Opinions on rocking a "stock" bike?
#21
10-30-2014, 05:20 PM
Road Warrior
#23
10-31-2014, 03:58 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Due largely to the success of Harleys "make it your own" marketing (money-making) campaign, stock bikes are rare, and are more unusual and "custom" than much of what's out there.
Ride a stock bike with pride!
If nothing else, is shows that you're not a lemming, or total sucker for corporate marketing.
Ride a stock bike with pride!
If nothing else, is shows that you're not a lemming, or total sucker for corporate marketing.
#25
10-31-2014, 04:22 PM
Road Captain
One thing to note is that the only money I've lost in trading 3 bikes over the past few years was what I spent on modifications. Not that it's kept me from spending about $1,300 in accessories for my current Dyna in the year I've owned it, which adds to the $1,500 I think previous owner spent on it. However, most of my upgrade purchases were what I consider practical: seat, windshield, footpegs, shocks, fork springs, hand guards, different sissy bar, luggage rack. Just installed a "vanity" item, a LED layback taillight, but I can even justify that for being brighter and I bought it new on fleabay for 1/2 price.
#26
10-31-2014, 09:55 PM
Road Captain
keep the bike for a little longer, go through the Harley catalog, I guarantee sooner or later Your are going to do something to that bike, whether it be foot pegs, highway bar, gauges, grips, AC cover, replace stuff as it wears out.
thre are lots of little things to do too, axle covers, spark plug covers, bolt covers. license plate brackets or frames, smoke turn signal covers ,headlight rings, I like bikes that keep the clean stock look but have the little finishing touches like smoked lights, bolts covers, axle covers, etc. that make it look even cleaner.
thre are lots of little things to do too, axle covers, spark plug covers, bolt covers. license plate brackets or frames, smoke turn signal covers ,headlight rings, I like bikes that keep the clean stock look but have the little finishing touches like smoked lights, bolts covers, axle covers, etc. that make it look even cleaner.
#27
11-01-2014, 02:30 AM
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#28
11-01-2014, 02:28 PM
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I ride a 2014 FatBob. I'm planning to make some performance mods to it, but as for aesthetics, I dig the stock design. I've looked at a few things like derby covers and such, but honestly I think they just look different - not necessarily better.
I don't see too many people riding stock bikes. Is this because people want to create rolling art that reflects their style? Or do people generally think that HD's design teams are bad at their jobs? I'm not drawing any conclusions here - just asking. Is there anything wrong with simply rolling stock?
Now, I know that many people will say "It's your bike - do what you want." And I respect that. But why do so few people keep the stock look?
When I went to buy my latest bike, I went in for a different model altogether. But I saw the FatBob and it spoke to me. It didn't say "with your creativity, I could be awesome." It was more like meeting a hot chick - I just dug what I saw.
Is it really so lame to run a stock look? I only ask because hardly anyone does. So what's your opinion on long term stock bikes?
I don't see too many people riding stock bikes. Is this because people want to create rolling art that reflects their style? Or do people generally think that HD's design teams are bad at their jobs? I'm not drawing any conclusions here - just asking. Is there anything wrong with simply rolling stock?
Now, I know that many people will say "It's your bike - do what you want." And I respect that. But why do so few people keep the stock look?
When I went to buy my latest bike, I went in for a different model altogether. But I saw the FatBob and it spoke to me. It didn't say "with your creativity, I could be awesome." It was more like meeting a hot chick - I just dug what I saw.
Is it really so lame to run a stock look? I only ask because hardly anyone does. So what's your opinion on long term stock bikes?
1. Comfort
2. Performance
3. Sound
4. Looks
First thing I do on all my bikes is make whatever changes are needed for comfort.
Simultaneously I will do a Stage 1 Upgrade, along with a few things to get the heat down on the newer HD's.
Part of the Stage 1 Upgrade is pipes, so I try and get the sound I like at that time.
These 3 things, by default, may change the looks a little or a lot, depending on the bike.
On some bikes I will not do anything else...no changes in looks, just for the look. On others, I have a certain color, or look I want and will make that change.
In my daily life, working on motorcycles & motorcycles mods for a living, at least 1/2 of the bikes I see are stock or look pretty much stock.
#29
11-01-2014, 02:59 PM
What impressed me is how the dual light line up with the detachable batwing. Very nice! 
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