Motorcycle Affiliate Marketing: Programs, Strategies, and Tactics

The difference between a hobby blog and a revenue-generating business often comes down to who you partner with. In the

motorcycle niche⁠

, you have a unique advantage: High Average Order Value (AOV).

A single customer doesn't just buy a $20 book; they buy a $600 Shoei helmet, a $400 Cardo communication system, and a $1,200 exhaust system. For an affiliate, this means a 7% commission isn't pennies—it's a substantial income stream.

This guide is divided into two main sections:

The Programs: A detailed breakdown of the best general, niche, and service-based programs.

The Strategy: A masterclass on how to write content that ranks, clicks, and converts in this specific industry.

Best for: General blogs, news sites, and "best of" listicles.

These are the Amazon equivalents of the motorcycle world. They carry almost every brand, which ensures that when you send a user to their site, they are highly likely to convert because they can find exactly what they need.

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Top 9 Best Motorcycle Affiliate Programs in 2025

1. RevZilla (The Industry Leader)

RevZilla is arguably the most recognized e-commerce brand in the US motorcycle market. Their "ZLA" content ecosystem (videos, reviews, articles) has built immense trust.

Commission: Up to 7% (varies by category/network).

Cookie Duration: 14 Days.

Network: Impact Radius.

Why it Wins: Trust & Conversion Rate. Because RevZilla produces its own high-quality video reviews, customers trust the platform implicitly. If you link to a jacket on RevZilla, the user lands on a page with a detailed video breakdown, sizing guides, and thousands of user reviews. This removes friction and boosts your conversion rate.

Best For: Promoting riding gear (helmets, jackets, boots) and OEM parts.

2. J&P Cycles (The Cruiser King)

If your audience rides Harley-Davidsons, Indians, or metric cruisers, J&P Cycles is your primary target. They have a legacy in the aftermarket parts industry that dates back decades.

Commission: 5% - 7%.

Cookie Duration: 14 - 30 Days (Check specific terms on Impact).

Network: Impact Radius.

Why it Wins: The "Project Bike" Crowd. J&P customers are often builders or DIYers looking to modify their bikes. These aren't impulse buys; they are planned, high-dollar projects. A user buying a new set of handlebars will often also buy cables, grips, and risers in the same transaction, driving up your commission.

Best For: V-Twin parts, chrome accessories, and tires.

3. MotoSport.com (The Off-Road Specialist)

While they sell street gear, MotoSport is famous for its dirt bike (motocross/enduro) roots. They are a go-to for OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer), which are notoriously hard to find on Amazon.

Commission: 5%.

Cookie Duration: 14 Days.

Network: Impact Radius / AvantLink.

Why it Wins: OEM Parts Fiches. MotoSport has detailed diagrams (fiches) for almost every bike. If you write a tutorial on "How to rebuild a 2015 YZ450F carburetor," you can link directly to the OEM parts diagram. Users need these specific screws and gaskets, and they will buy them immediately to fix their bike.

Best For: Dirt bike content, maintenance tutorials, and OEM part lists.

4. Twisted Throttle (The Adventure Expert)

Adventure (ADV) riding is the fastest-growing segment in motorcycling. Twisted Throttle specializes in outfitting bikes for long-haul travel with crash bars, luggage, and lighting.

Commission: Up to 9%.

Cookie Duration: 30 Days.

Network: AvantLink.

Why it Wins: High Ticket Accessories. ADV riders love to accessorize. A set of DENALI electronics or SW-MOTECH crash bars can easily cost $500-$1,000. Because these are "upgrade" items rather than "maintenance" items, the 30-day cookie is essential—it gives the user time to research and decide.

Best For: Adventure touring blogs, "bike build" videos, and lighting reviews.

5. Viking Bags (The Luggage Authority)

Luggage is one of the first upgrades a cruiser rider makes. Viking Bags manufactures their own goods, allowing them to offer aggressive terms to affiliates.

Commission: 10%.

Cookie Duration: 60 Days (Industry Leading).

Network: ShareASale / Awin.

Why it Wins: The Cookie Duration. A 60-day cookie is rare. If a user clicks your link in October but waits until Black Friday (November) to buy their saddlebags, you still get paid. Combined with a 10% commission on products that often cost $300+, this is a revenue generator.

Best For: Saddlebag reviews, cruiser luggage guides, and sissy bar recommendations.

6. Sena / Cardo (Communication Systems)

While you can sell these through RevZilla, going direct or finding specific electronics retailers can sometimes yield better margin or specific support. (Note: Cardo often works through distributors, but checking for direct programs is wise).

Commission: 5-8% (Direct programs via portals).

Why it Wins: Group Riding Viral Effect. Bluetooth communicators are "network effect" products. If one rider in a group buys a Sena, everyone in the group needs one to talk. A review of a "Dual Pack" (two units) can result in a $600 sale.

7. Motorcycle Shippers

Riders often buy bikes from across the country or need to ship their bikes to a rally (like Sturgis or Daytona) rather than ride them there.

Commission: Flat fee or % (Check specific terms on their portal).

Why it Wins: High Intent. Nobody browses motorcycle shipping for fun. If they are searching for this, they have a credit card in hand and a problem to solve.

Best For: "Buying a Used Bike Guide" or "How to Transport Your Bike" articles.

8. EagleRider (Rentals & Tours)

EagleRider is the Hertz of motorcycles. They offer rentals and guided tours worldwide.

Commission: Varies (Often based on booking value).

Why it Wins: Experiential Spending. Users booking a Route 66 tour are spending thousands of dollars. Even a small percentage of a $4,000 tour booking is a massive commission.

Best For: Travel blogs, "Best Motorcycle Routes" articles, and vacation planning guides.

9. CitizenShipper

A peer-to-peer shipping marketplace that is popular for motorcycle transport.

Commission: 10% of the booking fee.

Cookie Duration: 90 Days.

Why it Wins: The 90-Day Cookie. Shipping a bike is a slow decision. A 90-day window captures the user who gets a quote today but doesn't book the transport until they finalize the bike purchase two months later.

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Advanced Content Strategy for 2025

Now that you have the programs, how do you actually make money? The "spray and pray" method of posting links doesn't work for high-ticket items. You need a strategy.

Strategy 1: The "Problem/Solution" Funnel

Don't just review products; solve problems. Riders search for solutions, not just product names.

Bad Article Title: "Review of the Michelin Road 6 Tire."

Good Article Title: "Best Motorcycle Tires for Rain and High Mileage Commuting (2025 Guide)."

Why this works: The user searching for "tires for rain" has a pain point (fear of slipping). If you recommend the Michelin Road 6 as the solution to that fear, they are far more likely to buy it than if they just stumbled upon a generic review.

Implementation:

Identify common rider problems: "Helmet noise," "Cold hands," "Uncomfortable seat," "Chain rust."

Write an article addressing the problem specifically.

Link to the solution (Earplugs, Heated Grips, Airhawk Seat, Chain Wax) using your affiliate links.

Strategy 2: The "Ecosystem" Build

High-ticket buyers are often looking to build a complete "setup." Instead of selling one item, sell the ecosystem.

Example: The "Motovlog Setup" Article Don't just sell a GoPro. Write a guide titled "The Ultimate Motovlog Setup for Under $500." In this single article, you link to:

Camera: GoPro or Insta360 (via Amazon or MotoSport).

Mount: Chin mount (via Go Moto or specific niche partner).

Audio: Purple Panda microphone (Amazon).

Adapter: GoPro Mic Adapter (MotoSport/RevZilla).

Helmet: A quiet helmet to reduce wind noise (RevZilla).

You have now turned a single reader into 5 potential affiliate clicks, increasing your chance of a commission and increasing the total cart value.

Strategy 3: Seasonal "Trigger" Content

Motorcycling is highly seasonal. Align your content calendar with the rider's yearly lifecycle to maximize conversions.

Spring (March-May): "De-winterizing" content. Promote batteries (RevZilla/Battery Tender), oil change kits (MotoSport), and tires. Riders are excited to get back on the road and their wallets are open.

Summer (June-August): "Heat management" content. Promote mesh jackets, hydration packs, and cooling vests.

Fall (September-November): "Winter prep" and "Storage" content. Promote heated gear (Gerbing/Hotwired), bike covers, and stands.

Winter (December-February): "Gift Guides." This is huge. "Top 10 Gifts for Harley Riders" or "Stocking Stuffers for Sportbike Riders." Focus on lower-cost, high-volume items like tools, cleaning kits, and casual apparel.

Strategy 4: The "Fiche" Technique for Maintenance

This is a secret weapon for the MotoSport program. Write detailed "How-To" maintenance guides for specific popular bikes (e.g., Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Ninja 400).

Article: "How to Change the Oil on a 2024 Yamaha MT-07."

The Trick: Don't just say "buy a filter." Go to MotoSport, find the OEM Parts Fiche, and link directly to the specific oil filter, the crush washer, and the specific oil weight required.

The Result: The user clicks your link because they want to be 100% sure they are buying the correct factory part. They add the washer (which is $2) and the filter ($15) and the oil ($40). You get a commission on the whole basket.

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SEO & Keyword Research for Moto Affiliates

To get traffic to these affiliate links, you need to rank. The motorcycle niche is competitive, so you must target "Long-Tail Keywords."

Avoiding the "Head Terms"

You will likely never rank for the keyword "Motorcycle Helmet." RevZilla, Cycle Gear, and Amazon own that spot.

Targeting "Long-Tail Buyer Intent"

You can rank for specific questions that indicate a buyer is ready to purchase.

Keyword Structure: [Best] + [Category] + for + [Specific Bike/Rider Type]

Example: "Best adventure boots for wide feet."

Example: "Best slip-on exhaust for Honda Rebel 500."

Example: "Quietest modular helmet under $400."

These searchers have their credit cards out. They aren't browsing; they are filtering. If your article gives them the answer, they will click and buy.

The "Vs." Keywords

Comparison keywords are gold mines.

Example: "Shoei RF-1400 vs. Arai Contour-X."

Example: "Cardo Packtalk vs. Sena 50S."

Example: "Leather vs. Textile Jacket for Safety."

Write fair, balanced comparisons. Create a comparison table (a plugin like AAWP or Lasso is great for this) that puts the "Buy Now" buttons for both products side-by-side. You win no matter which one they choose.