Better Beaters - Building Cars and Daily Drivers

 This is the One!

Currently, it's got a cop bike or funeral escort vibe.

Overall I was very satisfied with my new bike. However there were several accessories on it that I could do without. I will start removing things and making changes to remake the bike into what I want it to be. Of course, everyone should configure their machine to provide them with the service and the appearance that they desire. 

Up front you can see that a windshield has been fitted. These are quite useful in providing wind protection for the rider, but I don't anticipate doing any long range touring.

The crash bar can provide some protection to the motorcycle and perhaps even for the rider in a low speed incident, but it just clutters up the look and adds weight.

The tall "mini apes" are also something that will be removed. I'm going for a much different look.

I think that the 4.5 gallon tank is perfect on the Sportster.

Having a sissy bar without a passenger 
seat struck me as a bit unusual.

There is a sissy bar as well as some saddle bag supports. I'll keep the bag supports, as I plan on adding a set of bags, which will add a lot of utility to the bike. The sissy bar will remain, for now.

There is a chrome cover fitted over the tail light. Just another gheegaw that will be removed.

That phone holder will be the first thing to go!

I initially thought that the windshield was an OEM HD accessory. These used to be referred to as the "compact" windshield. I had one my last Sportster. It also a had quick disconnect feature. This Memphis Shades item looks a lot like that old windshield. It also features a quick disconnect feature that attaches to the fork tubes.

It's a good looking unit. These Sportys feature a very good looking
 alloy bottom triple clamp.

Left side view as purchased.

One thing that I really like about the rubber mounted EVO Sportsters is that the factory built them with a longer wheelbase. The Evo engine is also a bit taller, with bigger cylinders and finning. It really gives the engine a beefy look. The bike closely resembles the larger FX model.

Right side view as purchased.

This is the factory "Low" version. The rear shocks are about 1 1/2 inches shorter than the standard model. I believe that they are shared with the Custom. The rear wheel really nestles up in the rear fender. The front fork is an inch shorter. The bike sits pretty low. I can easily reach the ground with a bend in my knees.  I like the look, and it should handle okay as long as I avoid road racing on the back roads.

The bike came equipped with forward controls. I have to admit that I've wanted a bike with forward controls since I was in high school reading chopper magazines. These are comfortable and it is easy to reach the brake and shifter. A big contrast to my earlier Electra Glide Sport, with it's Wide Glide style controls.

Though I wish that it still had it's stock exhaust system, these Vance & Hines Straight Shot pipes are quite attractive. Note how the downpipes are parallel to each other, a very nice design touch. They are a bit louder than I'd like, but I think that they look better than the OEM staggered duals. They will do for now.

Much cleaner looking.

With the windshield gone, I moved the bars into an upright position. It looks much better, but I don't think that I'll stay with this style.

In this position the bars are lined up with the front fork tubes. These are OEM bars, referred to as "mini apes" but different than the items that came stock on the Low model. They are the same as used on the Sportster "72" mild Chopper model. I did like the styling of the "72" but I've got other plans for my bike.

Here's a "72".

Another model that has influenced my thinking about styling is the "48." I will admit that at first I did not like the big 16 inch tire in front. Though I had seen old photos of old time 45 inch bobbers that ran the big fat tire up front, instead of a 19" or 21" front rim. The "48" sports a basic stripped bobber look. It is very low and beefy looking, with minimal accessories, and almost flat handle bars. Over time this look has really grown on me. I plan to adapt some aspects of this design to my machine.

This is an earlier "48" with wire laced wheels. 
I like the bobbed rear fender.

The standard Low model came with pullback buckhorn type bars. It also had the alloy 16 inch rear wheel. My bike has the wire spoke 16 inch rear. I suppose that the buyer could order the bike a few different ways. The Low is very similar to the Custom models.

This Low sports an aftermarket two into one header.
Nice.

The Custom models came equipped with the 4.5 gallon gas tank. They also featured a "Lowrider" style setback riser with a low handle bar. Customs also sported a 21" front wheel with a 16 inch cast rear. 

This Custom has different bars as well as a crash bar.
Note that the headlamp is different from the Low, which features the traditional
Sportster headlamp.

Harley Davidson being Harley Davidson, they have always produced several models off of their basic design. Obviously, they are usually just visual differences in wheels, handlebars, seats, tanks, and headlights. Sometimes the factory makes a big deal about different tank graphics! But sometimes they are substantial differences in their intended function. Like the Roadster model which features beefier, upside down forks with dual front disc brakes, and much taller suspension.

This means that there are a lot of factory parts that can be adapted to change the looks of your bike. I plan to keep an eye on CraigsList, as well as visiting motorcycle swap meets to locate the used parts that I can adapt to my bike. I plan on being patient, taking my time to find good deals, and putting in a lot of thought before making any changes.

Either way, I am very happy and satisfied.

Because now, I've got a bike in my garage. Again.