Like any other BMW adventure rider, I am always on the lookout for the best aftermarket accessories to complete my 2024 R 1300 GS. We all want to be best equipped for the next adventure without having unnecessary things hanging from the bike, taking away from the looks or having so many gadgets across the cockpit that it looks like an overloaded Batman utility belt.
I got ahold of a set of Vista Moto’s Talon Rides (handlebar hooks) after seeing them on social media. All I can say is sometimes the simplest addition to your bike makes the biggest difference.
Every time you stop—whether it’s for gas, a coffee break, or to snap a photo—you end up juggling gloves, jacket, and helmet. Usually, that means hanging your helmet on a mirror, tossing your gloves on the tank, and laying your jacket across the seat. Inevitably, a glove hits the oily pavement, or worse, your jacket slips into the mud you just rode through or gets melted by your exhaust.
Let’s not event talk about how many times we have watched our $1,000 helmet bounce down the pavement never to be the same. We’ve all been there, riding away mad with no one to blame but ourselves.
That’s where the Talon Rides comes in. Mounted in place of your OEM bar-end weights, these small but brilliant accessories handle all three of those immediate “where do I put this?” problems in one move. The spring-loaded hooks fold out when you need them and disappear when you don’t.
Right out of the box, the machined aluminum finish impressed me. So many online accessories look cheap or feel plasticky, but these hooks look and feel like something BMW might have designed themselves. The anodized finish matches the handlebar hardware perfectly and adds a purposeful look rather than cluttering the bike’s lines.
A big part of the product’s appeal is its engineering detail. The hook is wide enough to open easily even while wearing gloves, and once extended, it snaps into position with a confident click. It’s strong enough to hold a heavy riding jacket and gloves on one side, with a second hook available for your full-face helmet, backpack, or anything else you don’t want on the ground.
While refueling, it’s the perfect spot to hang your gloves instead of teetering atop your dash area. And when you’re at camp, those same hooks become a handy place to hang a water bottle, lantern, or camp kitchen gear, keeping things organized, clean, and off the ground.
It’s obvious that a lot of effort went into the Talon Ride design. From the smooth hinge action to the way the hooks fold flush when retracted, the craftsmanship stands out. The installation took all of five minutes—one tool, no surprises—and instantly felt like something I’d always needed but never had. Each unit is made in the USA from durable, milled aluminum and feels built to last. There’s a precision and pride here that’s rare in small motorcycle accessories.
Every once in a while, you find an accessory that quietly improves every ride and you can’t understand how you lived without it. The Talon Ride is that kind of product—simple, useful, and brilliantly executed. It doesn’t shout for attention, but every time you stop, you’ll be glad it’s there.
For BMW riders, we are the lucky ones: the initial Talon Ride product fits most BMW GS and XR models perfectly. MSRP is $129 for one. You can check fitment details and send requests for additional motorcycle models at VistaMoto.com.
