Harley Davidson Sportster: Cosmetic Modifications

This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster (2000-2015).

The Harley Davidson Sportster is a cool, good-looking motorcycle that can be made to suit a lot of different tastes. Not only is it an entertaining bike to ride, but it's a nice bike to look at. If you love your Harley Davidson Sportster, but you are ready for a few upgrades, read on to learn about some of the most popular cosmetic upgrades on the market today.

#1 Chrome Trim

DIY Cost – $70-350

Professional Cost – $200-500

Skill Level – Easy to Moderate; can start with simple bolt-on and move to large engine parts.

Chrome is available for nearly every part of the Harley Sportster. I'm sure there are bikes with chrome metal seats out there, and someone is working on shiny metallic rubber tires. Chrome trim kits are designed to make your Sportster scream "America" even louder. Chrome is the visual equivalent of an open exhaust. These kits come in various shapes as well as forms, from chromed stock engine covers to add-on chrome trim and covers for things like the caliper and spark plugs. You can likely save some money if you are handy by taking parts off and having them chromed yourself at a local plating company, if you can bear to not ride your bike for a week or more. If you are a novice trying your first modification, start out easy with aftermarket or genuine HD bolt-on parts. This modification is guaranteed to change the looks of your bike, so go slow or get crazy.

#2 Ape Hangers

DIY Cost – $100-500

Professional Cost – $400-700

Skill Level – Moderate; this procedure requires the removal of various components.

Welcome to the real biker look. The ape hangers are by far one of the most popular modification when it comes to any cruiser. These modifications are fun for two reasons: they make your bike look more bigger and badder, but they also sit you upright and back with your face as well as chest in the wind. You can purchase from 12" to 22" tall ape hangers, but the most popular size is 16". Go too tall and they become not only uncomfortable, but illegal in some places. Apes will make your Sportster look and ride like a completely different bike, but it won't be too uncomfortable as long as you don't go up too high. If you're ready to modify your Harley like a real biker would, start looking into ape hangers' sizes and take that step. Before you commit, try to find someone else with a similar bike you can test ride, so you don't regret this mod.

#3 Saddlebags

DIY Cost – $89-229

Professional Cost – $200-400

Skill Level – Easy to Moderate; soft bags require no skill to mount, but hard bags may require a few tools.

Nothing is better than improving the looks of the Sportster, while adding a new function to it. Some people may thing that saddlebags ruin the minimal nature of the Sporty; there is no denying the added benefit they add if you ride your bike for commuting and errand running. Soft leather saddlebags add a vintage look to your Sportster and are inexpensive and easy to mount. However, if you're not into that, you can always get hard bags, which are a whole different look and more modern, especially if they're color matched to your motorcycle. Even if they don't like the look, one of the main things all bikers can agree on is that it is inconvenient to carry a backpack everywhere you go. Well, whether you want your bike to look old or new, there is a practical luggage option. Some bags even come with quick release mounting setups that leave the bike naked as the day is was born, when you prefer to just let it all hang out.

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