5 Harley-Davidson mods to do before exhaust

Today I give you my top five mods that you should due to your Harley-Davidson before you change your exhaust.
#topfivemods #harleymods #harleydavidson

[@harleybrown9834]

I agree that most of those things (I personally haven't changed the seat or foot controls) might be changed over time, but I still think exhaust is number 1 :) Who wants to ride a lawnmower?!

[@kidmoto22]

However exhaust might not be a reason why a person wouldn’t ride but comfort would be for sure… And yes we don’t want our bikes sounding like lawnmowers…🤣

[@RufusCapstick]

My lawnmower is louder than my Harley. I had Samson true duals that were so loud I was embarrassed to ride it. Just installed stock touring mufflers, ah the peace and quiet, I love my bike again. loud pipes may save lives in the mind of some bikers but they annoy the crap out of everyone else.

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

Wholeheartedly agree on Lighting being the first and best mod.

[@Jack-wi5qr]

@@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned Season is near,so I’m putting a Christmas tree on my handlebars,with blinky lights. Just kidding. I’m not a bling guy,but to each his own.

[@blg020]

I have mopeds that go up my Street that are louder than some Harleys. But comfort is going to make the ride more enjoyable than a loud exhaust. If you're happy with the comfort already then go for the exhaust.

[@VoodooViking]

I have a 2000 electraglide standard. It’s a great bike. I put some really nice black chrome apes, a cop seat, and converted the lights to led. Not to mention air intake and oil cooler. And honestly I’m perfectly happy with it. I may get some fishtails on it. However it’s definitely not a deal breaker. Just make your bike comfortable and work for you and you’d be surprised how little the exhaust actually matters overall. And mines a daily driver(only vehicle I got), but I’m single and just living my life my way. To each their own.

[@Liveharley1]

You are absolutely correct, just bought the 2022 Road King First thing 18" handlebars, chrome lowers, shifter rear, extended brake pedal, extended footboards out, all led lights, and mod, cut baffles out or order slip-ons, lowered 1" bike, got the stock windshield and keep the seat save some money. Later at the rallies, change everything. lol! I have a chrome addiction, I love seeing other bikes chromed out to get ideas. Take care

[@Hiddukel1]

Wanted to call out that I would whole heartedly agree... lighting upgrade should definitely be #1. I use the Ciro Fang switchbacks for front, and Ciro Fangs for rear.. and they are awesome. My rears almost look like brakes are on, until I actually apply the brake. Then went with the Ciro Vision 7" Halo for headlamp, with module to keep low beam on when I flip to high beam... and really lights up the road like you wouldn't believe. Was so happy this was one of my first mods I personally did first (my second was stereo system and speakers lol).

[@user-pj7go6ie4u]

I listen to the road

[@bcbsilverhawk8426]

All good points. This has been mentioned already. I upgraded front and rear suspension to Legend on my Road King Special. This is hands down the best upgrade I've ever done to any Harley. The Handling and Ride quality is so much better than stock. More planted on the road. Could go on and on about the benefits. Take care.

[@kidmoto22]

I’ve yet to do suspension upgrades on my bike at this point. However we are going to have the legends suspension crew on the Five Dirty Bikers podcast very soon

[@1Imrichard]

what did you put in the forks . i found stock ones hit hard on frost heaves

[@bcbsilverhawk8426]

@@1Imrichard Legende AXEO cartridges. No brake dive at all now. Planted on the road. Highly recommend Legend Suspension.

[@RealBelisariusCawl]

I like my Springer, but I’m thinking my next HD might be a Road King so thanks for that food for thought.

[@WaxMeister]

I was sceptical when I first tuned into this video but, this guy has a point and I've always done exactly all those upgrades for my personal comfort and safety. I would however add the following; your seat, I've been using the same seat since 2008, my CVO seat and I put it on three other bikes since - the most comfortable seat I've ever used from HD, upgraded shocks are a must and you must do both front and back for proper results, I also install the Power Commander tuner to get better AF mixture which adds a lot more response, better torque and reduces engine temps, I also immediately install the Axtell Oil Bypass upgrade (on TCs - do not know about m8s) to increase oil flow, reduce temps and enhance the cam chests splash lubrication, the S&S 583 cam with better bearings and finally, I always change the air box and in my opinion, the S&S Teardrop is still the best performing air box on the market.

[@ericrhinehart6055]

I agree, but I always go 1: get the crankcase vent hot air routed out of the airbox 2: Suspension 3: seat 4: Let the CAT out and add an FP-3 or FP-4 and run a canned tune. 5: slip ons if you think you like the sound better

[@Kingdlack]

All valid points, however, suspension is absolutely essential. It’s up there with handlebars and seating, from a comfort perspective. Overall, great video bro💯👍🏾✌🏾

[@kidmoto22]

I don’t disagree with suspension getting up on the list.

[@markp6062]

Great run down. I think you hit a great list of functional things to do before messing with the engine.

[@bensatterwhite5694]

I’m glad that there are still bikes out there with halogen headlamps. I don’t like the color of the leds, all my bikes have had halogen and appear a more natural color allowing me to better perception of distance and hazards on the road. I guess it’s what you get used to. And as many older riders may be finding out, those high handlebars that keep your hands above your heart, makes your hand go to sleep. You have much more strength and control with your hands down in front of your body instead of up high. In an emergency situation that may be critical. Sometimes we put form over function.

[@kidmoto22]

My bars are level with my shoulders and allow for the most natural position for me to ride. With my height and arm length that’s the best fit. I ride long days and the stock bars had my wrist in a very uncomfortable position. For me the bar change was both form and function.

[@johnasbury9915]

05 Road King Custom (3200 miles & had her 3 weeks)took off the heel shifter, added Lockable hard bags, LED headlight/driving lights, riders backrest, adjusted the bars to comfort and highway pegs. Need heated grips and I’m ready to roll. I think I will get progressive suspension front and back as well.

[@kidmoto22]

Suspension is a great first upgrade

[@robertbaker1975]

but loud is safer, faster, better, and everybody knows a lawyer is coming

[@tonytsquared5576]

1) shocks have been upgraded to Progressives 2) seat and I have a Road Air Zeppelin that is heated 3) heated grips 4) engine guard foot location and I have a Lindbar with stirrups 5) cup holder I have an 06 ElectaGlide Standard that has been highly modified. I have the Screaming Eagle CVO paint design but in Sunglow Yellow and Sunglow Blue. Kuryakyn windshield mirrors and some of their other chrome doo dads. It has the 6" windscreen and the Sony radio with Bluetooth to work with my Arai full face helmet on the phone functions. I have the stretch tank and stretch bags. I have added cruise control, tour pack with Zeppelin backrest, and the bag guards of the Ultra Classic. At 30k miles I had it punched out to 98 CI, gear drive torque cam, Fueling oil pump, fish tail open exhaust, and performance tune to get me to 101 HP. I am now at 120K miles and it is still as tight as it was at 31k miles. I have replaced the heated grips twice. I am still waiting for the transmission to fail so I can put in a 6 speed. It can out perform the 06 CVO and has all of the CVO or better upgrades for $8 grand less. I will easily roll it to 200K miles.

[@kidmoto22]

That’s awesome dude…sounds like you’ve got a killer right there and your taking great care of it!

[@FrensTimmerpens]

I bought a used 2023 RKS. Luckily with SE exhaust, and original Ventilator airfilter and HD windsplitter. I just added….Hyperpro suspension F+R, Saddlemen SDC Pro, 14” Gangster bar with Kahuna heated grips, and rear crashbars…..check✅

[@Mik35959]

The foot control’s personally having a larger boot size can cause issues without having extended shifter arms why they purposely remove then from some bike while increasing MSRP and include not only the heel shifter as wrll as being extended on the cvo kind of proves the point

[@Elkslaya1]

Here are my mods i am doing and then my exhaust. First and foremost is my seat. I just bought a SG ST and the seat sucked so i ordered and got the ASR seat but the pillion is on back order so i don’t have that yet. But my azz doesn’t hurt so I’m good. 2nd was 12” apes by Factory 47. Next was some Willie G Mirrors. I do not like the factor mirrors on the Street Glide. 3 is floor boards for the passenger, whoever she is. 4 is luggage rack and bitch bar both quick detachable to go with the docking kit. 5 is the Klock Werks 6-1/2” Flair Shield. Those are my 5 before watching your video. Next will be the TAB 50 Cal slipons. Ok now back to your video. Let’s see what your 5 are.

[@mikem8093]

I’m not sure. I totally agree with you in the order, but I think they are all very crucial to do only because the bike stock kind of sucks.

[@tjzulu1]

Taking care of the motor is NUMBER ONE without question!! Take care of all the asthetics after you make sure your $27k plus investment is running optimally right at the git go... so intake, tuner and pipes first!! Then maybe the seat if you're gonna do a lot of distance rides. That other stuff cn all be done in time....

[@jeffreyengle2762]

1. Suspension front and rear 2. Handlebars (stock road king bars suck) 3. Lighting 4. Seat 5. Everything else (and that’s a lot of stuff)

[@kidmoto22]

Solid list!

[@albertharper9048]

Agree, if you count adding the heel shifter, I've done all those things. I have a 2020 Road Glide Special, exhaust is still stock and probably will stay that way.

[@albertharper9048]

I took a short 80 miler today, and I realize I had foot pegs added to my highway bars too. I have a 114 now. After a 1200, 103, 103 stage one how much more power do I need?

[@simplybuilt_1708]

I have a 17 ultra limited. I got led lighting all the way around (aftermarket turn signals), aftermarket bars (12in mini aps), love the stock seat, batwing fairing and lowers for wind protection, and foot boards with the heel shifter removed lol I think im ready for exhaust 😊

[@kidmoto22]

Sounds like your solid!

[@RafaelJimenez-hz9gu]

Sir, what a great video. The first modification I did was get rid of that horrible brake pedal. I replaced it with a soft brake brand lower pedal and what a difference. Then I did your other 4 recommendations .

[@kidmoto22]

I think that as I’ve put more and more miles on my bike I’ve seen safety and comfort take priority over sound. That said I recently did a cam upgrade and nothing has changed the characteristics of the motor as much as that has. A cam upgrade is something I’d highly recommend.

[@kneesinthebreeze7417]

I live in Texas. Wind protection is not a priority to me but I mean no offense if I wanted a windshield I'd drive a car and not a motorcycle. Every situation and everyone is different. Good video. To everyone else ride safe.

[@jasonshortphd]

You got the list in the order I did my bike. Exhaust is still stock, because I don’t want anymore tinnitus.

[@bee_lovin]

Fantastic video man! Every new rider (and even experienced) should listen to this.

[@kidmoto22]

Much appreciated

[@jeckel6953]

On the newer touring bikes, specifically the 09 to 16 the exhaust is also a comfort mod. I'm talking the head pipes with the cat right by your foot. before I replaced the head pipe on my rushmore bike, I cut the cat out and added a tuner.

[@BlackMountainCycles]

Yessir! I rock a Mustang Solo on my Nightster and LOVE it. Best upgrade I’ve done to the bike besides changing from mids to forward controls.

[@MichaelH416]

I wish some of the aftermarket lighting for the front end was available in just amber lighting. It’s all white that changes to amber with signal,use. Amber lighting is actually better in fog and rain for being seen.

[@kidmoto22]

That’s why you are seeing the Baja Design lights with one white and one amber to help with that.

[@jasonbreedlove495]

Great suggestions for first mods. Mine went off key, but my RKS was delivered with Rinehart 4.5s and Custom Dynamics Probeam turnsignals. Next I did 12" KST doubletrouble bars, 16" LRS windshield, FOX 13" suspension. I have a CVO solo seat and a mustang sport touring for distance rides. How do you like your Memphis Shades hanguards?

[@kidmoto22]

They are excellent! I’ve had them on two bikes and really like them. They are good for blocking wind on cold days and road debris. I’ve got mine paint matched and that has held up very well.

[@BaggerDadLife]

I always do exhaust first. If people hear you, they’re looking for you. If I have stock exhaust, I get cut off wayyyyy more.

[@corbindallas9145]

2016 Dyna Low Rider, upgrades in order. Race Tech springs and gold emulators with +2” tracker die extended dampers built front suspension, rear legend suspension, Arlen ness monster sucker, Greg Lutzka Bassani exhaust, DynoJet power vision 4 tuner, saddlemen seat, forbidden motor bars and risers, +4” clutch and brake lines, led headlight/taillight and turn signals, foot controls Rider/passenger, crash bars, rear high crash pegs, thrashin saddle bags and lastly thrashin handlebars bag. Fxrt fairing on the way and still planning more for the future 😅

[@kidmoto22]

Hellva Mod list!

[@Oheada]

have to agree. Course...I didn't watch this vid 1st so I am all over the place lol Just need to get my lights done . Ty for the vid

[@kidmoto22]

Thanks for watching!

[@motorcyclemark2889]

I run an extended heal shifter adjusted low extra long it allows me more room and I still get the benefit of having it .

[@kidmoto22]

Man that heal shifter is the first think I removed. I’ve just never been a fan of them. That said I saw one made by Yaffe that was pretty dope and ran under the footboard and came up the back…only problem is that one arm was over $300….😳

[@cheby56]

My 22 RG Limited 1. Klockwerks windshield 2. Hammock seat 3. Bars-12 inch KST fully adjustable 4. Rear Light’s- Custom Dynamics LED Taillights/Signals, Filler panels and bag lights, license plate relocation kit with new taillight and CD flasher controller 5. Front LightsCustom Dynamics front LED light/ signal, lower lights, headlight bezel lights, windshield frame lights 4. Rinehart 4.5 DBX Next is Trask A/C, SE stage 2 TQ cam and tuner

[@kidmoto22]

That’s a solid list!!!!

[@jamessouthworth1699]

One of my biggest gripes with Harley-Davidson is for the price you pay they Should already have the better seats and lighting from the factory.

[@kidmoto22]

I would agree with that. Lights at a minimum for the safety factor.

[@DiceBaseballDigest]

Well done, All are basic changes that make sense.

[@freyatilly]

Nice list. I'm already on to this though not in your order. Foot and hand controls are for me the most vital for the bike and for safe riding.

[@kidmoto22]

No specific order for these mods!!!

[@buck_the_atlas]

Good list. Although I have paid little thought to my lights, you're probably right with that. Everything else, for sure.

[@kidmoto22]

I didn’t do mine in that order either but as an afterthought I’d do things differently!

[@actionjackson8209]

Thanks this is what I wanted to know when starting the customization of my 2022 road glide

[@darrensparks4755]

Great info and agree 95% but as usually I go against the grain I went air and exhust an apes but seat pegs and seats and lamps are a must reader gotta come soon

[@Big88Country]

Awesome and agree 100%. I would add that if you like the hard lower fairings, and your bike does get hot. put a set of Love Jugs on your jugs. It is amazing the amount of heat they reduce! A bit expensive, like every other Harley accessory, but these things work.

[@kidmoto22]

Nice…I live in a cold weather environment so heat is not as much of an issue as other places.

[@Big88Country]

@@kidmoto22 Move on down this way! Your life would improve tremendously getting to ride year round!! Enjoy your day!

[@kidmoto22]

@@Big88Country Your not wrong!

[@bobbyparker5343]

You nailed it!

[@michaelmorgan2762]

I did all of those mods early, but the heel shifter stays. I have a Slipstream windshield on my 06 Ultra Classic as I don’t care for wind in my face. I put a windshield on every motorcycle I’ve owned because of allergies. Good suggestions..

[@JayShermanFJC]

Ergonomics, lighting, and eventually suspension.

[@kidmoto22]

I had to put wind protection before suspension however that’s a hard argument for sure.

[@Hard_Luck_Harold]

Great video. Good list and great points made

[@kidmoto22]

Thank you sir!

[@Hard_Luck_Harold]

You are very welcome

[@brucesantacory1390]

1. lighting can be a good move, if you are aware the High beam becomes just shy of useless, and with turn signals you will need load equalizers or you will have a super-fast flash like a chevy with a bulb out, or you could start blowing codes. 2. totally agree with changing bars, the stock bars on my Road King suck and I'm going to go with Heritage Bars, but people need to be aware a handlebar job if not doing it yourself can run up to and over $2000 with the E-throttle and wire in the bars etc. it's not a cheap job, 3. Seat i agree for the most part the stock harley seat is average at best, but kudo's to Harley the Road King Seat is very nice, that being said do NOT discount Harley's Aftermarket seats like the Sundowner less than 1/2 to 1/4 what a Mustang, Corbin or others cost and all day comfortable !! 4. I've been riding for over 58 years and only a few times when i was younger would i tolerate a windshield or fairing i hated them, I'm an old man now and my Road King has one of the King Windshields, that i Can see over just barely if i have to, but i really am looking thru it most of the time and OMG i love it !! have not tried lowers yet. 5. i have owned over a dozen Harleys over the years and i have NEVER changed from the stock foot pegs or floorboards ........thanks great video fun to watch and chat with as i watched

[@kidmoto22]

With the canbus system load equalizers haven’t been necessary and I’ve changed all the lighting on my bike. That said I 100% appreciate the experience of someone who has owned and ridden bikes across many years. HD doesn’t make a bad aftermarket seat at all and I own one that I use for 2-up riding. Many of the mods I’ve made have been for my personal comfort for where and how I ride. Mostly I wanted to get people thinking about the mods they do and why. Much respect…👊🏼.

[@HarleyFatBoyJr]

ooohhh this should be good. Let's Go!!

[@christopherpratt1362]

1 important thing left out is suspension. Not only for comfort but control as well, you want a sturdy & stable bike that handles.

[@kidmoto22]

That’s right up there for sure

[@withPercy]

You forgot number 6. You need a Five Dirty Bikers and Being Here Now, with Percy sticker somewhere on your bike.Those will get ya a few extra HP even before the exhaust goes on,

[@kidmoto22]

This is true!

[@ericrhinehart6055]

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Get those floorboards spaced out an inch! Put on a tank riser kit!

[@RGHD912]

First mod you should do is, an aftermarket stage 2! Then suspension, handle bars, and foot controls and last but not least Audio, better speakers and a amp! Just how I do it! ……All then a big bore kit! 124” 128” etc.

[@michaelpotter3627]

Great video thanks for putting it together

[@vonsamson2209]

Bought 2018 street glide special hard candy hotrod red flake 1st mod stage 3 2nd mod upgraded stereo system 3rd mod higher freedom windshield 4th mod halo maker headlight and running lights and custom dynamics led turn signals 5th mod while in Sturgis a saddle man seat 6th mod 12 inch handlebars and the last mod rcx tormentor head pipe and changing out the tab performance mufflers quiet baffles to zombie baffles

[@jimmyflowers6597]

Screw that exhaust is the very first thing you should do

[@josiahwells7442]

If your a taller rider I'd suggest going to a custom auto upholstery shop and getting your seat worked on if you need more room. They'll shave the seat foam back and youd have to get a new seat color. In comparison to buying a premade seat, my 2 up wide glide seat is getting the foam shaved down and new brown leather on it for 500 dollars. They'll shave the foam down step by step and you go and sit on you bike and try it out then take it back. 100% recommendation

[@kidmoto22]

Sounds like you found a good shop doing exactly what you want and need!

[@josiahwells7442]

@@kidmoto22 yeah to my assumption any custom upholstery shop should love and be able to do good reconstruction work

[@kidmoto22]

@@josiahwells7442 I’ve never looked into anything like that in my area but it might be worth it at some point

[@josiahwells7442]

@@kidmoto22 yeah it's totally worth it. Then you can also get like a custom seat. Custom leather custom pattern and stitching. I'd like to see a lot more bikes riding around with a custom seat and custom leather. It's great for small shops to

[@SuperMayhem24]

This guy has never had to wipe his ass with his T-shirt because he was on the road for so long.

[@kidmoto22]

Dude you literally know nothing about me. I’ve ridden over 11k this season alone. I was at two major motorcycle events this season, own two HD bikes a classic 1985 FXRT and 2017 Road King special. Host one of the most popular motorcycle podcasts in the country ( 2020 cycle source media award winner) that gave away a custom chopper for charity this season and we hold our own annual event. Feel free to continue to watch my content. Thanks for the view.

[@arthurfleck1764]

What happened to the classic 'loud pipes save lives'.Pipes would be top 3 for me.Paint also near the top.If I want wind protection,i'll take the car.

[@kidmoto22]

I rode 11k plus last season routinely 600 or more in a day. That type of riding wind protection is a must.

[@DCyclemoto]

Yeah, man! It’s all relative to how each person rides. Lighting, seats, bars, exhaust and wind protection for me! I learned some of this the hard way.

[@kidmoto22]

Right! Me too…

[@Jack-wi5qr]

@@kidmoto22 I’m riding a RK that I strip down to FXR mode,with jockey shift,homemade exhaust and a ton of other stuff I’ve built myself. Not into shiny,but I can’t lose my old bare bones chopper days from 1979 to 2013. Miss my hard tails.

[@sirelliott3753]

Hi, I'm Noob I appreciate this

[@kidmoto22]

I’m by no means an expert but these are mods I think about for how I ride. Comfort, safety, and then performance.

[@sirelliott3753]

@@kidmoto22 oh I get it. It all makes sense. I've got some age on me too but yeah it clicks

[@TheBoden1]

I have a 2021 road king special.. I have extended the brake arm so my toe will not be underneath the brake petal. I have also changed the bars from the original bars because the risk position was horrible. My problem is that the bars I purchased which are cycle Smith lane splitters aletters are also horrible for wrist position. I purchased the cycle Smith because they have a 32" width And are 12" bars. I have been searching for another set of bars with not much success. Most of the bars I have looked at are too wide. Do you have a recommendation for 12" bars that are close To 32" width That would have a comfortable wrist position. I also need bars with as much pull back as possible. Thanks for any recommendation you might have.

[@kidmoto22]

Not sure if I’m gonna be much help cause I’m a t-bar or moto bar and riser guy. They tend to be a little more narrow. If your looking for ape style bars maybe check out factory 47 or Carlini bars. I raise with guys that have both of those brands and they really like them.

[@TheBoden1]

@@kidmoto22 Thank You,, I will look at those bars

[@RB-tx4mn]

Good video Kid. Great points to consider for sure.

[@kidmoto22]

This is also relative to how each person rides but this is my list for sure.

[@needparalegal]

I only agree with 1. You need those lights to get attention so you don't go splat.

[@stacybaldwin3346]

Usually pipes aren't just about sound, they're about performance. Before pipes I would say intake, bars and seat are a respectable argument. Wind protection is leather, I will admit all three of my bikes have a windshield, one is a full dresser, the other two have windshields more for bugs than wind.

[@mikekeres7187]

Remove the turn signals ,straight bars,step up seat,remove floorboards, do a burnout

[@fredsottile528]

Sounds to me like Dude just needs a car.

[@kidmoto22]

Maybe before you make a blanket statement like that you have something that supports that comment. I’ve ridden close to 10k this year: across the middle of America twice, and attended two major motorcycle events. I’m part of a group of five people who have a weekly motorcycle podcast that is one of the most popular in the country. We built a David Mann inspired custom chopper that we’re selling tickets for to donate the proceeds to an autism charity. We also host our own annual motorcycle event. So DUDE just needs a car has a little skin in the game when it comes to opinions about motorcycle mods. Thanks for the view it’s much appreciated.

[@gregduncan1001]

great video, seat before bars so you know.

[@dustinyoung7458]

Definitely no on the windshield or faring ..I ride pretty much 365 35k on a slow yr 57k was the most I’ve done ..also if you going to change the exhaust or intake it should be done FIRST the reason is Harleys are lean from the factory and should be tuned changing your exhaust it will run more lean change your exhaust and intake tune it and go from there …if you want to keep the stock exhaust and intake get it tuned

[@kidmoto22]

Dude…the whole point of the video was to talk about five things “I” think a rider should change before exhaust. While all the things you said are true I was making an argument for breaking the mold. You do you! You have to live in a warm weather place to crush those miles!

[@blg020]

Dude I'm with you. I can't enjoy my rides on the highway without a windshield. I'm mostly highway for my 45 minute commute and every time I decide not to use it I always regret it. I just remove it for around town riding now.

[@kidmoto22]

I love wind protection!

[@av8r6969]

Corbin seats!

[@ebar2010]

Can you list all of the companies you talked about?

[@brianrahuba6919]

Just protect your chest with your windscreen . If you're doing long hauling, full face is worth every penny .

[@user-pj7go6ie4u]

Comfort is essential, so is style 😅

[@kidmoto22]

This is so true!

[@RoysMotoVentures]

Some nice points.

[@MarvelousMaverick]

Bars are number one for me.

[@Elkslaya1]

Those mods just cost me 5 G’s and I haven’t done an exhaust or tune yet? How else can you save me some money?

[@kidmoto22]

I can send you a list if you like…🤣

[@ridethepace6005]

" we all really want that Harley sound ". If we did, wouldn't we leave it stock? 😅We want it to sound like it can sound, after defeating the EPA shackles.

[@HarleyFatBoyJr]

Great Share Fam!!

[@kenster007]

On my 72, the seat was gone first day. Garbage. I had one waiting on the workbench.

[@kidmoto22]

Stock seats are tricky. I found the stock touring seat to be pretty good however for a passenger it’s garbage.

[@tylerhubbell6410]

I think exhaust should be number 1 since drivers already use the excuse "I didn't see them".Only way you can try to make them see you is if they can hear you.Louder the better.

[@kidmoto22]

If you really want to change the sound and performance than a CAM is the way to go!

[@sonyou98]

My last road trip 6500 miles, 12 States and 74 days. 2010 Road King 96" with a cam and 15" windshield, LED headlight, saddlebags and luggage. That's it!! Had a great time. Tacoma, Sturgis, Texas, California - Tacoma WA! Author tell me your last long distance trip?

[@kidmoto22]

It was solo 8 days, 9 states, 4000 miles, temps from 30 degrees to 97 degrees and did a cam install in the middle of the trip. I live when my riding season is about 3-4 months and I average 10-12k per year.

[@HarleyFatBoyJr]

Some Great Points fam!!!

[@PaulsMotoZen]

Pretty close to what I would have guessed. 1. Seat 2. Bars 3. Windscreen 4. Lighting 5. Luggage

[@everettcalhoun8197]

And when you purchase a top tier motorcycle you should not have to take it apart and re engineer it.

[@snakebite6511]

I think the list is very subjective and also depends on the type of bike you have. I have 3, 2009 Rocker C, 2014 Dyna Wide Glide and 2021 Street Glide. I dont disagree with your statement but i dont think it applies to all Harley's 2021 Street Glide i left the bars because i like the position they are in, but i did all other mods and yes i put the heel shifter on. On my 2014 Wide Glide i did all of the recommendations including 16" apes, i didnt do the windscreen or foot controls as i prefer that bike without a windscreen 2009 Rocker C again no windscreen, but i did to a lift on the to bars and replaced the seat Lighting was done on all 3 but i would say they are must do's, I never ride at night but then again in the summer its 11pm when its get dark so no point but i did change all to LED signals and Harley Daymaker headlights except the 2021 Street Glide, i went with the adaptive Daymaker

[@kidmoto22]

Essentially the point I was going for is that there are comfort and practical mods that make sense before making the bike louder. As you list goes it would seem you did the mods to fit how you want to ride each bike! Mods are subjective for sure.

[@snakebite6511]

@@kidmoto22 Good video bud

[@daysofnoah1748]

Where I live there are thousands of animals crossing the road at all hours of the day. I used to have stock pipes on all my bikes, and was constantly having close calls nearly hitting animals. I eventually hit a large deer and it was terrible ! Ever since running headers, and louder after market pipes, I do not even see animals near the road. I believe for safety reasons the first thing you should change are pipes ! On my Heritage, the stock windshield was constantly catching the wind and blowing my bike all over my lane. I took it off and have never looked back. Its called wind therapy dude !

[@kidmoto22]

Sounds like you’ve done your mods based on where you live. As have I. I live where my riding season is short and can be quite cold so wind protection allows me to extend my riding season. In addition I like to do long road trips with my last trip this season being 9 states, 8 days and close to 4k in miles that means that wind protection helps with fatigue when I’m doing 500-600 mile days back to back.

[@ericrhinehart6055]

Yikes, our riding season is almost 365 days! Just park it if a hurricane is in the neighborhood for a day or at most two!@@kidmoto22

[@_XeroFX_]

None of the seats on a stock Harley are made at any Harley Davidson facility, nor by any Harley Davidson employee. So, it is NOT the “worst” job at Harley.

[@user-zo4ew9ey7l]

I think seat should be number 2. Then you can adjust your bars an foot controls

[@kidmoto22]

Picking a good seat sucks. Seems like if they look good they are shit to ride and if they ride nice they are shit to look at.

[@user-zo4ew9ey7l]

@kidmoto22 I I feel that once you find that proper seat, then you can start on handlebars. But finding that perfect seat is like finding a unicorn Lol

[@user-zo4ew9ey7l]

@kidmoto22 Very true on that. Got a 2017 road glide special. Want a low profile seat but also want something good for long rides, too.

[@user-zo4ew9ey7l]

Also, thinking of taking the old turn signals off and making them part of the head lights. Think a company has a set up like that,but want something brighter than the factory set

[@MattCassCook]

Great video. The fact Harley don’t make all these aspects of the bike high quality is just poor man. For the price their bikes run this stuff should be standard. Get ya shit together HD! 😂🤘🏻

[@voltron6049]

i really like the look for those hard lowers you have on your Road King. i've been looking into advan black in hopes their softail hard lowers would fit the sport glide but it's an expensive "maybe :shrug:

[@kidmoto22]

If you can find soft lowers it might be worth a try for a period of time to see if you like them. It’s more affordable and much easier to remove…good alternative.

[@voltron6049]

@@kidmoto22 yeah, im looking to get crash bars and soft lowers this season for my distance trips

[@kidmoto22]

@@voltron6049 It will make a huge difference. You might consider HWY pegs with the crash bar.

[@BM-uj7rt]

Exhaust way before foot controls. A louder exhaust is a safety too. People hear you and know you are there.

[@kidmoto22]

In this world of all the digital distractions does “loud pipes save lives matter”? I would argue that distracted driving has a much greater safety risk than loud pipes.

[@shoomapadoo1141]

would have been nice to see your bike here

[@brucegay4847]

J W Speaker head light !!!!!!

[@TheRealChetManley]

Nah man exhaust first thing lol. I don't do a lot of night riding...

[@Georgiajason]

I’m taking it you’re not an old school guy. There’s no “in order’ way to doing anything to your machine. If there’s a “first”, it’s ride the shit out of it and make adjustments/replacements as you see fit along the way. I have a 19 street glide and have been getting into this new stuff. But I still prefer my old Evo springer that beats my ass when I’m 80 mph+ while causing water to shoot out the sides of my eyes as I’m picking the bugs out of my teeth. It’s uncomfortable, it’s loud as fuck, it’s fast as hell and there’s only two lights on it. Old school shit, the way things should be experienced first! But that’s just me.

[@kidmoto22]

I’m not sure what you mean by “old school guy”. I’ve been riding on Harleys since I was about 8 in the early 80’s. If you follow me on IG you’ll see a pic on my mom and I 30 years apart on Harleys. If by old school you mean an older style bike then no I’m not that guy anymore. I like the comfort and reliability of the newer bikes and currently ride a 17 RKS. I prefer long trips and ride as much as possible 13k plus last year and I live close to the Canadian border so I have a shortened season.

[@edwardmoreno515]

Done,done,done,done and not done yet

[@billpeirce7127]

Should do the seat before the handle bars.😁👍

[@kidmoto22]

I think that is preference. If your getting a seat for quality then it might not matter. If your getting a seat that changes your position then it could matter.

[@RaySchrichte]

Awesome video. I did mine 1,3, 2, 5, 4. I've got a mix of Hog Workz and Ciro for lights. Mustang extended reach touring seat. 12" Factory 47 bars. Tall Boys floor board relocation kit, I'm 6'3" and a Freedom Shields 12.5" touring wind screen. I'm on a 2020 Street Glide Special. Keep up the great videos.

[@kidmoto22]

Looks like I nailed it for you exactly!!!!….👊🏼

[@chriszasada9756]

Found your channel and subbed , this video was spot on , your point on bars and seat, I sat on quite a few bikes before I found my Fat Bob, the forward controls and drag bar were perfect for me , same here on the seat, I demo-ed a few Harley seats and just couldn't find one that was good , ended up putting a full gel pad on top of the stock seat and it works so far , I can't risk spending hundreds of dollars on an aftermarket seat and have it not work for me

[@kidmoto22]

Seats are a complete mystery….what works for you may not work for me. There no universal seat.

[@KenPaisley]

I ride a 1979 FXS-80 I have no idea about the things you speak of.

[@almexx3638]

I have bought a screamin eagle II for my 2001 Sportster 1200. The Sound is amazing but too loud

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

Heel shifters are great. 2 up with the my ‘21 RGL the front fork springs are way too soft. The front end dives far to easily. So on mine they are next to swap

[@kidmoto22]

I know that suspension is definitely something I should have included!