🚨5 things You need to know before Modifying/customizing Your Motorcycle What are the Pros & cons?

[@dawidos117]

Agree with you, Stu. Customizing is part of motorcycling.

[@johnfortes2171]

Most hobbies like golf,fishing etc. Are expensive but a bike is a usable hobby! You can travel with one!

[@colinmartin2921]

I believe that warranties are simply a get-out clause for dealerships, to avoid their responsibilities under the Sale of Goods Act. The latest scam is the warranty given on used cars, where the selling dealer buys a warranty that the new owner can use to get faults rectified at a repairer, thus evading responsibility. As for insurance, I have a bike that I have owned for 40 years and over the years it has evolved, but nothing major has been changed. I have been insured by the same company all those years, but this year I thought I would get a quote from another specialist classic insurance company, who wanted to know every change from standard; after listing them all, they refused to insure me!

[@nikoscosmos]

chances are the dealership will close down during any warranty period!

[@stevewalker2047]

Good morning Stu. Thanks for the information and thanks for brilliant channel. I have come to rely on the information that you give in your videos. You give an honest appraisal of parts and easy to follow instructions. I probably wouldn’t have fitted half the parts to my interceptor I have , if I hadn’t seen them in one of your videos. Please keep doing what you do. You’re a great source of information.

[@geraldscott4302]

I have owned around 40 bikes in my life so far, counting the 5 that I currently own. I have rarely ever modified a bike to make it perform better or be more comfortable. Only once did I replace the suspension on a bike, and that was a dirt bike. I prefer cruiser style motorcycles over anything else, my first brand new bike back in 1980 was a cruiser, and I have loved them ever since. I love the look, the comfort, the riding position, and the fact that you can carry a lot of stuff on them. And I have often added accessories to them to make it easier to carry stuff, like saddlebags, a tall backrest, a luggage rack, engine guards to install highway pegs on, etc. Otherwise I have found most of the ones I have owned to be just fine from the factory. They make excellent solo touring bikes, and I have ridden around a million miles in my life, most of them on the highway, and most of them on cruisers. All of my bikes are carbureted, all of them have bright shiny paint, lots of bright unfinished aluminum, and lots of chrome. Three of my bikes are shaft drive. Unfortunately this type of bike is no longer being made anymore, so I will have to keep what I have going, hopefully for the rest of my riding life. However, cars are a whole different matter. I am a classic/vintage car enthusiast, hot rodder, and amateur drag racer. Most of my cars are and have been from the 1950s through the 1970s. Carbureted non computerized pre emissions cars. Many of them have been extensively modified, I have even built a few from the ground up. Including the engines. I have to use older cars because most of the modifications I make would not be street legal on a newer emissions car. Many people also modify motorcycles in the same way. Especially Harley Davidsons. Many build Harley Davidson motorcycles from the ground up, like I do with older cars. And again, most of them have to use older bikes, because newer ones are basically unmodifiable. Unlike cars, there are no emissions standards for motorcycles here in the U.S. once they are sold. You can modify them anyway you want. But again, modifying new motorcycles the way traditional motorcycle are modified would be pretty much impossible. Manufacturers are locking the computers so they cannot even be tuned. They use CANbus electrical systems that only dealers have the knowledge and equipment to work on. They are basically disposable. A dealer will not work on a motorcycle that is more than 10 years old, even if they sold it new. And independent shops lake the knowledge and computerized diagnostic equipment to work on them. An old car or motorcycle can literally be kept going forever. Lots of 100 year old cars and motorcycles are still running, some in brand new condition. Yet new ones are basically worthless after 10 years. It would appear that we have a lot more leeway to modify both cars and motorcycles in the U.S. than most countries do. And due to a recent election, it looks like things are going to get even better. I used to know a guy who built choppers and bobbers out of old motorcycles, mostly Japanese. He would buy old non running bikes with titles. The VIN number is stamped into the steering head. He would literally cut the steering head off, build a completely different motorcycle around that steering head, and register it with the existing title, though it usually shared very few if any original parts with that bike beyond the steering head. Perfectly legal here.

[@Richard-r1x7d]

Well said, especially the election bit. Oh!: and all the other bits.

[@5glddogs]

As always, good, sensible advice! My 350 Classic I immediately took off the pillion seat, added crash bars; gonna do same with my Super Meteor! I’m thinking sidecar too! Keep up the great content!

[@peterwilson8797]

I've a Himilayan 450. Dog leg levers to ease the reach and a bigger adjustable screen on order. That's it. Dropped lucky everything else fits.

[@BobMan1952]

The way our governments force the manufacturers to detune them you have to modify them to get them to run properly

[@leswatson8563]

Morning Stewart. I don't think I've owned a motorbike without changing or adding something. Tiz the joy of making something yours. Speaking of which Hitchcock's delivered my new Hagon rear suspension. I hope to fit them this week. I will let you know if they are as good as everyone say they are. By the way. I thought I'd check with my insurance about this modification. Just send us photos I was told. Safe riding sir and see you in the next one - and roll on spring! 😊👍...

[@mattcc6603]

I'm surprised they asked for photos for such a usual modification. Many insurers have this as a non-notifyable modification. I have an XBR500 with over a dozen modifications, several parts made from scratch. Peter James were happy with just a list.

[@petemcclelland9067]

Great info as usual, thanks

[@captratty2167]

Thank you for the information on ‘smart’ ECUs. I am fitting after market pipes to my 2022 Guzzi V7 850 and am pleased to learn that it won’t need a re map. Of course there are people who would willingly flog you some electrickery trick kit if you didn’t know better. Just saved myself a few bucks!

[@stevematthews9209]

Hi Stuart. Regarding the insurance aspect. I was employed in the motor insurance industry and one reason underwriters want to know if the vehicle has been modified is due to theft, a modified vehicle especially one that has been modified to make it more aesthetically pleasing was statistically more likely to be stolen.

[@PC-eq8qy]

Hello from Portugal! I'm returning to motorcycles after a few years (20+-). Decided that's going to be an Interceptor, (hobby customization and sunday rides). Thanks for all your videos, they will help me so much. Congratulations!

[@richardyardley5127]

Great video as always Stu and I know why you cannot discus the legality of stripping out factory exhausts for 'lighter' options for example 🙂 As for mods in general, I think the most important things are to buy from a reputable manufacturer and as you say, keep the removed stock items safely tucked away.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Really good video that and perfect before the season starts and says it how it is!! Top job Stuart

[@DJPTEXAS]

We had a joke amongst the mechanics when I worked at a motorcycle dealership, " Stock is best " ! lol......

[@jameskeefe4797]

Thanks

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank You James!

[@Kaybe-i6f]

Totally agree!! I am lucky because I am at the time of life I can lavish on my Bullet 500 and lavish I do. As a dedicated motorcyclist of many years I have always fettled to some degree with my bikes and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. As far as I’m concerned it’s money we’ll spent 😊

[@kevinwheatley1097]

I decided to change the seat on my Scrambler 900 to a bench seat. It looked amazing but was uncomfortable. I took a hit selling it on but went back to the stock seat, which I prefer. At least I tried.

[@TheoldBiker-bi1ho]

Thank's for your video. Interresting thoughs about warrenty and modifications. Like your films and editing, take care. - The old Biker -

[@DavidSkidmore-e5t]

100% agree... one of the most popular bikes for all the right reasons the classic 350 ... didn't fit me probs long legs I didn't need change anything it just didn't fit me so I went back to another himalayan411... I'm not over 6ft either... atb...

[@Peter_Dixon91]

Great content Stuart Re insurance, both my wifw and I worked in the insurance industry and know how they can react when you have a claim and havent told then about modifications. I bought a T100 with Arrow exhausts on it and it ran dreadfully even with the Triumph Arrow map. I applied a TTP map which cured the problems with running. My insurers covered the upgrade at no charge because the overall hp increase was less than 10% over stock.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and some good information about nodding your motorcycle 😌👍🏻

[@MrJpb2000]

Great video Uncle Stu…even after owning my Interceptor for a few Years now, I’m still updating things to make it suited for me! 😅

[@nikoscosmos]

There are indeed social media scare mongers, but they are adequately complemented by the toddlers out there for whom the first action upon ordering a new bike is to seek groupthink guidance about must fit accessories. The advice is to ride the bike a bit and work out what you need and what you want to personaluse your pride and joy. Exceptionally some manufacturers leave out basic stuff but that said the humble mudsling is irrelevant if you never ride in the rain...and as you probably never ride at night either, a rear light is not supplied on a £20 k adventure bike, but what normal person would want one of those?

[@dynatube]

Sound advice and information as always on your channel 👍

[@kealanmcateer9690]

Enjoying this video, classic fillingham at its best

[@enfield7123]

I have a 2019 royal enfield intersepter Until the smile factor stops every time I go out on it then I would think of changing it .but I am still smiling Love my Enfield intersepter and I bolt things on the take them off 😂

[@brattonbiker6482]

Interesting video. I've been renewing my bike insurance and disclosed to the insurer that I have a non standard exhaust system. It does not have a cat fitted but still goes through an MOT as there is no emission test, nor does the test require a cat. Now, insurer says the exhaust is fine if it is legal for road use. I dare say when the bike was new, the law required it to have a cat, but what I struggle to understand is whether the exhaust is legal. What does that even mean? I don't think I'm committing a road traffic offence by running the bike as is and, as I say, it passes the MOT. But it seems a bit of a grey area to me.

[@vick8914]

your right in what you are saying 👍

[@steve00alt70]

Tail tidy is what im doing on mine iv had to do some wire cutting from the stock wire and modification to it for it to work. Improving the look of it only adds value to my chinese motorcycle. Tail tidy is the most common mods whenever they get a bike, so people know what to expect it when buying it.

[@pw601]

I aquired a bike where the PO had bought it new and then spent 2/3 of the purchase price on bling. Full Akraopovic exhaust system, Ohlins fully adjustable shock, special lowering linkage, Fat bars Pazzo levers, Mirrors, Power Commander, Solo seat conversion. Replacing the unused brake rotors with petal style ones. Replacement of multiple bolts with titanium ones. R&G crash bungs, bar ends. K&N Air filter. Front and rear paddock stands. I'm sure there's more. The bike was then ridden for about 700 miles and then abandoned in a shared garage. For 10 years. Despite being warned that the bike would deteriorate, petrol degradation etc, it remained unused. Every excuse under the sun, it's too cold, too hot, it's too wet, I haven't got anything to wear. The bikes too tall, it's not fast enough for traffic. Eventually a light fingered resident stole the Exhaust system and some other easily removed bits. If there is a point to this sad tale I suppose it's got to be that you shouldn't buy a bike and then throw a load more money at it thinking that by doing so it will become something far better than it is. Nobody else will look at it and admire how many aftermarket parts are on it.

[@pw601]

Forgot to add that he became a very prominent contributor to the forum for that particular bike.

[@annajeannettedixon2453]

well stuart I have a motorcycle that over 65 years old and all the standrad fitting are perfect for me and the thing is is very rare motorcycle has there only 12 in this country and not many built in the first place and this motorcycle is a icon of motorcycle and the value only gose up has there hard to find has they not sold in the country but was built here rare motorcycle I just love and when comes to riding her she rides like a dream as cumfortuble to ride long distant you can ride for hour and do it all again and its over 50bhp and a top speed of over 120mph and handel like it was on rails nothinghas be built since that can compare to this bike it stand alone for over 65 years

[@theodavies8754]

A motorcycle is a personal project. My basis for buying the platform pre owned. If it makes you happy it's right for you. If you don't like it, take it off or change it,buying the wrong machine from the start isn't something anyone should stick with. Most of us have bought the wrong platform at least once.

[@davidstancomb5380]

You don't have to customise... but I don't think I have ever had a bike where I haven't done something to ameliorate either ergonomics or functionality, or performance. I don't think I have ever done something purely for cosmetics. The one mod I have done to my F800ST is to fit a power commander to stop the lean fuelling. My RE Classic350 has the fuelX lite, DNA air filter, and de-cat pipe - the only other performance mods it will have are a Hitchcocks camshaft and Hagon shocks both of which I will be fitting (they arrived this morning). I have stumpy legs so although I can just about flatfoot it with the touring seats, I ordered the ones 20mm shorter which will give me 10mm of extra reach (which doesn't seem much, but hey!). I am delaying fitting those until I get the belt drive conversion kit - since if I am having the whole lot apart I may as well do it the once.

[@jefflambert8603]

On my Naked Street Bike the First Thing to Do was a Tail Tidy but that's more to Do with The Manufacturers Having to Comply with Legislation I think the E.U Legislators were Trying To Make a Law that you Could not Modify a Vehicle from Standard a while Ago...

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

Haha. I tend to drive a vehicle until the wheels fall off. I don't think of a vehicle as a financial investment. It's a personal mode of transportation.

[@PeterWW-W]

Moin, moin, Stuart. First time I do not agree with you, cars have the same big hole to popp money for mods in, trust me. Back to bikes, I agree with you. But did we not buy big bikes in the past and made additional modifications...? Now we go to smaller and lighter basis bikes and...change some parts. To be honest, when I think I am finished with that, I sell it. Costs money of course, but the most important thing is, my wife does not realize it....of course she knows, but....best girl.

[@nonsononessunooko4066]

going to try to put ape hangers on my classic 350 pray for me🙏🙏🙏

[@randyalt370]

New 350 Classic Goana has mini apes and a single seat. Just came out in India.

[@nonsononessunooko4066]

@randyalt370 i know but i cant buy that now🤣

[@BlakesPipes]

I know that this is not your doing, but YT has increased commercials on this video 7 interpretations plus the ones before and after video. 🤪 9 total

[@jameshill8498]

You're a lightweight when it comes to mods. My Sporty is maybe 50% original. Basically the bottom of the engine and front half of the frame are reasonably stock. Of course it's 2 decades old so warranties aren't much of a concern anymore. Lol

[@davidwills6477]

Excellent video Stu. Thank you. Answered a few questions people have been asking themselves.

[@Richard-r1x7d]

😀👍I’m a regular

[@sergemoreillon1236]

Thank you ! You are so gentle in fighting stupidity... 😉 A task even Dark Vador's Black Star ship wouldn't be enough to achieve🤣

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

Every word true .uncle stu.

[@mick998r]

You'll lose even more money buying an EV regarding depreciation..

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

Nobody wants to talk about that. The majority of those vehicles will quickly become E-waste. Environmentally unfriendly electronic waste that cannot be recycled.

[@NeenerPoops]

I had a pile of parts ready to install before I actually purchased the bike! I was paying cash, and I was scared that Id be walking around the showroom and not have the fortitude to buy the bike I had already decided that I wanted, so the pile of parts was there to ensure that I did not stray from my plan! Also, no wait to install the various farkle and go-fast stuff.