Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 09:28 PM
  #1  
tlo_48's Avatar
tlo_48
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Default Nightster Upgrades

Hey everyone,

Just picked up this used 2008 Nightster last week. I want to do the following to it and wanted to see if you had any suggestions or recommendations. Thanks!
  • Paint gas tank/ fender
  • New pipes/ Air cleaner
  • Fork brace or front fender?
  • Replace horrible cables with stock
  • New seat
  • Run wires through bars
  • Upgrade lights to LEDS

 
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 09:35 PM
  #2  
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i see a complete rebuild coming, do all those things on your list and then save some more money or spend some

change all the things you want to make it what you want

ill keep watching and ill take your shiny helmet to help pay for the next part
 
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 06:19 AM
  #3  
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Congrats on you 1200N great bike.

A fork brace and Progressive brand name fork springs are a great mod.
And yes, I wound install a front fender in addition to the fork brace.

Your other items, do a search there are endless opinions & suggestions.

Zat above may have a point and maybe good advice to install a 1275 engine increase kit now and get on with it.
FWIW do a search for DK vendor on this site as they are also knowledge about Xl mods....especially your air cleaner question.

Good luck enjoy your bike.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 08:38 AM
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Congrats on the new bike OP, and enjoy the customization process. Consider giving the existing tins some tlc before painting, they can look pretty outstanding.


 
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 09:42 AM
  #5  
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  • New pipes/ Air cleaner - FYI,...V&H Short Shots aren't the ONLY option available for a Sportster...lol
  • Fork brace or front fender? - You DEF want front fender. Looks cool without but the lightest sprinkle will have your face covered in dirty water making it hard to see. I have a super brace and a shorty fender.
  • Replace horrible cables with stock - Magnum Shielding has you covered. Great customer service and great cables. May as well do stainless brake lines while you're at it.
  • New seat -Only a million options. What you looking for?
  • Run wires through bars - Do NOT cut wires. NAMZ has wire extensions. Youtube has a ton of how to.
  • Upgrade lights to LEDS - For the headlight get the whole new housing. Not just the LED bulb. Just the LED bulb is only a nominal improvement. Do NOT go with cheapy ebay crap. If your lights only cost $15,..expect $15 of quality. Custom Dynamics is a popular go to for blinkers/stop lighting.

DK Customs is a site sponsor and offers a ton of Sporty upgrades. You def want to bookmark them.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 03:52 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by mrhammer2u
  • Upgrade lights to LEDS - For the headlight get the whole new housing. Not just the LED bulb. Just the LED bulb is only a nominal improvement. Do NOT go with cheapy ebay crap. If your lights only cost $15,..expect $15 of quality. Custom Dynamics is a popular go to for blinkers/stop lighting.
Truth. Check out all our turn signals, headlamps, and other lights specifically for your bike here: https://www.customdynamics.com/amfin...n--10178&cat=8
One thing to keep in mind on the pre-2014 Sportsters is that you will need to put in a Signal Stabilizer or Load Equalizer to run LED turn signals.
https://www.customdynamics.com/sport...davidson?cat=2
 
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Old Oct 11, 2019 | 12:26 AM
  #7  
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How you get the paint to look that good? Looks great!
 
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Old Oct 11, 2019 | 12:27 AM
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How did you get your paint to look that good johnny_bravo00?
 
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Old Oct 11, 2019 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by tlo_48
How did you get your paint to look that good johnny_bravo00?
Just your basic garage stuff. Claybar, polishing compound, wax & some elbow grease.
 
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Old Oct 12, 2019 | 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by tlo_48
Hey everyone,

Just picked up this used 2008 Nightster last week. I want to do the following to it and wanted to see if you had any suggestions or recommendations. Thanks!
  • Paint gas tank/ fender
  • New pipes/ Air cleaner
  • Fork brace or front fender?
  • Replace horrible cables with stock
  • New seat
  • Run wires through bars
  • Upgrade lights to LEDS


Congrats on your new to you Ride!!!

Performance Air Cleaner LINK

Seat Options LINK1 & LINK2

SEE & BE SEEN LED Packages LINK

This is a link to a build thread on a Sporty that may give you some ideas- https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...-makeover.html
 
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Last edited by DK Custom; Oct 12, 2019 at 07:33 PM.
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