5 ways to make your motorcycle stand out

Let's face it — on the streets of Dhaka, or perhaps anywhere in Bangladesh, most motorcycles are more or less the same. With the engine displacement limit of up to 165cc before 2024 and even 375cc now, there are not too many options available in the market. 

What mostly cater to passionate bikers are a sea of either generic 160-165cc Indian sports commuters or Japanese 150cc sports commuters with edgy graphics, commuter ergonomics and promises far bigger than their displacement. And for many of them, who are mostly students, the heart wants a Honda X-Motion 150 but the wallet screams 'Suzuki Gixxer Monotone'.

But who says you can't turn heads on a humble commuter? A few clever tweaks, a pinch of style and some smart choices — and voila — you're no longer just another generic biker in traffic.

Here are five ways to make your motorcycle stand out on the streets of Bangladesh, and no, none of them requires breaking the law or the bank.

1. A helmet that matches the bike

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This one's simple but criminally underrated. A matching helmet does wonders to tie your entire setup together. If you are conscious about your attire (and safety), you would not wear a tux with slippers, so why ride a red RTR 4V wearing a neon-green off-road lid? Pick a colour scheme that either complements or matches your bike's paint job.

There are plenty of graphic options from brands like KYT, LS2, MT, or ILM, with adequate safety certification. However, if you want to stand out even further, or better yet, get a custom wrap or sticker job done on the helmet — think gloss black with matte red streaks to go with your Apache. A cherry on top could be a tinted visor to further enhance your presence.

2. Decals, but make them classy

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As regular commuters, we have all encountered the street horror shows — chrome flames, unnecessary tribal prints, and knock-off Monster Energy logos slapped on every panel like some sort of sticker-borne illness.

Instead, go minimalist. Consider a matte black tank wrap with subtle linework. Or reflective pinstripes that glow under light but disappear in daylight. Even a small logo or quote on the swingarm can work wonders if done tastefully.

There are plenty of local shops in Dholaikhal, Mirpur 10 and Uttara's BDR market that can wrap a bike or create custom decals. However, it is easier to get carried away with overdoing things than it seems. Try to plan things ahead of visiting these places and just do not let the shopkeepers go full Fast & Furious on your FZ-S.

3. Aftermarket indicators

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Stock indicators are boring. They are bulky, uninspired and even lack proper aerodynamics. Swapping them for sleek LED ones — preferably smoked or with sequential lighting, can significantly enhance the overall look of your bike. 

If you own a Chinese motorcycle however, chances are you already have it from the factory. However, most Indian, Thai and Indonesian bikes still miss out on this easy addition which can significantly enhance the visual of a motorbike. 

However, just make sure these indicators are visible enough to serve what they are meant to do. Or else, you will be no less than a moving hazard.

4. Make your cockpit sporty too

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This is the area most riders forget, but it's where you can seriously bump up your motorcycle's style game over others. Your brake and clutch levers can be more than just dull metal sticks — they can be statements. Go for adjustable aluminium ones in anodised colours like gold, red or titanium. Not only do they feel better in your hand, but they instantly elevate the bike's cockpit.

Now pair those with bar-end or sharp-edged angular mirrors. Carbon finishes, anti-glare glass, or even folding units can give your bike a cleaner, race-inspired front profile. 

However, make sure you get one that ensures adequate visibility when riding.These small changes pack a big visual punch and can significantly transform your ride's front profile.

5. A sweet exhaust note

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Aftermarket exhausts like the ones from R9, Grace Racing or Akrapovic (if you want to go all out) can dramatically alter your bike's presence, not just in terms of looks, but also sound and character. However, there is a thin line between sporty rumble and obnoxious chaos.

A well-chosen exhaust offers a deeper, more refined note that enhances the riding experience, making even short commutes feel more engaging. Excessively loud or poorly tuned systems can cause more annoyance than admiration, especially in densely populated areas. 

If your aftermarket exhaust is too loud, then tame it down with removable DB killers that allow for adjustability between daily rides and group outings. A responsible upgrade will transform your bike's personality without drawing unwanted attention from traffic enforcement.