sturdy barrier between your skin and the asphalt if things go sideways. An iconic Harley jacket blocks the biting wind and shields you from flying debris on the road. You’ll get a timeless look that holds up through years of hard riding and various weather changes.
Padded Riding Gloves – Durable gloves give you a firm grip on the handlebars and protect your fingers from road grime. Constant vibration can tire out your hands, but padding helps reduce that fatigue during long stretches. Sturdy materials also guard your knuckles from small stones or bugs that kick up as you ride.
Sturdy Riding Boots – High-top boots provide the necessary stability for your ankles when you stop or shift gears. Thick soles prevent your feet from slipping on oily patches or wet pavement at intersections. Choosing a pair with solid construction keeps your feet safe from heat and gives you total control over your machine.
Heated or Mesh Outerwear – Specialized clothing helps you stay out on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle regardless of the temps outside. Breathable mesh allows air to flow through on hot summer days to keep you cool. Heated layers plug in to provide warmth so you can keep riding even after the autumn leaves start to fall.

Saddlebags and Storage Systems

Sure, you can just shove your gloves into your pockets, but most riders eventually realize they need actual space for their gear. Long rides demand storage, and saddlebags deliver that freedom. Harley-Davidson® offers hard saddlebags made for durability and waterproof protection, plus soft options for riders who want flexibility and a quick install. You can also grab a touring backpack to add even more room for a long-distance trip.

If you’re chasing the best motorcycle gear, storage solutions like these keep your essentials secure without sacrificing style.

Handlebar Accessories

Grabbing the handlebars and feeling that engine thrum against your palms is one of the best parts of any ride. Your hands do all the heavy lifting, so making that connection perfect makes sense.

Custom bars change your posture to fit your specific height. Heated grips keep your fingers warm on those crisp Carolina mornings. You can even add a cruise control kit to make highway stretches a breeze. These swaps make your Harley-Davidson® feel like a true extension of your body.

Custom Lighting

Rolling home after the sun drops behind the Uwharrie Mountains can get pretty dark. Adding some extra fire to your Harley-Davidson® helps you spot deer and gravel before they cause any trouble.

Daymaker LED headlights throw a massive beam that cuts right through the night. You can also bolt on auxiliary kits to widen that glow. Changing out those stock turn signals for smoked LEDs will give you a sleek look and make your intentions clear to every driver on the road.

Tire Accessories

Ripping through curves feels a lot better when your rubber actually grips the asphalt. Nobody wants a flat to ruin a Saturday run. So keep the greasy side down.

Invest in a tire pressure monitoring system to show you exactly how much air sits in those hoops. You'll see the numbers on your dash before a problem pops up.

Fresh, high-grade tires will also change how your Harley-Davidson® leans into a turn. Stick to touring treads for long hauls or grab aggressive rubber for dirty backroads.

A Phone Mount and Navigation Gear

Getting lost in the woods sounds cool until you actually run out of gas. Stick a rugged mount on your handlebars to keep your map front and center. And a GPS unit will give clear directions without draining your battery.

These tools allow you to find every hidden backroad around Asheboro and beyond. You can track your mileage and find the nearest fuel stop on your Harley with one quick glance.

Gear Up for the Ride at Cox’s Harley-Davidson®

Hitting the open road feels better when every aspect of your setup is dialed in. Every local rider knows how their gear makes the difference between a great trip and a rough afternoon.

Whether you’re new to riding or looking to level up, our team at Cox’s Harley-Davidson® shares your obsession for these machines and the lifestyle that follows. And we’ve got every accessory you need to customize your ride.

We keep our shop stocked with the best Harley-Davidson® parts and the latest Harley apparel in NC. Swing by our dealership today to grab your new gear and get back on the asphalt.