You do not express yourself through your hair, music or social media. Nope. You express yourself through your motorcycle.
From handlebars to sprockets to tires, just about any part of a motorcycle can be personalized. And why not? In a way, your bike is an extension of yourself. We totally feel you.
There is an entire tribe of people who your sentiment, which has created a thriving market and a world of possibilities. The following tips to trick out your Harley Davidson motorcycle will help you begin to explore it.
1. Take A Road Trip
If the idea makes your adrenaline race, but you are not quite sure where to start, you may find inspiration at an event showcasing custom bikes from the best in the business. One of the best known is the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.
The world’s largest motorcycle builder competition is open to amateurs and professionals, so you can see what people at all experience levels have done. And with more than 350 bikes competing, there is no shortage of ideas. Think of it as a living Pinterest board, but better. You can actually speak face-to-face with participants, ask them questions and find out where they got parts and accessories.
2. Themes Themes Everywhere
These tips to trick out your Harley Davidson would not be complete without suggesting you pick a theme.
You would not decorate a room in your home without deciding on a theme first, so why should your motorcycle be any different? The options for a theme are virtually limitless and there are no rules. Let your imagination be your guide. Your theme can be pimped out, patriotism, wild animal, your favorite movie, and so much more.
3. Color Your Canvas
Once you have established a theme, start with a color scheme. Is a black background with flames shooting from it an embodiment of your bold personality? Or are you more like a cool midnight blue monotone with black accents? Aside from the frame itself, your color scheme lays the foundation for the entire look.
Keep in mind that painting a motorcycle is much more complicated than it may sound. What appears to be a simple two-tone scheme is actually created using three different layers of material. Properly painted bikes, the kind with a “wow” factor, consist of primer, color coats, a clear coat and several layers of graphics.
In short, this is not a job for you to attempt yourself unless you paint bikes for a living. It is important to find a professional with the skills and experience to do it right.
4. Big Wheels Keep On Turning
Regardless of your preferred style, wheels are one of the most recognizable parts on your motorcycle. Changing them can make quite an impact. It is also one of the easiest tips to trick out your Harley Davidson Cruiser, Bagger or Chopper to follow.
Answering the following important questions is a good place to start:
- What size do you prefer? What width?
- What rake do you need to offset larger sized wheels?
- Do you need to move the calipers & fenders?
- What is the offset and bolt pattern?
- What kind of finish do you prefer? Classis chrome, polished, powder coat, double cut?
- What style of rims do you like?
- Do you need matching rotors & pulleys?
5. Stick It On
One of the simplest and least expensive ways to stand out from your fellow bikers is by adding decals to your motorcycle or custom vehicle wraps.
When it comes to decals, you could go for intimidation with shark teeth or for a laugh with Porky Pig. You could go small or big. You could even add a series of numbers that are meaningful to you. It is entirely up to you.
Vinyl wraps allow you to get a big budget look for pennies on the dollar and they come in a wide range of looks from paint to metal and brick. Plus, they are easy to remove if you decide you want a change, and they also hold up well.
Decals and vehicle wrap offer a way to have a great deal of fun customizing your bike.
Footing the Bill
Tricking out your Harley Davidson Cruiser, Bagger or Chopper may sound like something you could never afford to do. While it can add up, the good news is, you have options.
FLEXPAY allows you to get your dream parts from manufacturers such as SMT Machining, American Suspension, Bad Dad and Fat Katz BEFORE they’re paid in full. How it works? Put 1/3 of your order down and the vendors will start processing your order. When your parts are ready to ship, usually 8-10 weeks, pay another 1/3 of your order. Then, the balance can then be spread over the next 3-6 months INTEREST-FREE!
The process is quick and as EZ as one, two, three. Fill out a secure online application, receive approval within 24 to 48 hours and start shopping and mixing and matching!
You do not have to worry about a credit check or bad credit. We want you to have your dream ride built as soon as possible!
