What equipment is needed to protect your bike when off-roading?

That's it, you've succumbed to the call of the mud, that sweet, primal instinct to go mudding on your bike with your mates. But why? Because mud is good for your complexion? No, because off-roading is fun! That's why! However, to keep this activity fun, affordable and in keeping with the physical integrity of your bike, there are a few precautions to take. How should you equip your trail bike for off-roading? Our answers below:

On a motorcycle, the oil sump is usually at the very bottom of the engine, at the level of the daisies. This is where you'll be most exposed when you try to straddle a tree trunk or a nasty rock. How do you protect it? With the motor shoe. This thick aluminum plate prevents you from spilling your 5w40 in a Morvan undergrowth, turning your CRF250 into a 150kg draisienne. It's the first purchase you should make before going off-road.

----> Discover our engine blocks

Crash-bar, what does that mean? In French, they're called pare-carters (or tubes à gamelle in Savoyard). These metal hoops protect the radiator, the engine, the coolant tank, etc.: in short, all the components that are crucial to the smooth running of your mill. Another positive aspect (in addition to saving your grinder's life)? This device makes it a little easier to lift your bike when it's lying down, as it takes up a little less angle. It may seem trivial, but when it comes to straightening a 250kg trail bike, anything goes!

---> Take a look at our crash-bar models

Off-roading with road tires has a definite advantage: if you have a spill or can't keep up with the pace, it's always an excuse. How to choose tires for trail riding? It's all a question of compromise. Trail riding means dual use: road and trail. Your gumshoe has to be able to take you serenely to work (even under the rain) while offering acceptable grip in the Sunday quagmires of the undergrowth. So, the more studs you have, the more grip you'll get on the TT, and the more you'll dread going out on the road in wet weather. It's up to you to find the right compromise for your riding needs.

----> See our motorcycle tires

Thanks to thousands of years of evolution, the homo-enduristus has two hands. To keep these two appendages in good condition, a minimum of protection is required. The solution? Hand protectors. Their mission is twofold. Firstly, they prevent your phalanges from taking a double dose of gravel delicately thrown by the biker in front of you. What's more,they prevent your fingers from getting trapped between the handlebars and the ground in the event of a fall.

How to choose the right handguard for off-road riding? By choosing a product with two attachment points (handlebars + end cap) and an aluminum bar for reinforcement. Only then will your 10 fingers be safe in the event of a waffle. Models with a single attachment point or made entirely of plastic will protect your hands from wind or rain, but not from a fall.

----> Discover our different handguard models

"The reed bends but does not break". Back in 1650, La Fontaine had it right: it's better to have a gear selector that bends under impact than to be stuck in first gear for the rest of the trip after breaking it. All right, our interpretation of the fable of the oak and the reed is dubious, but the idea is there. Do you know the best one? This adage applies to the gear selector, but also to the brake pedal, as well as to brake and clutch levers. Thank you La Fontaine!

----> Our motorcycle parts: brake levers

----> Our motorcycle parts: clutch levers

Having a mirror in good condition is not only practical, it's also a legal requirement. The key is to avoid breaking one every time you go out. The panacea? La Fontaine mirrors! Uh, no, Double-Take. As you'll have gathered, these models are foldable, which has two advantages. Firstly, in the event of a fall, they don't break. Secondly, with a little forethought, you can fold them up before you end up in a nasty rut. And yes, on a TT, do you really need to know what's going on behind you?

----> Doubletake ADVENTURE 2.0 approved rearview mirror (ARM 3.5)

As you probably know, when riding off-road, the standing position is the best way to gain freedom of movement and use your body as a balance. This implies having sufficient grip on your footrests, even in wet weather. The best of all? Combine notched footrests with Trail boots with non-slip soles.

----> Our motorcycle footrest models

Tools, spare parts, food and water: you can't go on a TT tour with just your knife. Where to put it all? You're spoilt for choice: saddlebags, tank bags, top cases, side cases, hard or soft cases. And what about that good old backpack? If you don't keep it to a minimum, your shoulders will suffer after hours of trudging through the woods.

----> Discover the diversity of our motorcycle luggage

Why buy extra LED lights? Nobody goes trail riding at night, do they? In this case, prevention is better than cure. In fact, a few extra lumens could prove decisive when your cushy Sunday TT ride turns - unbeknownst to you - into an epic off-road session that lasts until nightfall.

----> Our additional motorcycle lights

Imagine the scene. You're enjoying your Lyon ham and rosette after 3 hours of off-road riding when you see your bike go down on its own. Mechanical fatigue? No, the stand has sunk into the soft ground. To avoid this unfortunate setback - which will earn you the jeers of your mates for two generations to come - simply fit a kickstand widener.

----> Motorcycle stand feet

Fork guards, tank grips, ABS switches: there are an infinite number of possible modifications for off-road riding. But what about? In this article, we present you with the essentials, the equipment we feel is essential for your first off-road outings, so don't hesitate to take a look at our other articles. How to deal with a puncture on a TT? How to cross a ford? Where to ride off-road in France? Through our guides and tutorials, we give you advice on how to practice your passion for trail riding in the best possible conditions! Enjoy the ride!