Transform your Harley Davidson into a unique machine

Customizing a motorcycle is more than just a hobby. It's a way of expressing your personality, leaving your mark and making what was originally a mass-produced product unique. And when it comes to a Harley Davidson, an iconic brand synonymous with freedom and individualism, the desire to personalize takes on a whole new dimension.

However, customizing a Harley Davidson can seem daunting to newbies. Between the different styles possible, the many parts to choose from and the installation to be done, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But do not panic ! This is where we come in.

In this article, we will guide you through the different stages of customizing your Harley Davidson. We will go over the main things to know, from choosing the style to installing the parts. So get ready to leave your mark on your Harley and make it truly unique.

Understand your vehicle and your desire!

Before you begin any customization, the essential first step is to fully understand your motorcycle. A Harley Davidson is not just a motorcycle, it is a real mechanical gem with its own specificities and characteristics. Whether you own a classic Sportster model, a daring Fat Boy, an elegant Street Glide or another marvel from the Harley Davidson lineup, each motorcycle has its own attributes that make it unique.

Why is this important? Because these specificities will influence the way in which you will be able to personalize your motorcycle. For example, a touring-type model like the Street Glide can be customized to accentuate its comfort over long distances, while a Sportster model can be modified to enhance its sporty look.

Take the time to fully understand your motorcycle. Familiarize yourself with its engine, transmission, suspension and all the other parts that make it up. Consult the owner's manual, search the internet, or chat with other Harley owners. The more information you have, the more informed customization choices you can make for your motorcycle.

And remember, the goal isn't to turn your Harley into the motorcycle it isn't, but to reveal its true personality and make it even more suited to your needs and your style.

Define your style

The second step in customizing your Harley Davidson is to define your style. This step is essential, because it will guide all your choices of parts and the modifications that you will make to your motorcycle.

The beauty of customization is that it gives you complete freedom to create a motorcycle that reflects your personality. There is no right or wrong style, only the one that suits you best. However, for a harmonious and coherent final result, it is crucial to define this style beforehand.

Here are some of the most popular customization styles for Harley Davidsons:

• Chopper : Emblematic of the counterculture of the 60s, the chopper style is marked by an elongated front fork, a low seat, high handlebars, and a relaxed riding posture. Choppers are synonymous with freedom and a rebellious attitude.

• Cafe Racer : Less common for Harley Davidsons, this style inspired by 1950s and 1960s motorcycle racing features a sporty, vintage look, with a more aggressive riding posture, low handlebars, long, flat seat, and clean lines. purified.

• Bagger : This style is particularly popular among Harley Davidson touring models. Baggers are equipped with side bags (or "saddlebags"), often accompanied by a large screen and a powerful sound system. They are perfect for long road trips.

• Club Style : Popular among biker groups, emphasizes functionality with features such as crown fairing for wind protection, performance shocks for improved handling, T-bar handlebars -bar for a commanding riding position, and a matte black finish for a menacing look.

• Flat Track : Reminiscent of the excitement of dirt track motorcycle racing, Flat Track styling features a flat seat for an aggressive riding position, road tires for optimal grip, high-mounted exhaust to prevent road debris, and often no front fender for a clean, racy aesthetic.

• Chicanos : Heavily influenced by Chicano culture in California, features long-spoke wheels, extended forks for a low, stretched stance, custom paint for artistic expression, and often quite a bit of chrome.

• Custom : Finally, if none of these styles suit you perfectly, why not create your own? Custom styling gives you complete freedom to mix and match the elements you like and create a unique motorcycle.

Look for inspiration in magazines, on the internet, at motorcycle rallies, or even in movies and series. Visualize what your ideal motorcycle could be and define your style accordingly. After all, your Harley Davidson is an extension of yourself, so make sure it reflects your personality in an authentic and unique way.

Choose the right parts

Once you've defined your style, it's time to take the next step: choosing the right parts for your Harley Davidson. This step is essential because these are the parts that will give your motorcycle its unique character.

The basics

There are certain pieces that you will probably consider changing to whatever style you have chosen. Here are some of the most common:

• The handlebar : Whether you prefer a high "ape hanger" style handlebar for a chopper look, a low handlebar for a cafe racer style, or something in between, the handlebar is one of the most visible elements of your motorcycle and has a significant impact on your driving comfort. For example, the T-Bar, often used with Club Styles, known for its 'T' shape, offers a commanding riding position and precise control, perfect for those looking for a bold look and improved handling. The Beach Bar, with its wide, relaxed curves, mimics the shape of a seagull's wings. It will offer you a comfortable and relaxed position, ideal for long rides and those who prefer a more classic and nostalgic look for their Harley Davidson.

• The saddle : This element can greatly influence both the style and the comfort of your motorcycle. A studded solo saddle for Chicano style, a sprung saddle for a bobber look, a comfort saddle for long runs, or a scooped saddle for those who struggle to hit the ground - the options are many. For those looking for both comfort and style, there are options like the Club Style saddle, which offers the perfect blend of both. And if you want to be closer to the handlebars or the forward controls, a forward seat might be the perfect fit. With a multitude of choices available, you can truly customize your Harley Davidson to perfectly match your preferences and needs.

• Wheels : An essential element in customizing your motorcycle, wheels can greatly influence the overall look of your Harley. Whether you prefer spoke wheels, small or large, for a vintage look (with options like 32, 40, 80 or 120 spokes available), or alloy wheels for a more modern style, the choice is vast. Also, don't forget that the type of tire can also make a significant difference - for example, the addition of knobby tires can instantly give your bike a distinctive Flat Track style. The choice of wheels is therefore a crucial aspect in defining the look and feel of your motorcycle.

• The exhaust : A short and noisy exhaust for a bobber, a long and chrome exhaust for a chopper, or a high exhaust for a scrambler, the choice of exhaust influences not only the look of your motorcycle, but also its sound and its performance.

• Parts specific to your style : In addition to the basic parts, each style has its own specific parts. For example, a bagger will need side panniers that wrap around the back, a flat track might have a front phrase fairing, chicanos etched parts... Make sure you understand the parts that characterize your style before making your choice.

Quality First :

Whichever style you choose, one thing is certain: the quality of the pieces is paramount. Quality parts will not only last longer and give you better performance, they will also look better and help give your Harley Davidson the look you desire. At Legendary Parts we carry a wide range of quality parts for all styles and models of Harley Davidson.

Seek professional help:

If you're not sure which parts to choose or how to install them, don't hesitate to seek professional help. They can give you valuable advice and help you realize your vision. At Legendary Parts, our team of experts are always ready to help you customize your Harley Davidson.

In conclusion, the choice of parts is an essential step in the personalization of your Harley Davidson. Take the time to think carefully about your choices, trust the quality, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Implement Changes

Now that you've chosen your parts, it's time to get in on the action. This step can be one of the most rewarding, as you will see your Harley Davidson take shape right before your eyes. Here are some tips to help you get through this step:

Prepare your workspace

Before you begin editing, make sure you have a clean, organized, and well-lit work area. Having the right tools on hand and a dedicated space to work can make a big difference in ease and safety.

Be patient and methodical

Take your time with each change. It is better to spend more time on a task and do it correctly than to rush, make mistakes and risk your safety. Follow the instructions for each part, document the process (this might be helpful if you need to take something apart again), and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Safety first

When handling motorcycle parts and tools, safety should always be your priority. Wear appropriate protective clothing, use tools correctly, make sure your motorcycle is stable before working on it, and never take unnecessary risks.

Test after each change

After each modification, take the time to test your motorcycle carefully. This will help ensure that everything is working as expected and that you are comfortable with changes. It is better to discover a problem during a test than during an actual release.

Call a professional if necessary

There are some modifications you can probably do yourself, but others may require professional help. If you are unsure whether you can make a modification safely or correctly, it is best to seek the help of an expert.

Customizing your Harley Davidson is a journey, not a destination. Take your time, enjoy the process and remember that the goal is to create a bike that reflects you. So don't hesitate to experiment, learn from your mistakes and make this moment an unforgettable adventure.

In conclusion

After going through these steps, you now have a perfectly personalized Harley Davidson, a reflection of your personality and your tastes. However, the task does not end there. A custom Harley, like any other motorcycle, requires regular maintenance to keep it looking and performing.

To find out how to properly maintain your Harley Davidson, we invite you to consult our previous article " Tips for properly maintaining your motorcycle ". This article will provide you with all the tips and tricks to take care of your motorcycle and ensure that you can enjoy it for many years.

Ultimately, customizing your Harley Davidson is a unique and exciting adventure. Whether you prefer chicano style, club style, flat track, bagger or others, the possibilities are endless. At Legendary Parts, we're always here to help you realize your vision. Do not hesitate to contact us for any advice or need for specific parts.

Ride with style, ride with passion, ride a Harley Davidson!