How to Build a Custom Motorcycle

HOW TO CUSTOMIZE A STOCK MOTORCYCLE ON YOUR OWN

With a wide variety of motorcycle parts and accessories out there, customization may seem overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. We explore some general accessory categories within the fit, function, style, audio and performance framework that many riders choose to customize on their motorcycles.

1. FIT

Dialing in motorcycle ergonomics can allow you to ride not just with more comfort but also with additional confidence. Harley-Davidson® dealers are experts at helping riders adjust the fit of a motorcycle to suit just about any rider. When it comes to “fit,” there are many mods you can make:

• Motorcycle Seats: The motorcycle seat is the rider’s main point of contact with the motorcycle and an essential element of comfort. Some seats can move a shorter rider closer to the controls and the ground while others help by moving a taller rider back on the motorcycle for a roomier ride. Other seats are engineered specifically for comfort, and many styles include heated and cooled seating surfaces. Harley-Davidson offers a wide variety of seats designed to help the rider improve motorcycle fit.
  
  

    Check out some of our most comfortable motorcycle seats or shop popular motorcycle seats from Harley-Davidson.

• Handlebars: Like the motorcycle seat, the motorcycle handlebar is a main point of contact for the rider and key to any rider’s fit on the motorcycle. Some handlebars can be adjusted slightly to change the reach to hand controls, but many riders find an accessory handlebar is the best solution for matching reach to arm length and seating position. There’s a variety of handlebars specifically designed for both taller and shorter riders, helping you make your motorcycle more comfortable and fit you. Changing the handlebar can also dramatically affect the motorcycle's style, and there are many custom options out there for most models. Keep in mind, handlebar height is regulated in many locations, so check local laws to ensure your motorcycle meets applicable regulations.
  
  

     Learn more about different motorcycle handlebar types and explore popular Harley-Davidson® handlebars

• Foot Controls: Foot controls are the third major point of rider contact on a motorcycle, and for some models Harley-Davidson offers a complete kit to change forward foot controls and mid controls for both style or comfort.

2. FUNCTION

Consider how you plan to ride. Will you be taking long trips or are you a city commuter? Riding alone or with a passenger? Choose the accessories that can make your motorcycle the right vehicle for the type of riding that you plan on doing. For added versatility, consider detachable accessories that can be installed or removed with ease:

• Backrest: A padded backrest can add passenger comfort and confidence for those who often take long rides. A backrest can also provide a secure location for strapping down soft luggage for longer rides. Sissy bars and backrest pads can also help provide more support for riders and passengers and are available in a variety of styles, with some pads upholstered to match seats for a complete custom look.

• Motorcycle Lights: Upgrading incandescent lighting to brighter LED motorcycle lighting is a quick and easy way riders often improve lighting performance and make the motorcycle more conspicuous in traffic. Many riders also choose to add auxiliary forward lighting to further enhance forward visibility.
  
  

     Check out some of our best motorcycle lights or shop popular motorcycle lights from Harley-Davidson.

3. STYLE

Here’s an opportunity to unleash your creativity. The quickest way to instantly personalize the style of your motorcycle is to start with the major components – adding custom wheels, installing chrome or black accessories, or changing the style of the handlebar. Then add details, such as engine covers or a complete accessory collection. Possibilities are endless, so it pays to have an overall plan. Thinking through your customization vision can help manage installation costs and minimize your time off the road.

• Chrome or Dark: Adding chrome or dark accessories and components can dramatically change the attitude presented by a custom motorcycle. Some riders choose a brilliant look by chroming the front end of the motorcycle and adding chrome wheels, chrome engine covers and details such as chrome hand controls. The blacked-out motorcycle look achieves the opposite effect, giving the motorcycle a tough, menacing personality. All-dark finishes often look great with matte-finish paint and work well when paired with performance engine modifications. Check out the wide selection of both chrome and black accessories.
  
  

• Wheels: A set of custom wheels can dramatically change the look of a motorcycle. Brightly polished or chromed wheels will set the tone for a custom look. Other wheels can give the motorcycle a lightweight, high-performance stance. And changing from cast aluminum to laced wheels can give some motorcycles a classic or nostalgic look. When considering custom wheels, it’s always recommended to stick with the original wheel size so as not to adversely impact motorcycle handling.

• Collections: Accessory collections make it easy to achieve a coherent style in the details of a custom vision in a way that impacts the attitude projected by the motorcycle. That look could be smooth and contemporary, classic or vintage, or rugged, industrial or high-performance. Accessory collection components usually include engine covers, hand and foot controls, hand grips and mirrors. The stylists at Harley-Davidson have created accessory collections designed to enhance any custom direction.
  
  

4. PERFORMANCE

Let's face it – most motorcyclists wish for more power, and it’s possible to customize engine performance to specifically enhance your ride.

• Engine Modifications: Many touring motorcycle riders modify the engine to make more low-end power to enhance passing and on-ramp performance when the motorcycle is laden with a passenger and luggage. Aggressive riders of cruiser and sport motorcycles often choose to modify the engine for quicker acceleration off the line and thrilling top-end power. Explore Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Stage Kits designed to achieve a specific performance goal, often while retaining the original equipment factory warranty.
  
  

• Exhaust: Many riders replace the stock motorcycle mufflers with custom exhaust to gain a more-aggressive exhaust tone, to change the motorcycle's look, or to enhance performance. When making changes to the motorcycle exhaust system, it’s important to remain compliant with sound and emissions regulations, so check your local regulations. Explore Harley-Davidson mufflers and exhaust shields.
  
  

5. AUDIO

Many riders find music enhances their ride. If you appreciate a premium audio experience, it’s possible to upgrade a factory-installed audio system with more-powerful amplifier and matching speakers. Harley-Davidson® audio components are designed to sync with the motorcycle electrical system and to withstand weather exposure and vibration. There are also audio options for some models not equipped with a factory-installed audio system.