5 Lightweight Mods to Make Before Your Next Backcountry Ride

Long-distance backcountry rides offer some of the most rewarding experiences in adventure motorcycling. But they also come with their share of physical challenges, especially for older riders. Terrain can be unpredictable, fatigue sets in quicker, and every pound you carry affects how your bike handles — and how your body feels at the end of the day.

The good news is that smart, lightweight modifications can make your ride smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable. These five weight-saving changes are especially helpful for riders in their fifties and beyond who want to keep riding strong without overloading themselves or their bikes.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is your responsibility to evaluate the safety, legality, and suitability of any modifications, gear, or travel decisions. Always perform your own due diligence, consult qualified professionals when necessary, and ride within your limits and local laws. The website and article contributors assume no legal responsibility for your actions, decisions, or the outcomes of applying any information presented here.

Replace Your Battery with a Lithium One

One of the easiest ways to drop real weight from your bike is by upgrading the battery. Older riders benefit from a lighter setup because even a small weight reduction can make a big difference in how the bike feels during tight turns, slow maneuvers, or when lifting it from the ground.

Why it matters:
Swapping your stock lead-acid battery for a lithium-ion version, such as those made by Antigravity or Shorai, can save between three and six pounds. That weight is often mounted high in the bike, so shedding it improves balance and makes the bike more responsive. For anyone with worn knees or shoulders, that can be a major relief during tough sections or after a drop.

Pro tip:
Cold starts at higher elevations or early mornings can still challenge lithium batteries. A compact jump pack is a smart backup, especially for solo riders or remote routes. Some lithium options now include restart features built in, which are worth considering.

Ditch the Center Stand (If You Don’t Need It)

Some gear that is useful in the garage becomes dead weight once you hit the trail. A center stand is a great example. While convenient for maintenance, it rarely earns its keep during real-world off-road travel.

Why it matters:
A center stand often weighs eight to twelve pounds and can get hung up on rocks or uneven ground. If you are not planning to do solo tire changes in the field, consider removing it. Many riders use compact trail stands or lean the bike creatively for field repairs. Removing the center stand improves ground clearance and handling, especially when riding over obstacles or in ruts.

Senior advantage:
With less weight to manage when loading, unloading, or lifting the bike, your back and shoulders will thank you. Over the course of a multi-day trip, reducing these lifting moments can help prevent injury and conserve energy.

Switch to a Lightweight Skid Plate

A skid plate is essential gear for serious ADV riding, but not all plates are created equal. Some are built for abuse but end up adding more weight than necessary. For senior riders, it is important to find the right balance between protection and practicality.

Why it matters:
Heavy-duty steel plates can protect your engine but may also fatigue your arms and legs over time. Lighter aluminum or HDPE (polymer) versions offer excellent protection at a fraction of the weight. They also slide over rocks more smoothly and tend to run quieter. Less weight down low makes the bike easier to manage in soft terrain or when lifting it after a spill.

Look for:
Brands like Acerbis, AXP Racing, and Flatland Racing make lightweight skid plates that are strong enough for real off-road use but easy on the scale. Always check for compatibility with crash bars or exhaust headers before buying.

Install Lighter Soft Luggage Instead of Hard Panniers

Luggage choice makes a big difference in overall bike weight and safety. Many riders opt for hard panniers out of habit, but soft luggage is often the better choice for off-road travel — especially if you’re trying to stay light and agile.

Why it matters:
Hard panniers are sturdy but can be bulky and dangerous in a fall. They add weight both in the cases and the mounting racks, often totaling fifteen pounds or more. Soft luggage systems like those from Mosko Moto, Giant Loop, or Tusk Highland are significantly lighter and more forgiving in a crash. They pack tighter to the bike and flex with movement, which improves balance and trail safety.

Bonus for senior riders:
Soft bags make it easier to get on and off the bike, which helps if you have limited flexibility or sore knees. You can also rearrange or compress them more easily depending on how much you pack.

Use a Lightweight Toolkit (Not the Whole Garage)

It is easy to overpack tools just in case — especially on longer or more remote rides. But most trailside fixes only require a small core set, and every tool you bring adds to the load you have to carry and manage.

Why it matters:
Toolkits often get stuffed with extras and forgotten items. Before you know it, you are carrying five to ten pounds of gear you rarely use. A purpose-built ADV tool roll keeps everything organized and lets you bring only what you need. It is smarter, faster to use, and much easier on your body.

Essentials only:
Pack a compact set of Allen keys, tire irons, a plug kit, mini air pump or CO₂, spare fuses, zip ties, and a bit of JB Weld or epoxy. Include anything specific to your bike, but weigh each item and ask yourself if you have ever used it on the trail. If not, leave it behind.

Bonus for Senior Riders: Grip Mods to Save Your Wrists

As you age, joint comfort becomes critical for longer rides. Small changes to your cockpit setup can reduce fatigue, improve control, and help prevent pain in your hands, wrists, and shoulders.

If you deal with arthritis, tendonitis, or general fatigue, try these mods:

1. Install foam grip covers (like Grip Puppies) to reduce vibration and ease hand tension
2. Add bar risers to improve posture and reduce strain on shoulders and upper back
3. Use a cruise assist or throttle lock to give your throttle hand a break on long sections

These changes are easy to install at home, affordable, and well worth the improvement in ride comfort.

Final Word

You don’t need to go ultralight to enjoy backcountry riding, but making smart weight reductions — even just fifteen to twenty-five pounds — can transform how your bike feels and how your body handles the ride. A lighter bike means easier handling, less energy spent picking it up, and fewer injuries or sore spots at the end of the day.

For riders in their fifties, sixties, and beyond, the goal is not about going fast. It is about staying safe, feeling strong, and riding with confidence from start to finish. Less weight means more endurance, more comfort, and a whole lot more fun.

Looking for BDR maps and official routes? Grab them directly from rideBDR.com — and focus your time on getting your bike (and body) ready for the terrain.

-Kevin Cave