3 Harley Mods That Go Beyond Aesthetics

Aside from the addictive rumble of the big V-twins, the truckload of torque and effortless power, or the comfy, laid-back seating position when crunching highway miles, Harleys are known for their endless customisation options to make any bike your own. This is the bike brand that has more original equipment and aftermarket part upgrades than any other bike manufacturer.

Harley owners can toy with engine power, get louder exhausts, add more comfort for longer rides, or change the riding position with new controls. And they can change any design details to get a better-looking bike. Here we take a look at forgotten modifications that add aesthetic appeal while also chipping in with increased performance, practicality and personality.

Harley Davidson bikes have the ignition coil and key switch sitting just below the gas tank. While functional, the position doesn't work for styling modifications like lifted tanks. Some Harley owners also find the wiring unsightly. Both issues can easily be sorted with a Harley Davidson coil relocation kit, that shifts the coil to the left of the back cylinder, while also cleaning up the space under the tank.

Besides the improved looks, owners can go with larger fuel tanks for longer rides between refills. And improve airflow and cooling around the cylinders (coils can get hot). Relocating the coil also means less heat transferred onto the coil from heated cylinder fins, leading to cleaner sparks, improved combustion, and longer spark plug and spark wire life.

Kits consist of metal mounting brackets, each designed for specific Harley models. Look for powder-coated steel to ensure durability and that brackets fit seamlessly into the frame design. Some kits are additionally packaged with an ignition key relocation bracket, installed to the ground cable mounting point.

Installation takes roughly 15 minutes. Simply remove the bike's main fuse, disconnect the petcock, undo the front tank mounting bolt, and remove the wiring loom under the tank. Follow up by unbolting the key switch to the left side of the engine, removing the primary case ground bolt nut, and mounting the key switch relocation bracket to the bolt. Reroute the wiring along the frame, and secure it with zip ties.

Lastly, remove the coil pack, unplug the coil wiring harness, install the relocation bracket and install the ignition coil. Reconnect the wiring and spark plug wires.

The end result puts wires closer to the frame, with just enough clearance for a tank lift and a hollowed-out look under the tank, or slotting in bigger tanks with a few gallons more. As with all aftermarket parts, source your next Harley Davidson coil relocation kit from reputed third-party brands (Doss, Joker Machine, Cult Werk, Kuryakyn, Thunderbike to name a few).

If you're buying your bike new, dealerships offer OE handlebar options to suit riders of different heights and with different riding styles. But if you've had the bike for years, or buying second-hand, chances are you'll soon be replacing the handlebars. These, after all, are the main contact point between you and the bike, and house the throttle, clutch and brake levers. Most riders also change the bars to suit changing riding positions for more steering feel, improved control and less fatigue over longer routes.

Styles vary from the ultra-popular apehangers in varying heights, wider touring and bagger bars (if you're coming from older touring bikes), taller window bars, low-set T and drag handlebars for a lowered, aggressive riding position, and Z-bars with sharp bends. These are among the dozens of other handlebar designs to choose from.

When buying consider handlebar diameters in inches (most are at 1") to ensure a firm grip with clamps, overall widths (usually at shoulder width), and height, varying between 0 and 20 inches (with recommendations again at shoulder height to prevent fatigue) and pullback, or the angle between the tip of the grips and the front clamping area to deal with reach and confident control. Sweep, or the degree at which your wrists rest on the handlebars also impacts comfort.

All bars are CNC-machined from durable high-strength steel alloys, include provisions for the stock controls (grips and wiring) and are supplied with matching mounting hardware. Keep in mind that for larger and wider bars like apehanger or bagger bars, and those that pair with a handle-bar mounted fairing, you may need an extension cable kit that includes extended clutch, throttle and brake lines and appropriate wiring.

New Harleys are fitted with LED lights front and back for improved visibility. LEDs last longer than older halogen bulbs, have lower power draw, don't get as hot (with no filaments or inert gases) and the compact footprint means they can be assembled in unique turn signal designs while delivering higher and more consistent brightness.

Aftermarket turn signal designs range from traditional bullet or flat to more eye-catching block bars, or circular, square, winglet, oval and teardrop shapes, to get the look you're after. Housings are also more premium, with chrome-plated or matte-black anodised billet aluminium the high-end choice paired with scratch-resistant polycarbonate or glass lens covers offered in smoked or clear finishes.

Turn signals can additionally be optioned in small, regular or oversized dimensions, be mounted in various positions (on handlebars, forks or fenders, or part of rear taillights and the front fairing) and be supplied with the same high-quality mounting hardware as the housings.

If you want to get the same brightness and visibility on older bikes but aren't keen on new shapes, there are also LED conversion kits. These replace halogen bulbs with simple plug-and-play compatibility. Lastly, to ensure you don't get in trouble with the law, ensure that turn signals and lighting upgrades are ECE compliant.

Style is important, however, also consider other upgrades to improve rideability and comfort. Change the stock controls ( grips, levers, shifters and pegs) for variants that offer more control, improved grip and less posturing in longer rides. New grips can be textured, heated and sized accordingly for your riding style.

The same applies to footpegs, floorboards and shifters. Pegs, for instance, can be a styling statement with unique materials and finishes, and additionally help with handling, distributing weight or aiding balance. And they can be optioned in adjustable, folding, extended, highway, passenger and angled types, providing all the customisation you need.