Harley Davidson Softail: Exterior Modifications
The Harley Davidson Softail is highly customizable. This guide will show you some modifications that will make the exterior unique and productive.
This article applies to the Harley Davidson Softail.
The Harley Davidson Softail comes very stock. Upgrading the exterior can not only change its appearance, it can also be very beneficial. Whether you want to change the look of your Harley or you want to make it more convenient, this guide will give you all the options you need to achieve what you need. If you think you are due for some exterior modifications, then read on to learn some of the popular ones for the Harley Davidson Softail.
Exterior Mods
In the sections below, we will go over some of the most popular exterior modifications for the Harley Davidson Softail. Starting with saddlebags, then exterior chrome, and finally ape hangers.
#1 Saddlebags
DIY Cost – $130-600
Professional Cost – $400-800
Skill Level – Easy; this job requires no special skills or experience.
Adding saddlebags to your Harley Davidson are one of the most convenient modifications you can do to your exterior. Having a motorcycle is hard enough when you're trying to carry anything bigger than your cell phone; adding saddlebags gives you plenty of room to carry anything, from books to food. There are plenty of different styles for saddlebags, different colors, different materials, and even hard saddlebags. The hard ones give your bike a modern look, while the leather one is "old-school." If you want to change the look of your Harley while adding an amazing, convenient feature to it, get saddlebags immediately. Recommended for drivers who need storage room.
#2 Exterior Chrome
DIY Cost – $100-300
Professional Cost – $300-700
Skill Level – Moderate; this job can vary in difficulty depending on the location of the component.
Nothing screams American-muscle like shiny chrome on a sunny Sunday morning. Everything on your Softail can be chromed. You can purchase a whole kit to chrome up your bike, or you can buy chrome pieces for some specific components. The grips have been known to look great when chromed. The foot pegs are a must when you're chroming your exterior, and you can't leave any engine component un-chromed if you're a hardcore chrome fan. A lot of riders prefer blacking out their bikes, but if you're a chrome fan, the options are numerous. Do your research and chrome away. Recommended for drivers who want to change the look of their Softail.
#3 Ape Hangers
DIY Cost – $100-500
Professional Cost – $400-700
Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires the replacement of various lines.
Replacing the stock handlebars with ape hangers is one of the popular, if not the most popular, exterior modification Harley owners love to do. This upgrade gives the bike a completely new look. Along with the crazy make-over, adding ape hangers will change the feel of the bike, so it will be like getting a new bike. You have many options when it comes to ape hangers, varying from 12" to 18", sometimes even higher, but definitely not recommended. There are various shapes and colors to it. Outlaw style, U-shaped, flat black, chrome—you name it, they have it. Do your research, try to drive a bike with ape hangers and when you decide to do it, get ready for a world of fun. Recommended for drivers who want longer handlebars.
(Related Article: Ape Hanger Modifications - HDForums.com)
Related Discussions
- Saddlebags - HDForums.com
- Chrome Mods - HDForums.com
- Exterior Upgrades - HDForums.com
