Style vs. Functionality Question!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 10
From: S.E. MO
Style is always nice but it's got to fit your needs as well. So for me it was smoothing the stock fender and going with detachable sissy bar. I can strap plenty on the bike for trips when I need it and still have some style when I don't.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson, Oregon
I can't put bags on my bike anyway, have a side mount plate. Would if I could? Naw, I like the toastmaster run a Kury roll bag and it is expandable. I can fit a lot of stuff in there and strap some stuff to it.
I love that fender and would do it to mine if I didn't have to lower my bike. I like my lean angle too much and it would not look right without being slammed.
I saw chop away, I don't ride passengers and have no zero need for the struts myself.
I love that fender and would do it to mine if I didn't have to lower my bike. I like my lean angle too much and it would not look right without being slammed.
I saw chop away, I don't ride passengers and have no zero need for the struts myself.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
+1 on lean angle. Also, if the suspension is too stiff or not enough travel it won't be able to keep up with irregularities in the road while turning. What you wind up with is a bike that skitters and hops in aggresive turns. Not my favorite feeling. But 1" might be tolerable. Bike I rode was lowered 2".
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 11
From: sequim, wa
We used to strip everything off our bikes (you would know them as choppers) and roll up a sleeping bag and cloths, and be gone for weeks. Make your bike the way you want it. You can change it again. Some people think they have to have a pillow and a stove to go anywhere.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 44
From: VA
Voodoo fender,
handle bar roll bag, also doesn't that voodoo fender have a seat nut
A sissy bar mocked up to mount there and bungee another small bag would also help for transport of STUFF, Looks would be questionable but just a removal of a nut or bolt and all would be good The big issue when the struts are gone there is no turning back.
(My dilemma also 05 FXDLI)
handle bar roll bag, also doesn't that voodoo fender have a seat nut
A sissy bar mocked up to mount there and bungee another small bag would also help for transport of STUFF, Looks would be questionable but just a removal of a nut or bolt and all would be good The big issue when the struts are gone there is no turning back.
(My dilemma also 05 FXDLI)
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 779
Likes: 4
From: Upstate New York
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
The thing with the chopped fender is they don't look good without lowering This limits what you can do with your bike style wise .The chopped fender looks stupid with longer shocks which is what your bike needs to handle better and ride nicer.With a full length fender like the 06 Bobs or the Superglides you could jack em up to 13" before they looked too stupid or you could slam it with 10.5s. Once I chopped my fender I'm pretty much stuck with my 11"s till I change the fender.This is why Harley chopped their Bob fender at a lower angle than I did mine and why your Bob came with 12" shocks.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Downtown Chicago
Well, I don’t like that fender….I think it’s too much. It looks great….but impractical. But hey, it’s only my opinion.
The saddlebags will get more use for sure.
I’m in the same dilemma as you. I want to paint my tins something unique or go functional (A/C+FM, exhaust, Saddlebags, or wheel upgrade). None of them are “needs” but are all on my want list.
I’m trying to find ways to get more than one checked off my list using the same money I set aside for one.
Currently, painting the bike is leading the race. But that option has too many other questions of color, style, and need.
I need another brain.
The saddlebags will get more use for sure.
I’m in the same dilemma as you. I want to paint my tins something unique or go functional (A/C+FM, exhaust, Saddlebags, or wheel upgrade). None of them are “needs” but are all on my want list.
I’m trying to find ways to get more than one checked off my list using the same money I set aside for one.
Currently, painting the bike is leading the race. But that option has too many other questions of color, style, and need.
I need another brain.
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