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I bought my '09 about a month ago (my first HD) and have put 1,400 miles on it and I think I know some mods I would like to make. Here is the list of my desires in order of importance (I think), but I would like input from all of you crusty old HD riders:
1. I must have a different seat. The inside of my upper thighs and bottom of my butt ache after long runs-tank to tank is tough especially toward the end of a long day. I'm 6'1", but I wouldn't mind a little lower too. I've looked over all of the mfg's, but I really haven't seen anyone seem really excited about any of them. I don't mind spending extra dough for a seat that makes my fanny happy. I've had both Corbin and Mustang on other bikes, but neither has bowled me over.
2. I must have longer handlebars. I think I should wait to make this change until after I get a different seat.
3. And when I do take the fairing apart, I should go ahead and make an upgrade to the sound system, no?
4. I've already cut the windscreen down a little, but I shouldn't make a permanent change until after the seat and handlebars.
5. I would also like some new grips.
6. It sounds like (pun intended) the SE slip ons might be the change in sound I would like, but this change would be down the road.
I know much of this topic has been discussed ad nauseum, but any help is appreciated!
I think you have a pretty good plan in mind. Start with making sure the bike fits and is comfortable to ride. Since different seats can affect the handlebar positioning and windshield heights, it makes the most sense to start there first.
The sound system upgrade is up to you. I use a helmet with a headset, so it'd just be wasted money for me.
Once the bike fits, then go for performance and sound. Many here are very happy the the Fuel Moto packages.
You are looking to do all the things I've done to my 09 Ultra. I'm an inch shorter than you, so my mods should work pretty well for you too. Here's what I did:
1. I sent my seat off to Mean City Cycles and had the memory foam installed. They did very nice work, and lowered the seat a little, maybe an inch. The seat is a little more comfortable, but the best seat I've ever had is one by Russel day long. Check out their website at day-long.com. Expensive, but great seats.
2. I changed the handlebars to the Khromewerks +2 sweeper bars. They are about $70 and bring the bars about two inches closer to you and raise the bars a little too. The hand position is very comfortable, and they are pre-drilled to run the wiring internally.
3. As to speakers, I installed the Hog Tunes all the way around and I'm very happy with them.
4. Clearview shields. I have the 8" with recurve and it is absolutely perfect.
5. I put the HD skull grips on when I changed out my bars. Also put on the matching Highway bar pegs and used the short off-set mounting brackets, again perfect fit for me.
6. I went with the Bub 7 slip-on mufflers. They are well made and have a nice deep tone.
Thanks guys for that info and confirmation about the order of operations. And I thought I had looked at all the seat options. Thanks for the lead Rick!
Rick, did you have any troubles removing and replacing the fairing?
supaflid...I guess one question I have...do you just use your floorboards for foot placement? If you do...that's one reason your have issues with your thighs and lower butt. A good set of road pegs on your engine guard will let you stretch out and relieve alot fo that stress. I do like the mean city cycle seat suggestion...but you still mighthave the issue if you can't stretch out! Just sayin!
Replacing the handlebars is definately the most tedious change you'll probably make. Make sure you have a service manual. Taking off the outer fairing is easy. The hard part is getting to the bar screws. You have to move the radio, you can get away with unbolting it and sliding it back out of the way, don't have to take it all the way out. You also have to remove the ignition switch and the fairing cap. Not really hard, just gotta take your time and follow the directions. You'll have to put on a longer clutch cable. This is actually easier than on earlier year models as you can get the transmission cover off without removing the exhaust, just take off the heat shield.
If you decide to run the wires inside the bars, which I recommend, as it looks much cleaner. Take your time. This step can definately try your patience.
+1 on www.meancitycycles.com I had them lower and move me back as far as they could and install the medical grade foam. I've done 735 miles in a day on it with no problems. Great company to deal with. Ride safe.
supaflid...I guess one question I have...do you just use your floorboards for foot placement? If you do...that's one reason your have issues with your thighs and lower butt. A good set of road pegs on your engine guard will let you stretch out and relieve alot fo that stress. I do like the mean city cycle seat suggestion...but you still mighthave the issue if you can't stretch out! Just sayin!
Ride Safe, Mike
Mike,
Yep, the very first purchase I made was highway pegs! Even moving around a good bit doesn't help and my dang thighs kill me. The very BEST thing to do would be to lose some weight, even though I'm fairly slim in the butt and thighs for an overweight person, but I still feel too far forward on the seat. I am dead set on a new seat. Even though I wasn't bowled over with a Corbin or a Mustang on other bikes, they were much better than the OEM saddles they replaced. Thanks for the suggestion!
+1 on www.meancitycycles.com I had them lower and move me back as far as they could and install the medical grade foam. I've done 735 miles in a day on it with no problems. Great company to deal with. Ride safe.
Yeah, I've been looking at them. I'm thinking I may call them tomorrow. I just worry I won't like what they do to the seat, but if they can give me a warm and fuzzy feeling, I might give it a shot.
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