New guy needs accessory advice...
New guy needs accessory advice...
Hey Folks - new guy here.....
I've been riding since grade school, took a few years off in my 30's. I bought a Honda V45 from a guy at work cheap, got my M endorsement back and am hooked as bad as when I was a teenager.
Been lurking here for a few, decided to anti-up and get my first Harley, a 2007 FXDC. Pick it up next week. The dealer is giving me a $1K accessory credit free as part of the deal. I've been over and over the Harley Accessories catalog and the web trying to figure out how to get the best use of the free Harley-bucks.
I really like the idea of the detachable saddle bags, but at $800+ that almost shoots the wad. I hear mixed things about windshields, wife wants a wide seat like the Mustang on my V45.... the Harley Turing seat seems close (and much cheaper).
My (our) riding is going to be me to and from work @ 50 miles round trip unless it is pouring rain or icy, and overnighters with the wife, sometimes on I-40 but we really like the state highways. I already have my eye on the tour-pak setup from "jackyl", and that doesn't count against the $1K. Yes, I am a geek - I have to carry a laptop bag and stuff like that to and from work each day. Being a 4x4 dude as well, I really like carrying extra tools and gadgets.
So, my question to the group is; if you had my driving pattern and $1K to spend on accessories for your new FXDC, what would you buy and, what would you avoid. I'd hate to plop down 300-400 on something I find out sucks and end up never using.
I really appreciate words of wisdom from those who have gone before me.
Thanks, and "Hi! I'm the new guy!"
I've been riding since grade school, took a few years off in my 30's. I bought a Honda V45 from a guy at work cheap, got my M endorsement back and am hooked as bad as when I was a teenager.
Been lurking here for a few, decided to anti-up and get my first Harley, a 2007 FXDC. Pick it up next week. The dealer is giving me a $1K accessory credit free as part of the deal. I've been over and over the Harley Accessories catalog and the web trying to figure out how to get the best use of the free Harley-bucks.
I really like the idea of the detachable saddle bags, but at $800+ that almost shoots the wad. I hear mixed things about windshields, wife wants a wide seat like the Mustang on my V45.... the Harley Turing seat seems close (and much cheaper).
My (our) riding is going to be me to and from work @ 50 miles round trip unless it is pouring rain or icy, and overnighters with the wife, sometimes on I-40 but we really like the state highways. I already have my eye on the tour-pak setup from "jackyl", and that doesn't count against the $1K. Yes, I am a geek - I have to carry a laptop bag and stuff like that to and from work each day. Being a 4x4 dude as well, I really like carrying extra tools and gadgets.
So, my question to the group is; if you had my driving pattern and $1K to spend on accessories for your new FXDC, what would you buy and, what would you avoid. I'd hate to plop down 300-400 on something I find out sucks and end up never using.
I really appreciate words of wisdom from those who have gone before me.
Thanks, and "Hi! I'm the new guy!"
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From:
RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
Congrats on the purchase.
I like the Mustang line of seats.
I don't know how the HD touring seat is but usually the stock seat is not very comfortable for longer rides especially 2 up.
My bike came with HD bags and I can't fit a laptop in it because theopening is too small.
If you need to transport a laptop on a daily basis then Jackyl is the way to go.
Detachable bags and the jackyl tour-pak is nice because you can strip it down quickly.
Windshields are funny. Some people love em and some hate em, but they do keep the wind off your chest and your teeth clean.
I suggest that you ride the bike for a while, take it all in, get the feel of the bike and you'll see what irks you the most.
Bet you that you won't be able towipe the smile off your face......
Good Luck.
I like the Mustang line of seats.
I don't know how the HD touring seat is but usually the stock seat is not very comfortable for longer rides especially 2 up.
My bike came with HD bags and I can't fit a laptop in it because theopening is too small.
If you need to transport a laptop on a daily basis then Jackyl is the way to go.
Detachable bags and the jackyl tour-pak is nice because you can strip it down quickly.
Windshields are funny. Some people love em and some hate em, but they do keep the wind off your chest and your teeth clean.
I suggest that you ride the bike for a while, take it all in, get the feel of the bike and you'll see what irks you the most.
Bet you that you won't be able towipe the smile off your face......
Good Luck.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
Seat upgrade, SE intake kit, pipes, stage I remap, sissy bar,&pad, ooops.. went over 1 k already, sorry you'll end up spending WAY over 1K for stuff, you've just been sucked into a money pit(only slightly kidding) Bags, tourpak, windshield, upgraded suspension, grips,iso stirrups, upgraded fuel management, custom paint( you want your bike unique right?) But that's all part of the fun! Peace and congrats on new ride.
RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
I suggest that you ride the bike for a while, take it all in, get the feel of the bike and you'll see what irks you the most.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
From the perspective of a comfortable seat...I got the Sundowner for my FXDB...it's comfortable as **** for both myself and the wife...I'm just not a fan of the looks of the wide *** seat :-)
Depending on specific makes / models..you can get a chunk for a G...
Pipes (even slip-ons)
Intake upgrade (Arlen Ness etc..)
Fuel Management System (SERT / PCIII ....)
The seat will push you over though :-)... you can probably do that (assuming you do the work yourself) for under 1500....
Depending on specific makes / models..you can get a chunk for a G...
Pipes (even slip-ons)
Intake upgrade (Arlen Ness etc..)
Fuel Management System (SERT / PCIII ....)
The seat will push you over though :-)... you can probably do that (assuming you do the work yourself) for under 1500....
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 916
Likes: 3
From: Mauldin, SC
RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
Do you have to get Harley accessories, or can you get aftermarket? I'd get a seat, detachable windshield, sissy bar and luggage rack. I've got a wide Vintage SoloMustang seat on my FXDC and it looks a little bulky, but it's comfortable. Never had a Harley Sundowner seat, but a lot of guys like them as well. The wife will appreciate the sissy bar and with it and a luggage rack, you can strap a T-Bag on the back for your laptop and other stuff. Memphis Shades has some decently priced windshields if you're allowed aftermarket, I've got a Rio Grande on mine. Just my opinion, but saddlebags don't go with a Dyna (plus,good ones areexpensive as you know).
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RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
Do you have to get Harley accessories, or can you get aftermarket?
So far, my "gotta have it items" are the sissybar, pad, rack, and upgraded seat (still a tossup between the Sundowner and the Turing), and a second set of side plates for attaching the Tour-Pak. That puts me at about $800. I don't mind kicking in a few hundred of my own if need be. Maybe a T-bag for my work stuff and then see what else I need down the road?
Nobody mentioned things to avoid.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 0
From: Top of Texas
RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
ORIGINAL: TurkeyRun
Gotta be Harley, or anything they sell at the shop.
So far, my "gotta have it items" are the sissybar, pad, rack, and upgraded seat (still a tossup between the Sundowner and the Turing), and a second set of side plates for attaching the Tour-Pak. That puts me at about $800. I don't mind kicking in a few hundred of my own if need be. Maybe a T-bag for my work stuff and then see what else I need down the road?
Nobody mentioned things to avoid.
Do you have to get Harley accessories, or can you get aftermarket?
So far, my "gotta have it items" are the sissybar, pad, rack, and upgraded seat (still a tossup between the Sundowner and the Turing), and a second set of side plates for attaching the Tour-Pak. That puts me at about $800. I don't mind kicking in a few hundred of my own if need be. Maybe a T-bag for my work stuff and then see what else I need down the road?
Nobody mentioned things to avoid.
I don't think you are a 'geek' just because you carry a laptop to work. I'm a construction manager; a laptop is a basic tool my contractors and myself use on a daliy basis. I just bungee mine to my detachable backrest (in the case, of course).
Congradulations on your new purchase - like Madden said, the $1,000 credit is just a teaser... you'll spend much more than that over the years. I sometimes miss the early 80's (what I can remember anyway), when I was still riding big bore Kaws and the only money we spent on our bikes was for headers and sticky tires....
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 0
From: Sussex County NJ
RE: New guy needs accessory advice...
ORIGINAL: TurkeyRun
Gotta be Harley, or anything they sell at the shop.
So far, my "gotta have it items" are the sissybar, pad, rack, and upgraded seat (still a tossup between the Sundowner and the Turing), and a second set of side plates for attaching the Tour-Pak. That puts me at about $800. I don't mind kicking in a few hundred of my own if need be. Maybe a T-bag for my work stuff and then see what else I need down the road?
Nobody mentioned things to avoid.
Do you have to get Harley accessories, or can you get aftermarket?
So far, my "gotta have it items" are the sissybar, pad, rack, and upgraded seat (still a tossup between the Sundowner and the Turing), and a second set of side plates for attaching the Tour-Pak. That puts me at about $800. I don't mind kicking in a few hundred of my own if need be. Maybe a T-bag for my work stuff and then see what else I need down the road?
Nobody mentioned things to avoid.
Do you really believe that because it has the HD Logo on itthatit ismade any better? Alot of the after market access. are far superior to HD's never mind cheaper
Find what YOU like and put it on, dont let it being non-HD stop you. Its your bike enjoy it!