I have a 2009 XL1200C which I absolutely love. So far, I have around 7500 miles on it. As far as accessories I have, I have an HD windshield, sissy bar and luggage rack, SE pipes, Saddlemen bags and fork bag.

I've been looking around for other parts and accessories to add to my bike, but have been coming up empty. What are some parts/accessories that you guys have on your bike that you can't live without?

Thanks!

 

I'm just curious, because I considered buying a Sportster at the beginning...

With all the baggage, do you use it to 'tour' or is it more of a short distance thing?

I rented one from the dealer a few years back but convinced myself that the extended high speeds just wouldn't feel comfortable. What are your thoughts?

As far as parts I can't live without, I'd say a windshield, but you already have that. Maybe it's time for some of the 'smaller' things, like derby/timer covers? More personalization items?

 

Well before I got my saddlebags last riding season, all I had was the fork bag which was nice for carrying glasses and gloves and what not. After I got my saddlebags I took the fork bag off. I don't do much touring. Just cruising around the city and sometime short trips. The Saddlemen bags that I have aren't too big. but big enough. I normally keep my rain suit and tools in one, and gloves and glasses in the other. Sometimes I'll carry my helmet in them too.

As far as going at higher speeds. Mine are throw over, and then I have them zip-tied loosely around the shocks which keeps them from flying up when going fast.

Seeing how the saddlebags I got were only $120, they were a great investment.

I have a timing and derby cover in the HD flames. Other than that, those are all the smaller accessories I have.

 

As you browse these forums, Im sure many ideas will come to you. Ive taken many ideas from here. Request some printed catalogs and browse, alot of things will surely catch your eye.

 

Custom paint, if you are an artist, put a mural on it. I have a mountain scene with waterfall and eagle on mine and it really sets it apart.

 

There are always pegs, grips, mirrrors. Maybe put your favorite beer bottle cap on your top steering stem nut, change shocks to air shocks, there are many, many things you can do to it. It all depends on what you want it to look like. I'm not one for just bolt on parts, I like to make what I can.

 

i have an 09 custom and have done several mods to it. a word to the wise is, the custom is a little quirky when comes to certain mods, especially to the front end, such as handlebar, risers, speedo, headlight, etc. what is a fairly easy job on the other sporties is a PITA, and sometimes expensive, on the custom.

that said, i just put a 2-1 blackout pipe on mine and, in my opinion, it looks great. look around on the forum, these guys have done some great stuff with their bikes. I especially like the cafe look, but I don't know how well that will translate over to the custom.

 

For me there is no mod that I can't live without, but forwards are a muct, but your bike came with them as did mine. I will not have bags or a windshild so any mods I do are just for looks.

 

depends on what you like to do...my bike is versitle (for me anyway...many people wouldn't dare tour on my bike but i do) i can jam around town and look cool or hit the road and spend a few months riding around. iether way you can look for a new seat, new suspension, new bars....so many options out there...I just recently set my bike up for the long hual with a new set of bars and seat I made....now I can just sit back and ride for hours

 

Most of my riding is 80 miles or less. I have done a few hundred miles in a day before and found that putting mini floorboards and a comfortable saddle are necessary.