I always found the question a little odd. The main reason a lot of us are drawn to Harley’s is the fact we can individualize the motorcycle to the style and ride we feel suits us, hence making the bike unique. So why would they be asking me??? What my opinion or suggestion could be far off from what a customer has in his or her mind (usually the case). This can often put a potential customer and or bike sale into a stale mate, the customer wants something but is now unsure.

It’s not the case that I hate suggesting things to people, in fact it’s quite the opposite. Being in the industry from some time now, I guess I see motorcycling, Harleys and accessories from a different view.

I’ve always stood by the saying ‘less is more’ when it comes to Harleys. Subtle uncommon changes have always caught my eye. Let’s face it Harley’s look great as they are. Custom bikes for example look more attractive….but that’s it. Maybe it’s just me but I want a bike that I can ride, not look pretty down Chapel Street.

Anyways rant over…Most of you reading this have a Harley and would rather spend your time riding instead of reading about me complaining. If you don’t have a Harley, considering getting one or planning on adding a few extras, I have list of some common modifications done on Harleys…..I have thrown in my ‘own’ comments on the matter.

Please don’t abuse me!

Handlebars

These puppies would have to be the hardest things to sell. Giving an opinion on how they feel and what position they will put the rider in is very hard. In fact I don’t recommend changing these initially as Harley spend much time researching and developing the right bar for the bike. Heck you might even like em. Common types of replacements are Western bars (easy to fit, though very common) and T-Bars. If you wish to improve the world from its economic crisis these are the bars for you. Internal Wiring, Turn Signal relocation and extended cables are often required.

Exhaust

We all want our Harley to sound right….but it doesn’t have to be really loud. The boys in blue really don’t like it. Exhaust Systems look great but are very loud because they are a lot more ‘free flowing’. Be aware in most cases the pipes have too little baffling and you will lose power in low to mid rpm. Bang for your buck ‘slip on’ mufflers are the way to go. Good note, well priced and you will still gain a couple or horses.

Big Bore Kits

To get any serious power increases from you bike these are generally the way to go. 103ci and 110ci kits are well priced and are very reliable….but before you decide to smash open your piggy bank, have a little think. Why do you need this power? What are your intentions with the bike? The bigger and badder modified engine becomes less road friendly (Yes I know badder is not a word but it sounds cool). More power is great, but have you considered the other components which will need to be replaced or looked at. Starter motor, clutch and brakes, just to name a few. If you’re not planning on racing I would reconsider doing this upgrade. If you want to go fast, Go Nuts.

Race Tuners

‘Universal’ aftermarket systems do not work properly, why skimp when you’re spending good money on your new beast. Screamin’ Eagle Race Tuners are the bee’s knees. Firstly they work, the mapping has been done by Harley on Harley’s, they will adjust the ignition timing and the fuel injection and you don’t need a dyno to chew up your rear tyre as you try and tune a brand new motor. Red Line on a brand new engine is just silly….Oh yeah no warranty too.

Hi Flow Air Cleaners

Now you have the exhaust and race tuner you want, its time to decide on an improved air cleaner setup to compliment your horsepower monster. Firstly and yes I will most definitely get beaten to death for it, Is the fact at K&N filters give better air flow because they don’t filter properly…..Yep that’s it I said it!!

Regardless of what they say on the box it will not provide the protection of a good quality paper filter. I’ve seen it on dirt bikes, 4wd’s cars and Harleys. The bigger the volume of air the better the performance, not necessarily a higher flow filter. I like K&N but its performance stuff not really suited for riding in all conditions. I’ve seen these filters still clean after the vehicle has done many km’s…I wonder where all the dust has gone???

Lowering Kits

Adjustable lowering kits have been around for a long time now, and haven’t been hard things to sell or fit. Why a 6ft 4 guy wants to fit a lowering kit is beyond me. These kits are built for people who are vertically challenged, not for hiding the sidewall of a tyre. They will reduce the quality of ride, especially on highway runs. Bottoming out and a harsh ride is not what Harley’s are supposed to do.

Turn Signals

Stock turn signals look ugly….I know I have them on my bike, but they seem to work the best from what I’ve seen. I very rarely sell turn signal globes for them because they never blow. If you really don’t like them and want the longevity and quite close to brightness of standard you will need to run LED (light emitting diode) turn signals. As the description states they are a diode instead of a globe. What this means to you is they consume less power and will last a very long time. Turn Signal modules are required to balance out the lack of current drop. Be aware when I say quite close its still isn’t as bright as a standard turn signal. Try Aircraft landing lights they work a little better.

Mirrors

Teardrop, Oval, Diamond etc….We have heard them all, but do you really know how horrid some of these low profile setups are to use. They look cool, but you might as well have nothing…There is always that fine line between practicality and prettiness.

Suspension

Yes Yes Yes…hmm I need a cigarette. You may think I get a little excited about suspension upgrades and you would be right. Good quality shocks are a big yes in my books. Improved ride, better cornering and adjustable. Standard shocks are good but there are better options out there. Gas and Air shocks have there pro’s and con’s. Essentially your decision on which shock you will purchase will be based on price and application.

On that note I will stop, please don’t take my comments to heart. They are purely the opinion of myself and nothing more. If it makes you happy to fit these things to your bike, go ahead, if it’s really what you want then do it.

I hope in some small shape or form it will help you decide exactly what you want out of your motorcycle and motorcycling.

Ephraim Puli