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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 05:58 PM
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16AFLimitedLow's Avatar
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Default New HD Owner

Hi all,

I am a new HD owner and am wondering what are the first modifications that are a must. My (new to me) 2016 Ultra Limited Low is stock and I am looking to make a few tweaks to it. I have some new handgrips already on the way. But, what about hiway bars/pegs, rider back rest, improved air filter kit, fuel mapping, etc. What are some other basic things I should look at upgrading?

Thanks for any input or suggestions, I am proud to be here!

-Joe
 
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 06:13 PM
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You mention highway pegs. I reckon most touring bikes end up with them, including mine. I would not however have them if I had first installed Cyclesmiths Banana Boards. One of the ultimate comfort mods I have ever done to a bike. I have them (XL's) on both current bikes.

Another comfort mod is apes and that is another can of worms to be opened.

How about a nice seat with backrest?

Those are the basic comfort mods so anything else should come afterwards.

Congratulations, welcome to the forum and best of luck.

Oh yeah, post pics of your bike!!!
 

Last edited by nobodyknowsme; Aug 6, 2019 at 06:31 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 16AFLimitedLow
.... am wondering what are the first modifications that are a must.
........ first mods are to change the #'s on your odometer
... ride that baby .... & it'll tell you what you need to do
..... go big red
 
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 06:27 PM
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Comfort first ( seat/bars) Maybe power commander it,s up to you. Welcome to the family
 
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 07:44 PM
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Just bought a new Ultra Ltd. Not new to this game. First mods for me were, tall boy seat, batwing tall boy bars (expensive install with batwing), stage one, detachable tourpak kit, and Rinehart 4.5 motopro slip-ons.
Parts are being installed and won't have bike for about another week.
You can add more chrome goodies as you go, but for me, these were the must haves.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by groupw

........ first mods are to change the #'s on your odometer

... ride that baby .... & it'll tell you what you need to do


This is good advice....

Over the years, for every bike I've purchased, I've had a pre-planned set of mods that I was going to do. I always do at least a Stage I on the engine, what can I say, I have the sickness.....

But for all the other stuff; seats, pegs, racks, grips, bags, etc, etc, etc..... I've rarely kept to my list/plan.... As I put miles on the bike, the priorities of some things has changed, some of the planned I've abandoned, and other things I didn't even consider became most important...

As you ride it, the bike will tell you what you need, and what you need first.....

Enjoy the adventure......
 
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 08:42 PM
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First thing I do is remove the fork reflectors and the heel shifter. Absolutely liberating
 
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 09:06 PM
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First thing I do to my bikes is upgrade the lighting. Custom dynamics LEDs all around and a custom dynamics magic strobe brake light flasher. Visibility visibility visibility!
 
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 11:13 PM
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^ He's right, you know.

After lighting comes anything you need to do to make the bike fit you perfectly with regards to ergonomics. Seat, bars etc. Long days on the road are a lot more fun when you're comfortable.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2019 | 05:25 AM
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Another vote for more miles. As you put on more miles, you will know what you need to do to make the bike comfortable for you. The salesman that sold me my first bike told me he believes that they purposefully make the bike uncomfortable for the average size guy so they can sell more accessories. True or not, there is always room to improve the ergonomics. It's not like a car with adjustable seats and a tilt wheel. More miles will help you decide what you need to change/add if anything. Comfort is the only "must" modification. Anything after that is just for fun and not a must.

Remember to spend your money wisely in the proper order. Comfort, performance, and last and very last, looks. Don't spend money on cool chrome doodads when you really need a new seat or handle bars. Dressed out bikes look cool but me personally, if I can't see it from the saddle, I don't need it.

Have fun!
 
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