10 Upgrades to Make to Your Harley-Davidson

10 Popular Ways to Customize Your Harley-Davidson

You buy a Harley-Davidson. But more than anything, you make it your own.

Just take a look at the bikes parked at any motorcycle rally. Even when two riders start out with the same model, chances are their bikes won’t look the same a few months down the road.

And that’s part of the Harley-Davidson experience.

Customizing your motorcycle doesn’t mean you have to transform it from top to bottom. Sometimes, a few carefully chosen upgrades are all it takes to improve comfort, add character, or simply create a look that feels more like you.

Just bought your Harley-Davidson and wondering where to start?

Here are 10 popular upgrades to consider to make your Harley… YOUR Harley.

1. Exhaust: Sound, Style and Character

Let’s start with a classic.

For many riders, the exhaust system is one of the first upgrades they consider. Why? Because it can transform both the look and personality of a motorcycle.

Depending on the system you choose, you may be looking for a more distinctive sound, a more aggressive style, a black or chrome finish, or an exhaust system that’s part of a larger performance project.

Keep in mind that not all exhaust modifications are created equal, and applicable noise and emissions regulations must always be respected.

Léo Tip: Before choosing with your ears alone, tell us about your bike and what you’re looking to achieve. Our team can help guide you toward a setup that fits your needs.

2. Handlebars: More Than Just Looks

Handlebars can completely change the silhouette of a Harley-Davidson… and your riding position.

Higher, lower, wider or closer to the rider, the right handlebars depend as much on your personal style as they do on your body type.

The position of your arms, your reach to the controls and your overall posture can have a major impact on comfort, especially during long days on the road.

Changing your handlebars may also require additional adjustments or components, so it’s always a good idea to consider the entire setup before getting started.

3. The Seat: Your Backside Will Thank You!

Let’s face it: a great-looking motorcycle is one thing.

A great-looking motorcycle you can comfortably ride for hours is even better.

The seat is one of the main points of contact between you and your motorcycle. Some seats can bring the rider closer to the controls or slightly change riding height and position, while others are designed with long-distance comfort in mind.

Solo, two-up, touring, low-profile, with a backrest…

The best seat isn’t necessarily the one that looks best on the shelf. It’s the one that works best for the way you ride.

And your passenger will probably appreciate the upgrade too!

4. Controls and Footpegs: Find YOUR Riding Position

Your hands, your backside… and your feet.

Motorcycle ergonomics are largely based on these three points of contact.

Changing your foot controls, adding highway pegs or adjusting their position can help create a much more natural riding position.

This can be especially beneficial for taller or shorter riders, as well as anyone who spends a lot of time in the saddle.

Your Harley-Davidson should adapt to you, not the other way around.

5. Heated Grips: Extend Your Riding Season!

Here in Quebec, we know the first beautiful days of spring can still be chilly… and those last fall rides can be even colder!

Heated grips are one of those accessories that may seem like a luxury — until you try them.

They help keep your hands more comfortable when temperatures drop and can make a real difference on early-morning departures, cool evenings, and especially at the beginning and end of the riding season.

And when you know how much every week of riding season matters in Quebec, a little extra warmth in your hands can go a long way.

Léo Tip: Don’t wait until the first cold ride to start thinking about heated grips. Ask about compatible options during your next service appointment, while planning another customization project, or even while your motorcycle is in winter storage.

After all, our riding season is already short enough. You might as well enjoy every last kilometre!

6. Suspension: You May Not See the Upgrade, But You’ll Feel It

When we talk about customization, we often think about looks.

But some of the best upgrades are the ones you feel from the very first kilometres.

A suspension setup suited to the rider, their weight, riding style and how the motorcycle is used can make an important difference in comfort and handling.

Do you often ride two-up? Travel with luggage? Looking for more comfort on our beautiful Quebec roads… which sometimes have a little too much “personality”?

It’s definitely worth talking about.

7. Lighting: See and Be Seen

Lighting is an upgrade that perfectly combines style and function.

Upgrading to certain LED lighting systems or adding auxiliary lighting can improve visibility while giving your motorcycle a different look.

Turn signals, headlights and other lighting components can also contribute to the overall appearance of your build.

Because when it comes to customizing your Harley-Davidson, the details matter.

8. Audio: Your Soundtrack on Two Wheels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXBetpPrqik

For riders with motorcycles equipped with an audio system, the listening experience can be customized too.

Speakers, amplifiers and other components can enhance your audio experience depending on your motorcycle and its existing equipment.

Because some days, the sound of the engine is all you need…

And other days, your road-trip playlist needs to come along for the ride.

9. Style: Chrome, Black, Wheels and the Little Details

This is where your personality really comes into play.

Some riders love chrome. Others want to eliminate almost everything that shines. Some are after a performance-inspired look, a touring setup, club style or something completely custom.

Grips, levers, mirrors, wheels, engine trim, finishing accessories, paint…

A collection of small details can completely transform the appearance of a motorcycle.

There’s no single right way to customize a Harley-Davidson. There’s your way.

10. Performance: When You Want a Little More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrI9jiY3T3c

For some riders, customization eventually makes its way beneath the fuel tank.

Intake, exhaust and various Screamin’ Eagle® performance upgrades can all be part of a project designed to change the performance characteristics of certain Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

And when you want to see what your motorcycle is really putting down, a run on our Dyno allows us to measure horsepower and torque directly at the rear wheel and help optimize your bike’s performance.

Component compatibility, calibration, how you use your motorcycle, applicable regulations and the results you’re looking for should all be considered when planning a performance project.

The best modification isn’t necessarily the most expensive, the biggest or the one that turns the most heads.

It’s the one that makes you love your motorcycle even more.

And remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. For many owners, customizing a Harley-Davidson becomes an ongoing project that evolves over the years and kilometres.

You ride.

You discover what you love.

You figure out what you’d like to improve.

And your motorcycle evolves with you.

Have a Project in Mind?

Stop by and talk to our Parts and Service teams at Léo Harley-Davidson in Brossard. Bring your motorcycle — or simply bring us your idea.

Whether your priority is comfort, style, sound, touring or performance, our team can help you build a project that fits your motorcycle and the way you ride.

Because at the end of the day, a Harley-Davidson shouldn’t just have your name on the paperwork.

It should look and feel like yours.