New guy would like some opinions please
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 62
Likes: 16
From: Raymond, NH
New guy would like some opinions please
Hello everyone,
I've had this for a couple weeks now and made a few minor changes to it so it's more my taste. I'm about to do a couple more mods but wanted some opinions first.
It's a 2006, carb. not injected.
1. The way the bike sits right now, I think it's a little too high. I'd like to go a little lower and was considering one of the lowering kits that you can install without removing the shocks. Good or bad idea? I can flat foot the bike now, and I'm right around 300 pounds.
2. I like how clean the front end is, but after a couple night rides I really need more light output. How hard is the aux. light kit install? Is it worth it or should I upgrade the headlight?
3. I'd like a different exhaust. My bike has a Screaming Eagle II, I think they're slip-ons, and they seem a little tame compared to the guys I ride with and I want it louder. A buddy of mine has a Street Glide with a 103" and a Vance & Hines 2 into 1 and it has some bark to it. Also, I'd like a smaller exhaust that terminates before the rear wheel. Any thoughts?
I'll post some current pics below. I'd love to hear suggestions on upgrades I should consider.
Here's a list of what I've done so far:
Round Air cleaner
Round Horn cover
Screamin' Eagle Stage 1 Air filter
Screamin" Eagle plug wires
Engine Guard
Visor trim rings for turn signals
Plain headlight visor
Tail light collar
Cushion grips
Chrome dash extension
Adjustable Highway peg mounts with cushioned pegs
Rotated original handlebars forward a few inches
Removed front and rear reflectors
Removed rear seat
Removed rear floorboards
Removed flamed floorboard inserts and pegs and grips - went back to stock rubber inserts
I've had this for a couple weeks now and made a few minor changes to it so it's more my taste. I'm about to do a couple more mods but wanted some opinions first.
It's a 2006, carb. not injected.
1. The way the bike sits right now, I think it's a little too high. I'd like to go a little lower and was considering one of the lowering kits that you can install without removing the shocks. Good or bad idea? I can flat foot the bike now, and I'm right around 300 pounds.
2. I like how clean the front end is, but after a couple night rides I really need more light output. How hard is the aux. light kit install? Is it worth it or should I upgrade the headlight?
3. I'd like a different exhaust. My bike has a Screaming Eagle II, I think they're slip-ons, and they seem a little tame compared to the guys I ride with and I want it louder. A buddy of mine has a Street Glide with a 103" and a Vance & Hines 2 into 1 and it has some bark to it. Also, I'd like a smaller exhaust that terminates before the rear wheel. Any thoughts?
I'll post some current pics below. I'd love to hear suggestions on upgrades I should consider.
Here's a list of what I've done so far:
Round Air cleaner
Round Horn cover
Screamin' Eagle Stage 1 Air filter
Screamin" Eagle plug wires
Engine Guard
Visor trim rings for turn signals
Plain headlight visor
Tail light collar
Cushion grips
Chrome dash extension
Adjustable Highway peg mounts with cushioned pegs
Rotated original handlebars forward a few inches
Removed front and rear reflectors
Removed rear seat
Removed rear floorboards
Removed flamed floorboard inserts and pegs and grips - went back to stock rubber inserts
Last edited by FatBoy-NH; May 20, 2014 at 01:48 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Auxiliary lights are an easy install.
They bolt onto the sides of your tree shrouds, and take the place of those two chrome trim strips. I already had a hot wire for them beneath the left rear cover (coming from the headlight harness), wired so that when your brights are on, the aux. lights go out. (Harley sells a module to overcome this if you prefer they stay on...). Also the left rear cover already had a stamped "knockout" in it that has to be removed to mount the included toggle switch.
Pretty straightforward... take you about an hour...
And while they do offer a bit more light and can be aimed out towards the sides, if it's maximum light output you're looking for you may want to consider LED'$$$.
Also, I got the set that did not include the turns, so I didn't have to relocate them.
If you get a set with turns, then add another hour...
They bolt onto the sides of your tree shrouds, and take the place of those two chrome trim strips. I already had a hot wire for them beneath the left rear cover (coming from the headlight harness), wired so that when your brights are on, the aux. lights go out. (Harley sells a module to overcome this if you prefer they stay on...). Also the left rear cover already had a stamped "knockout" in it that has to be removed to mount the included toggle switch.
Pretty straightforward... take you about an hour...
And while they do offer a bit more light and can be aimed out towards the sides, if it's maximum light output you're looking for you may want to consider LED'$$$.
Also, I got the set that did not include the turns, so I didn't have to relocate them.
If you get a set with turns, then add another hour...
Last edited by jam436; May 20, 2014 at 01:54 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
I generally think the less stuff on your bike, the better. So I think you're on the right track to strip her down a bit.
If you don't find it useful to make your ride better, take it off and sell it off.
I'd look at Fat Boys here for ideas, but always be creative to put your own stamp on things. I wish I had fabbing skills, but I'm happy with the things I've done.
The most important rule, IMHO, is to know when to stop. Harley's don't need many mods to look cool.
If you don't find it useful to make your ride better, take it off and sell it off.
I'd look at Fat Boys here for ideas, but always be creative to put your own stamp on things. I wish I had fabbing skills, but I'm happy with the things I've done.
The most important rule, IMHO, is to know when to stop. Harley's don't need many mods to look cool.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
Dayum, that's a nice clean Fatty! I liked 'em best when they had the solid dish wheels and longer rear fenders. The new chromed wheels with holes and short fenders make 'em look like @$$, imo.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,944
Likes: 276
From: Central IL
If money is not an option for suspension look into Shotgun Shock.
If you want it to stay cleaner you would be best to just upgrade to LED but is also pricey.
If you want short and loud look into pipes similar to V&H Big Radius 2-2, 2-1 will get you the most torque and can also produce some good sound. If you could be where there are a lot of bikes at once you could get to see and hear some different styles and find what you're looking for.
If you want it to stay cleaner you would be best to just upgrade to LED but is also pricey.
If you want short and loud look into pipes similar to V&H Big Radius 2-2, 2-1 will get you the most torque and can also produce some good sound. If you could be where there are a lot of bikes at once you could get to see and hear some different styles and find what you're looking for.
I have always liked the look of aux lights with the fatter front tire. But as stated above, they just make the light beam wider. I bought the HD Daymaker and love it. I don't have aux lights and on low beam it literally looks like day in front of me. Although it is pretty pricey.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: Kuwait
I also recommend the BSL, they look amazing and sound amazing with a number of options when it comes to baffles (standard, quite and unbaffled). I went with the quite ones which gave my set a deeper tone.
You may also check the shorter ones, the Big Shots Staggered. I have seen them on a number of softails and they are equally beautiful, with a touch of sportiness that i believe goes well with the Fat Boy. Just my opinion.
Good luck.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
I lowered my rear by 1 1/2 inches using new progressive shocks from d. Kirk for 385 bucks. Don't overlook the front springs...I changed my fronts out for 90 bucks and was shocked how much better the ride was. The progressive shocks made a huge positive impact for not a lot of dough...I would have changed my front/rear springs way sooner if I had known...
You going to make it to laconia? I will be up the entire week...pending rain...LOL. I'm over in Warren, near Plymouth. Ride safe.
You going to make it to laconia? I will be up the entire week...pending rain...LOL. I'm over in Warren, near Plymouth. Ride safe.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 62
Likes: 16
From: Raymond, NH
I lowered my rear by 1 1/2 inches using new progressive shocks from d. Kirk for 385 bucks. Don't overlook the front springs...I changed my fronts out for 90 bucks and was shocked how much better the ride was. The progressive shocks made a huge positive impact for not a lot of dough...I would have changed my front/rear springs way sooner if I had known...
You going to make it to laconia? I will be up the entire week...pending rain...LOL. I'm over in Warren, near Plymouth. Ride safe.
You going to make it to laconia? I will be up the entire week...pending rain...LOL. I'm over in Warren, near Plymouth. Ride safe.
I will be going to Laconia, my first experience up there. Not really going for anything specific, just want to check out the bikes really. Any must do or must see things while I'm there?
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