Buying Advice
Softail, Sportster or VRSC?
Whether it’s a rat bike or a tricked-out street bike, Harley owners love to customise. Adding custom touches and accessories that didn’t come from the factory make the bike more personalised, as if it carries a bit of its rider’s soul. Those who are new to ownership, though, may not realise just what types of Harley-Davidson accessories are available.
The most popular, Harley-Davidson accessory is chrome. Chrome dresses up a plain factory bike, making it catch both the light and the eye of everyone it passes. Basic chrome accessories include headlight and/or spotlight visors, license plate frames and mounts, and gas caps.
Saddle bags are the bags that hang below and behind the seat, just above the rear tire, and they can be either hard or soft sided. There are also sissy bar bags, tool bags that can be attached to either the front forks or the sissy bar, and bibs, or covers, for the tank and fenders. Whether bags are plain, solid-colored leather, covered with fringe and Conchos, or completely customised and hand-tooled leather is entirely up to the rider. Many owners try to keep their luggage to one style, but there is no shame in mixing and matching for a truly unique look.
When riding a bike, especially for the long haul, comfort is essential. That’s why many riders choose to customise where they put their hands and feet. Some riders prefer standard handlebars, but need risers to raise them up to a comfortable position. Other riders prefer fatty bars, and still others like the super-tall ape-hanger bars. At the same time, some riders prefer foot pegs, some like floorboards, and some need forward-controls so they can situate long legs comfortably. Riders can even match or coordinate their grips and pegs or floorboards to have beauty with their comfort.
Paint may well be the ultimate Harley-Davidson accessory. While there is no shame in a factory paint job (after all, it’s a Harley factory paint job), custom paint offers the opportunity to show your personality and your style. Harley-Davidson offers several options for custom paint, and designs are limited to a run of 200. For a truly custom job, however, it is better to go to an individual painter who can make it exactly the way you want.
There are so many Harley-Davidson accessories that it would be virtually impossible to list them all on one page. The accessories used, and the value of any accessory, is dependent entirely on the tastes and personality of the owner, although it’s always nice to watch other people stare when your Harley-Davidson becomes a custom work of art.
