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Is it worth customizing?

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Old May 8, 2018 | 09:51 AM
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Default Is it worth customizing?

I have a 2008 Superglide FXD. I was thinking of customizing the bike with different wheels, new exhaust, front and back suspension upgrades, 96 to 103 conversion and a few other things. However, is this bike not the one to do that too or should I buy a bettter bike that is closer to my desires?

Is the FXD a cheap frame to build upon?

thx!
 
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:01 AM
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Customizing any vehicle is almost always never economically sound.

That said, you dont say what bike you desire. So we cant tell you if you can get it there or to pick something else. But cheap to build on? depends on what you're wanting to do, what you can do yourself and what you consider "cheap" But its a very customizeable bike, lots of aftermarket parts available, and lots of people already do the mods you're considering. Also I'd suggest going ahead and skipping past the 96 to 103ci kit and going to a 107 which would net more power for the same money.
 
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Steven Wood
I have a 2008 Superglide FXD. I was thinking of customizing the bike with different wheels, new exhaust, front and back suspension upgrades, 96 to 103 conversion and a few other things. However, is this bike not the one to do that too or should I buy a bettter bike that is closer to my desires?

Is the FXD a cheap frame to build upon?

thx!
It's the best frame to build upon.
Get ready though, once you take that first step you're in it for the long haul.
 
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by 2500hdon37s
Customizing any vehicle is almost always never economically sound.

That said, you dont say what bike you desire. So we cant tell you if you can get it there or to pick something else. But cheap to build on? depends on what you're wanting to do, what you can do yourself and what you consider "cheap" But its a very customizeable bike, lots of aftermarket parts available, and lots of people already do the mods you're considering. Also I'd suggest going ahead and skipping past the 96 to 103ci kit and going to a 107 which would net more power for the same money.
Arre you suggesting that I buy a whole new engine? (107)
 
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by brownie4412
It's the best frame to build upon.
Get ready though, once you take that first step you're in it for the long haul.
lol that’s what I’m afraid of! I really like the dyna feel. Just wonder if I should find one that’s half way there in certain specs. Maybe more cost effective?
 
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:29 AM
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Buying somebody else's project is almost always cheaper than doing it yourself from nothing. Of course, then you're also buying somebody else's mistakes and/or shortcuts.

Kind of a bike-by-bike decision.

I'm afraid you'll have to do some research and add up the numbers yourself.

My personal preference is to get as dirty and upside down on a project as possible. But, I almost never sell so value isn't part of my decision making process.
 

Last edited by cggorman; May 8, 2018 at 10:32 AM.
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Steven Wood


Arre you suggesting that I buy a whole new engine? (107)
No, I'm saying you can get a 107in kit for the same price as a 103 kit, so why bother to install something that nets less power for the same price?
 
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:34 AM
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As previous posters have mentioned, any money you spend on customising is almost never going to be recouped when you sell it & could in fact devalue the bike if your tastes are way outside the mainstream..

BUT... the enjoyment & satisfaction you get from making it truly your own is pretty much priceless

​​​If I was you, I would list what you want change & see if it would not be more cost effective to just buy another bike. For example, a 2014 Super Glide is already 103ci....

Whatever route you decide to follow......Enjoy !
​​​​​​
 

Last edited by WHS; May 8, 2018 at 10:37 AM.
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Old May 8, 2018 | 10:39 AM
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Customizing is very much a personal thing done for personal reasons, and as stated usually not done for economic reasons. Don't ever expect to get back what you put in if you sell down the road, it just aint gonna happen.

That said, customising your ride to suit your own needs and tastes, especially if you do it yourself is usually a very rewarding and educational experience.
 
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Old May 8, 2018 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by 2500hdon37s
No, I'm saying you can get a 107in kit for the same price as a 103 kit, so why bother to install something that nets less power for the same price?
Okay. Sorry I'm a newbie and don't really know much about conversion kits etc. Thx for the input!
 
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