TOP 5 Harley-Davidson Sportster Modifications!

[@DTCN1974]

Stage 1 is a must. I put a Roland Sands Turbine Air Breather, Vance and Hines Big Radius Exhaust and a Power Vision Tuner on my 48 and had it dyno tuned. I went from 63 HP and 72 Torque stock to 85 HP and 85 Torque! Amazing difference!

[@Paul20661]

SPORTSTER SQUAD

[@Sean_0109]

Whoohoo

[@MrTaterTot1823]

Yessir

[@jimburns4852]

You are spot on with your recommendations! I just got a 2001 sportster custom. Fortunately for me it all ready had the stage one kit and the torque this bike delivers feels like its gonna pull your arms out of their sockets. The two up seat it came with wasn't comfortable at all for my wife so I upgraded it to a thicker more plush seat which made things way more comfortable for her and I both. I have forward controls and factory drag bars and love them both. My Vance and Heinz exhaust sounds just like your exhaust. Just awesome! I put some heavy duty coil overs on mine and it gives me much better ride with far less bottoming out when riding two up than the factory suspension. You can't eliminate two up bottoming out without spending $700.00 on special shocks so the $300.00 shocks are a viable option. They don't eliminate two up bottoming but they greatly reduce it without costing you an arm and a leg. So thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience! I'd say you nailed what it takes to make a Sportster give you what you want from it. Listen to this guy folks! He knows from whence he speaks! Awesome audio in you vid btw. The music and the exhaust sound amazing brother!

[@MyDyerMaker]

Absolutely correct on the seat. I love Le Pera seats, especially when a deal is found on one.

[@BNatoAk]

My 2006 XL1200L came factory with forwards, literally came with those bars from previous owner. Got it with 9k miles and was meticulously cared for!! I feel so ergonomic on it!

[@Sean_0109]

Just got one so I can start riding with my dad and got it for $2200 they went half on it it’s a 2004 883 and only has 4500 miles not bad in my opinion rides good too

[@BofaDeez-qu5fe]

Welcome to the club brother 🤘

[@mikebarron5805]

I picked up a mostly stock '04 XLH 883 custom about 4 months ago for the $2200 shop bill it cost to put it back on the road. Apparently someone gave up trying to sell it and started parting it out. I wish they had sold the rear shocks. 😂

[@musclecarsdaily3020]

@@mikebarron5805 i just got my 2013 iron 883 for 5k with only 3700 miles

[@josephbessolo1904]

I just bought a 2015 883, 1.5 k miles

[@BrandonMartinMusic]

Just picked up a mint 2006 883 Low with 5500miles for 2k, with 4 HD helmets, HD windshield and an extra Mustang seat. Glad to be part of the Sportster family.

[@raybrensike42]

I bought a new Sportster back in '79, an XLCH. I remember having to run premium gas. Then I noticed a few years later that those that rode the big bikes or those who maybe wished they had a Harley, would say that it's not a real Harley. Maybe some had to do that. Maybe it was because they were getting left back at the stop light all the time. It's like the salesman at the Harley dealer who says that you are too big for that bike, when you are looking at a Sportster. He wants you to move up into the more than just a few thousand dollars more bikes that he has on the floor. So, I suppose after buying into that, many of them leave the dealership with their "big boy" bike, and then they get left at the stoplight, making lots of noise but not really going anywhere. Well, that's how I remember the old days. Then they downsized the Sportster and made it an 883, something I didn't understand at all. Maybe they did that so they could call it a "girl's" bike and move you unto the thousands of dollars more bikes and then you could leave the dealership on a "big boy's" bike. Sad thing that Harley is quitting the Sportster. I believe they were the best motors Harley ever made. Did they ever make a bad Sportster motor? Back in the AMF days it was only the big bikes that had a fresh oil puddle under them on the dealership floor. Never a Sportster. Mine never leaked anything, and nothing ever shook loose on it either. All just myths to me.

[@TonysGarage]

Grips are the first thing I swap out. Love sporty mods they are endless!

[@mchristr]

5. Dual discs if not already equipped 4. Stage 1 (2-into-1 pipe, air cleaner, tune) 3. Better seat 2. Longer fork tubes, shocks 1. Remove all the poser stuff (handlebars, etc.) from the previous owner

[@thedood2059]

Just recently got an 08 nightster, guy I bought it off of did the right things. 2-1 lowbrow custom exhaust, power commander 3, Arlen Ness air intake. I’ve recently added a tall af sissy bar, saddle men step up seat and burly 15 inch stilettos. Coming together real nice

[@Leonarco333]

Agree on the mods, but differ on the specifics. I’m going drag bars with rear sets, a two into one exhaust and a 1375cc big bore kit. Higher suspension and a headlight fairing to round it out. I’m a huge fan of the iron, though. I love it.

[@dazdncnfusd6447]

Best thing I did to my Sporty was shocks and springs. Cost me about $300, and was the best mod, except maybe the Daymaker. If I ever own a Sporty again, those will DEFINITELY be done. Shiny side up!

[@CraigSmith568]

I couldn't believe how much of a difference a seat made. Also the thing about the exhaust is it really made the bike sound like a Harley. I couldn't even hear my bike at highway speeds and the exhaust made it sound like a different bike. I prefer to have mids with highway pegs so you have two positions to put your feet.

[@johnoakes3106]

First thing I did on my '93 Sporty was put a 3.3 Gal. tank on it so I'd have some range. Done a lot of modifications since then but the tank is still on. Best other modification I did was convert back to a chain so I could get the gearing I wanted.

[@paulwrighton5236]

First thing I’ve always done it is the exhaust

[@chadhanebrink8009]

I bought a 2022 Iron 883 three weeks ago. Drive it 50 miles home from the dealership. When I waddled inside I immediately order a sundowner seat from H-D

[@ImAlwaysHungry]

I have the Further Forward Mid Controls on my Forty-Eight. I love em. I can definitely flip the bike around better with those than the forwards that came on mine. Forwards are more difficult to get your rear off the seat when a big bump is eminent.

[@dreyn7780]

It’s called corner exist speed. You get so much power out of corners at high cornering speeds you MUST lean forward to compensate. Traction exists and you want to maximise your bikes launch capabilities.

[@theguy106]

@mattyd how tall are you?

[@ImAlwaysHungry]

@@theguy106 5'5'.

[@brando8612]

Taking my msf course Monday super stoked 👍🏽

[@Hogie_GT]

Progressive suspension (Front & Rear) Mustang saddle seat (I put a solo on mine) Screamin' Eagle 2 air cleaner upgrade (computer fuel injection tune needed - not hard to do. I use a Super Tuner)) Vance & Hines exhaust (I put the "Twin Slash" on my XL1200) Mine came with cafe style bars so, I put on buckhorns so I sit upright now (I hate being forward laying on the tank!) I made mine look "Old School" Bike came with forward controls which I like. I got the XL1200 due to it having taller gearing in the tranny than the 883. It cruises at 65 while on the freeway and revs are lower

[@harleydave2316]

Gotta love that 5 speed on the interstate. RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! Haha

[@dreyn7780]

Refer to it as OVERDRIVE GEARS, so people can understand.

[@russcoaus2043]

Been watching you for ages keep the good work up all the way from Aussie

[@camofirefly]

these are the vids i enjoy man. Would love to see more build vid too. I don't even have a bike licence but love your vids.

[@peytonfindlayyy]

i’m 15 and i was looking at sportster’s because i grew up on the sportster 1200’s and you can get an older one for around 3 grand and i can agree on the seat some of those stock seats will numb your ass up so quick it’s like a stock yamaha fz09 seat you just get out of your driveway and need to get off

[@KemDIY]

For any new sportster owners who realize the suspension is super stiff, a common mistake is to adjust the suspension to the softest setting. Unfortunately if it’s too soft for your weight it will bottom out making it feel even stiffer. But some people don’t realize it’s bottoming out. So if you want new suspension but can’t afford it, at least make sure it’s adjusted to your weight. What block described is real. It hurts when bottoming out!

[@GixxerFoo]

Lol guilty! I did that when I first bought mine, 2016 and new models have a much improved suspension package though too!

[@WhackBytch256]

One of the main roads has some ridges from joints that would launch the rear wheel up and slam your spine if the preload wasn't strong enough. Serious jolts that did some damage I still feel after two years.

[@austin4357]

It's a sportster with mid controlls just stand up a little bit before u hit the bump basic riding knowledge 101

[@KemDIY]

@@austin4357 have you ridden one? You shouldn’t have to stand up for basic bumps. The suspension is terrible on these but the point is at least make sure it’s setup right. I grew up dirt bike riding so am used to standing. But on my sportster it was a bit harder with forward controls but I still did it for the big bumps I could see coming.

[@austin4357]

@@KemDIY I own one and have ridden quite a few different ones I have stock hd suspension too but I will say mine has mids so it makes it a bit easier to stand up and I'm not saying the suspension is perfect but I ride shit road to work every day and have never had an actual problem with the suspension I mean it's a bike if u want to ride on air get a Cadillac lol

[@Kyle-ue5uj]

Smart to go ergo/comfort first - I would drop a fairing or windshield before stage 1 as well

[@parkersgarage4216]

I just recently purchased my first bike which is a 09 sportster 1200 custom. I completely get it now w harleys. I have mini apes on mine and I love them super comfortable. I picked the custom due to the 4.5 gal tank. I like to not stop at every gas station. My favorite look is the 48 by far. I didn’t think I’d like the mini apes but boy are they comfortable. Mine came w the joker speedo relocation kit. I don’t understand why they wanted the speedo there. I’m used to it cause I don’t know any different though. Mine came w a stage 1 kit on it already.

[@jasonconaway69]

Took me 3 seats to find one that didn't kill my tailbone. Had a Springer and the Biltwell solo. Wound up getting a wider mustang seat. Much better.

[@joglockaguinaga8229]

looks like $hit tho..

[@CactusJack252]

@@joglockaguinaga8229 can't see it when you are on it.

[@jasonconaway69]

@@joglockaguinaga8229 Gonna have to look that way. I couldn't ride more than 30 min.

[@sportsterrider2087]

Agree with all, one more that I would recommend is I went up 2 teeth on front pulley of the final drive for friendly freeway riding.

[@dreyn7780]

Yuck! Ever heard of going round and round in circles? Rolling starts? Lap times performance? This vid maker is NO bike maker. It’s not even professional bike maker. Just a gossiping idiot.

[@rozzbourn3653]

i bought a used sporty that has an exhaust, air box, seat, and forward controls. i added a HD digital gauge and plan on going with a 31 or 32 tooth front sprocket, 13" shocks and a clear windshield. this is to make it better on the highway. later i plan on doing the 1275 kit, but for now i dont find it lacking.

[@johnelaschat2462]

I have an iron 1200, im 6'2 and love mid controls. I grew up ridin dirtbikes and cant get myself to be in that more relaxed position lol

[@CalebHoss37804]

I’ve got the 2020 Iron 1200. I like the feel of the mid controls, feeling sporty and using it mainly for commuting. But at 6’0”, I’m definitely going with HD’s “More Forward” mid controls. Moves it up 3”. Have a different bike for the longer trips.

[@pacmaninchains]

I just did a 200+ mile from Malibu to Riverside on my 2020 883, the seat sapped so much enjoyment out of the ride. The thing is, I love the look of the seat; so I might look into re-upholstering

[@grantgranberry1202]

I feel like the best motorcycle channels are all based in Florida. Might have to move there no cappo

[@SouthTXhooligan]

Hey blockhead you are right about the new bike with adjustable suspension i just got a 2020 iron 1200 i love the suspension and the seat isn't all that bad at all

[@scottrubie6826]

Johnathan Strain yeah man I have a 2018 iron1200 and same bloody awesome bike. Stage 1 freedom performance 2 pipe large bore black with black end caps and screaming eagle air goes absolutely awesome. Rear suspension would be next if I wasn’t selling it. In Australia 🇦🇺

[@dionreload]

Video starts at 2:18

[@therealjeffboomhauer4528]

God bless you.

[@venom2v434]

What’s the videos without his fire ass intros😂

[@davidwhite5529]

I put a two up seat Drag Specialty on my 2020 Harley Davidson 1200 Iron. It makes a big difference on comfort and looks.

[@thetoast659]

I dig it. Thanks for sharing as always, Block!

[@IamPAYSO]

Safety, comfort, performance, aesthetics. Thats how I prioritize my mods. I make sure I buy the things I would need to make me safer, by that I mean things like LED lighting so that I can be seen better and see better, seats and bars so my ride is more comfortable, then I worry about stage 1/2/3/4 purchases. Once thats all done then I will consider things like paint, and other aesthetics. Edit: I just got to the part where you mentioned your forward controls. I have an extra set for a 2016 Forty Eight, and I have been looking to try some mods. Would you be interested in a swap if they are compatible?

[@davehowie03]

Gratz on closing on the house.

[@marcaeopteryx1528]

When I get my first bike I will definitely get a Sportster

[@GixxerFoo]

You'll love it, I used to be a huge Harley hater when I rode sport bikes. I bought a Sportster and I love it, my wife even ended up getting a Sportster 48 and loving it.

[@seanthegeetarplayerlive5246]

I love mine I haven’t done much but it’s pretty different from what it was

[@OooO_952]

new subscriber here..love the video of harley davidson softail review..

[@ryrider5733]

Congratulations on your new home, made I will see you at the distinguished gentleman’s ride this month.

[@brianminkc]

I like the Sporty. The ones around 2000 with the carberator... old school Harley. Love em.

[@Cali2FRESH1]

I seen MODS! I had to click. 🤙

[@dreyn7780]

Tuning is better. Sports bike for freeways? Yuck! Sports bikes are for corners. Fact is fact. The vid makers is unwise.

[@brayangarcia6466]

Dreyn 77 elaborate? I’m interest, bout to buy a 1200 today

[@dreyn7780]

@@brayangarcia6466 the bikes are tuned to a purpose out of the factory. All you do after that is fine tune. You don’t reverse the tuning from the factory and grossly tune the sports bike to become a cruiser. The fast revving motor won’t behave for you. It’s always gonna rev too fast. You’re already spending double on an assisting cylinder on the motor. The bikes are all OVER ENGINEERED. They get tuned down so you can get around corners. Brakes get tuned also. You tune the brake power down, to get fine braking not gross braking. You can’t have fine braking for freeway driving. People forget about tuning. Everything on the bike has been tuned. The paint. The chrome, etc...

[@joglockaguinaga8229]

I agree done all of them except bars

[@dennisleslie]

I have a 2019 Iron 883. My son has a 2007 Nightster 1200. I am 5'7" and he is 6'0". He has mid controls on his and I have forward on mine. I don't like his mid controls because I feel like I am eating my knees, and he doesn't like my forwards. The only real complaint about my 883 is I hate the stock seat. After about 20-30 mins I start getting sore.

[@MrKellyak47]

Thinking about 8" z bars. Love the look.

[@chrisautrey5051]

First thing i did to mine was forward controls.

[@dustyndickey7625]

I’m 5’2 and I prefer forward control as well

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Bottoming out bikes sucks man, it's why the first thing I changed on the Magna was the rear suspension. Well that and brakes....cus yano....death and such. I want to do bars on it at some stage - it's just a lot harder to get parts for an 87 Super Magna :P Great video as always....I'll get a harley at some stage and it'll be your fault.

[@robbyclark6915]

Yammie noob says the stock 883 is basically “unrideable “ without replacing the suspension and the controls first.........and brakes and tires and grips and handlebars and seat and exhaust and pegs and engine and bike. He’s just mad that the sporty is still hugely popular even though he keeps telling everyone how much it sucks!

[@Paul20661]

Looking forward for that ride with the sportsters

[@DaudNusa]

This video convinced me that the XMAX 300 is the right choice for city commuting.

[@RossMalagarie]

BLOCKHEAD you were talking about possible trading you FXDR for something else? If you are keeping 2 bikes keep the Sportster for in town and a Heritage Classic for long trips. But if you want one bike to do both I would get the Breakout and throw quick disconnect bags and quick disconnect windshield. That way you get the great looks of a Breakout and with the bags and shield you can go long distances with storage and wind/rain blocking.

[@christopherbuchwalter1674]

Just know that with the V&H FP3 once installed it will void your factory warranty if you still have one.

[@MrNosajwhitey]

I'll be getting the suspension sorted or upgraded to avoid accordion back lol asap

[@dreyn7780]

Don’t you tune either? Suspension tuning is actually adjusting a time delay effect. Twist the throttle and notice how long it takes before the bike actually takes off. You adjust suspension to speed up the take off time delay or slow down the take off time delay. You DON’T adjust suspension for ride comfort on a racing sports bike. Buy the appropriate bike!

[@ervinbutuk6766]

Harley TAX joke gets me every time 🤣

[@renerodriguez6300]

Handle bars r cool.. im.think8ng that blacked out pipes and intake

[@Blort440]

That Sundowner seat is freaking awesome. It just looks like an old grampa seat on a sporty, but i don't care....lol

[@shotgunswin2785]

Blort440 I have that seat on my 48 special

[@AdaMoto83]

Great advice. Just question tho, what’s the advantage of the coil relocation or is it just a looks thing? Keep up the good work bro

[@glenpope4955]

Less distance in-between the coils and plugs meaning a little bit hotter of spark. Overall make the bike a bit more efficient

[@GixxerFoo]

It also opens up the area of above the cylinders for a bit more air flow, also convenient if you get the coil relocate kit that moves the ignition too. That way you don't have to reach over the tank way up on the right side of the bike. Something I need to get done on my Sportsters too lol.

[@AdaMoto83]

Cheers guys. Both make sense. 👌🏾👍🏾

[@NightWolffff]

Just picked up my ‘95 883 with a DynaGlyde tank; not bad for a first bike! Might be jumping the gun with mods tho lmfao

[@liamjay6181]

Bro I had a sportster about a month ago and I traded it in for a Triumph Street Triple R and it’s the worst thing I’ve ever done my whole life... I regret doing something so dumb like that... Now I hate riding a motorcycle because of it but I’m in the process of getting a Triumph Bobber 🤔

[@renerodriguez6300]

Stay away from.them euro bikes man!

[@greggeorge6081]

Are we not going to talk about the floating truck at 8:10?

[@IlllIlIIllllIllIIIlIllI]

5:47 Real quick, as a truck driver and motorcycle rider, NEVER pass trucks on the right side. We can't see motorcycles for shit when they get on our right

[@peternorton5648]

I’d second that thought. It’s definitely harder to see you coming up the right side. Heck some of these Aholes on the sport bikes doing 100+mph can be a bit of a surprise no matter which side they’re passing on.

[@svensharpsword9837]

I may not be first I may not be last but one things for sure I clicked real fast

[@keithfox9899]

Best upgrade and was free for my sportster superlow was i lost 4st or 56lb or 25kg best suspension kit best stage tune ....lol

[@guffinator70]

I love the look of the drag bars on my 48, but they make my back hurt, so it's a Z for me.

[@Alex__palumbo]

Which handlebars do you have on your sporty in this video? i love the shape and height of them.

[@athenawhitley9508]

They're good ole Z bars.

[@superduty131]

Watch video @7:40

[@Brandenburg008]

As I'm watching this I am reminded of the time you drove through that water hose thing at that truck stop😂😎👍

[@BigTruckRacing]

Very informative information for those who have a ride and aren't sure what mods to do with their bikes, I'm currently closing a deal with the Electra Glide Standard and I'm not sure if I should put a stage 1 on it or leave it stock. Any thoughts on this ?

[@robbywood9652]

Looking to get something other than a dual sport finally. Thinking the 883 might be for me but I’m doing my research

[@larryblevins3031]

Take a vacation with Ms, Blockhead and relax and do not show us the vids .Great job as always

[@davesleyer9393]

I see the blockhead stickers all over Seminole Harley... when the hell do I get one?

[@thomasnathanalbina51]

Question whats your handle bar love it.

[@emersonreyes9724]

Being a Filipino ( in which our country was colonized by Spaniards for 4 centuries) 'kamusta' means how you doing... Feels very pleasant when blockhead said it... Hahahah I New I'm late on this but new subscriber here... Also planning to buy 883!!!

[@ronaldberari8241]

What kind of handlebars are those?

[@garrethinze9738]

Any suggestions on a cheaper tuner than the fp3??

[@ericricard473]

Any videos you'd recommend on the forward controls install? Loved your tank lift and wire tuck video.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Just recorded installing forwards on mine, so I’ll have one up in the next week or two 👍🏼

[@williamferrell1277]

Did you have any trouble bleeding the front brakes after you change 2 12 inch apes ???

[@seanthegeetarplayerlive5246]

I wonder if a la Pera bare bones with the diamond stitch would work on my older 2004 883 sportster

[@kylebennett8813]

Hey man I’m in Florida too bro not far from Orlando at all and I got a sportster let’s ride sometime !!

[@charlesl7385]

I'm brom brevard county just got a 2021 883 !!!

[@kylebennett8813]

@@charlesl7385 hell yeah man I’m down to ride whenever Hmu!!

[@kylebennett8813]

I stay over in Daytona

[@thefortniteteller6300]

I have a question. My best friend is about to let me learn how to ride a bike on his 2001 883 sportster. I obviously told him to let me ride on grass In case I tip her over, or fall off ‘knock on wood.’ Are there any tips you guys could give me before attempting to learn riding a bike? Don’t worry about being too critical, I appreciate any tips/criticisms I could get so I could learn safely. Thank you boys!

[@shotgunswin2785]

I got the sundowner seat for my 48 special

[@pattyd8340]

Just the video I was looking for, thanks blockhead

[@joetoronto6396]

I would put a disclaimer like modify to your own risk Changing the integrity of various mechanical or electronic architectures will affect how the bikes handle the theory might be different and bring a condition that you did not expect in the practice I like the floor board the suspension should be adjusted according to the rider weight, which may require few rides and you can switch from 93 to lower octane to change your computer calculation

[@alexandertait7508]

What year is your harley davidson sportster iron 883 . Can you send a picture of it. I ride a harley davidson sportster custom 883 2009

[@Ldog2016]

What fuel do I run in my 04 1200 custom

[@brianwillride3176]

Timely post as always man, as I am on the fence right now on an Iron 1200. Is the Vance and Hines tuner significantly better than the SE? I have to do some research.

[@JohnnyBarker-z1f]

Hi my name Mr.B I have a 1200custom. Can I put a pair of 883 heads on my 1200 ?

[@luisserrato9715]

Hey BLOCKHEAD, thinking of buying a new iron 883 for my first bike. Commute 10 mins town and 30 mins on the interstate (I-10) in California. Traffic is usually 70 - 85mph... Would the 883 take 30 minutes 80mph stock or would you recommend exhaust, intake and tune in order to achieve that 5 days a week. Total of 80 mins round trip. Would truly appreciate the response. Care more about it withstanding it daily and cruising it than beating bigger bikes 😂 just a commuter. Thank you! Keep up the great vids bro!

[@sufiansha5952]

Whats the handlebar brand and specs in this video?

[@JoseRamos-wo5lz]

If I want to change bars what's the height where I can still use the stock cables?

[@qclark12]

What kind of bars are those?

[@maxflore1289]

Yo guys I’m so confused, if I’m going let’s say 45 mph on a Harley (not braking) do I need to pull in clutch if I’m not using the throttle? Will it stall out?

[@jimbartosevich498]

No it won't stall. If you get off the throttle at 45 it'll just slow the bike down. You should be able to feel when it's time to downshift.

[@RomanVideos1]

The exhaust that goes with this bike also goes with superlow 883 ?

[@robertlee8042]

How do you record without the roar of wind?

[@dublion7]

4th Gear floorin' it! Lol... I love my Sportster...

[@patmanwainwright3423]

hey Blockhead quick question dose the FP3 have a factory reset or restore? because a lot of electronic stuff that marries to things can be used again if it is reset anyway it might not but they do tend to keep these things on the down low cause they sell more that way anyway mate have a good one and hope your move all goes well

[@GixxerFoo]

It does not, I wish it did. Once you flash a bike the FP3 can't be reset to tune another motorcycle, I'm sure Vance and Hines can do it lol. I am willing to be someone with enough knowledge could clear the married VIN number off the FP3. There used to be a few guys out there that had websites doing that with used Screamin Eagle Super Tuners and reselling them.

[@patmanwainwright3423]

@@GixxerFoo thanks mate

[@roboindy]

Hey Blockhead, I just picked up a 2021 Iron 883. What seat would you recommend?

[@robbywohlers903]

I live so close to you that I recognize the groves in road