7 Best Harley-Davidson Softail Mods and Improvements
The Softail is an enigma because it offers Harley's most advanced chassis, yet looks the most traditional. The triangulated swingarm with hidden shocks offers 1950s hardtail looks, and 21st century ride and handling, but there's always room for improvements.
1. Better Sounding Exhaust
No matter what Harley you are talking about, the number one mod most people do is to remove the much too quiet mufflers and let freedom ring. Harley's hands are tied by federal drive-by noise tests, but the DOT is much stricter than your local police or even your neighbors. Pull off those mufflers and put on a less restrictive slip on, or swap out the entire system for a lighter, more powerful two into one system.
2. Free Flowing Air Cleaner
Typically hand in hand with the louder exhaust is a freer flowing air cleaner and the Stage 1 computer tune that EFI bikes need to make the most of these mods. This bike has one of the oddest free-flowing air cleaners out there, with not one but two cone air cleaners, like staggered dual mufflers, but on the intake side. There are plenty of options for retro, modern, or performance style. If you go with an open element cone like these be sure to carry the rain covers with you.
3. Adjustable Ride Height Shocks
One of the nicest things about the Softail design is that you can't see the shocks, so you can install a set with adjustable ride height setting without anyone knowing you prefer a soft ride. Why punish yourself all the time, and ruin your enjoyment of your bike on longer trips just so you can look cooler at bike night? There are even air adjustable setups that let you drop it on the go and pump it back up at the nearest gas station. Your secret is safe with us.
4. Custom Paint
This one is all looks, zero function, but nothing makes a bike all your better than getting it painted some color other than the ones the factory offered. You can go with a theme like Rockstar Energy Drinks did when they made this rolling billboard, or flames, or skulls, or just your favorite colors. The best thing to do, just like with tattoos, is to talk to the artist who is going to do the work and get their input based on your original ideas.
5. Ape Hangers
Love them or hate them, a lot of riders prefer a set of ape hangers on their Softail. Changing them out is easy enough to do in a weekend for most guys, but before you buy them be sure to try 12" 14", 16" or whatever and make sure you are comfortable making the reach. What height you like varies hugely depending on how tall you are and how you ride.
6. Soft Bags and Windshield
Yes, some Softails come with leather soft sided bags and a quick release windshield, make them a great addition. Depending on what type you choose to go with, most have a great retro look and can be easily removed, sometimes without any tools at all. If you are shopping for a Softail, the Heritage Deluxe (like the one pictured) is fully kitted like an old school tourer, and it is designed to look good naked too.
7. Wheels and Tires
If you are buying new, just order up whatever you want from the motor company: White walls, spokes, mags, polished, etc. On the used market, don't sweat it is the bike you want has spokes and you prefer mags, or has black wall tires and you want old school gangster whites. Wheels and tires are a popular modification. While you are at it, you can add sticky rubber for better cornering, or a wide rear, or a tall skinny front for that chopper look. The modular nature of the Harley is one of the biggest charms of these bikes.
If you need help with mods or repair, or just general maintenance, the how to section of HDForums.com is there to help.
