Harley Davidson Softail: Top 5 Inexpensive Modifications
Not all modifications have to be pricey, so read up on these quick inexpensive mods that can make your bike stand out from the crowd.
This article applies to the Harley Davidson Softail.
Anyone who has ever owned a bike will attest to the sickness that ensues shortly after parking that ride in your garage. Whether you bought yours brand new or a new-to-you used ride, it is only a matter of time before you are bitten by the mod bug. This is a sickness for which there is no cure. Bikes are malleable transportation organisms and every owner has his own unique style that gets transferred to his ride. The Softail is no exception and is not immune to this disease. No one is safe regardless of time or money. Some mods, such as custom hard case bags, can run you a really pretty penny, while others can be done at very minimal cost. Here are the top five inexpensive modifications that you can do to your Softail that will get you started on creating that one of a kind bike that is as unique as you are.
Top Five Inexpensive Modifications
Virtually every single part on a stock Softail can be upgraded with a modified version of the same. The possibilities are endless and will range from a few pennies to several large bills. These options make it possible for any Harley Davidson owner to create that one of a kind look that shows the world that you are the king of the super slab.
Headlamp Upgrade
DIY Cost – $50-$130
Professional Cost – $150 and up
Skill Level – Easy; some basic soldering needed.
This is a cheap and easy mod to make your headlamp not only brighter, but it looks killer on your ride. Remove the stock lamp and replace with the Truck-Lite 27270C model. This can be had for about $40. Add another $10 from eBay to get a 24-inch strip of 30 LEDs. If you already have a Frenched trim ring, they are plug and play; otherwise, Karyakyn has a trim ring for about $80. Solder the LED ring to the sides of the Truck Lite and you have one amazing look, especially with a smoked cover and super bright visibility.
Heat Shield Mod
DIY Cost – $4-$5
Professional Cost – $50 and up
Skill Level – Easy; no special tools needed.
A can of high temp flat black paint (such as engine paint) and a one-inch door or key hole saw will do nicely. Simply remove the heat shields from your pipes, cut several holes evenly spaced and finish with a nice coat of flat black high heat engine paint. Your bike will look completely different and you'll love the compliments you'll receive.
Air Cleaner Cover Redesigned
DIY Cost – $0-$5
Professional Cost – $40 or more
Skill Level – Easy; no special tools required and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Remove the air cleaner cover and simply replace with your favorite old CD that you no longer listen to. You can use the existing CD design, or you can paint it to your taste. Either way, this gives that traditional football look and entirely new image sure you bring a smile to your face when you look upon your bike.
Exhaust Modifications
DIY Cost – $25-$50
Professional Cost – $100 or more
Skill Level – Easy; no special tools required and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
eBay, Craigslist and motorcycle salvage yards can be your best friends. For just a little cash, you can score such items as exhaust tips and baffles that are really easy to install. These will change not only the looks, but also the sound from your Softail. This is one inexpensive mod that anyone can do to make a big change to the bike.
Turn Signal Relocation
DIY Cost – Free if using stock signals
Professional Cost – $100 or more
Skill Level – Moderately Easy; some soldering and heat shrink wrap may be required.
There are already some threaded holes in the forks that match the threads on the turn signals. Simply remove the turn signals from the handles and they will fit right into the forks. You will need to cut the wires to the signals, then solder and heat shrink wrap them back together. This is one of the most popular mods for the Softail, and it happens to be free if you want to use the existing OEM signals.
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