Fixing Skinny
Our testers talked a lot about what could and couldn't be changed on these bikes. We took our biggest complaints about the three machines and attempted to fix them with aftermarket components. Keep in mind that most of these products have never been tested by us, and we're going off past experiences with similar stuff. Also, be aware that any significant changes to a bike that do not use factory authorized parts could void some or all of your warranty.
V Star 950
The best of this bunch is also the hardest to "fix," if fixin's what you want. 'Skinnifying' the 950 would take some doing. We looked high and low and could not find any custom wheels to fit the V Star, never mind ones in different sizes. A custom wheel for another bike could be made to fit with custom spacers, but it likely wouldn't match the rear. We did, however find forward controls - if floorboards are just not your thing. Being the newest bike in this test, it was also the hardest to shop for outside the OEM catalog.
Sportster 883 Low
The Sportster is the biggest project here, so it's good that it's also got the lowest MSRP. Like most Harleys (especially ones that have been around for 50 years) there is a huge aftermarket for it. Shocks can be had for as little as $300; bars are always the cheapest and easiest thing to change on a bike if you keep cable length the same, and forward controls are available from H-D or a slew of other makers. The listings below are for convenience; all can be had in a number of trim levels.
Vulcan 900 Custom
Our big beef with the Vulcan was gearing, and apparently we're not alone. Scootworks makes a pair of overdrive sprockets that theoretically do not need a belt replacement to use. Just swapping either one will give about a 6% decrease in final drive ratio and rpm, while both together combine for 11.6%. Unlike the Star, you can get custom wheels (from several makers) for the 900 Custom, should you want to put a slightly beefier tire up front; plus with a disc rear wheel the need to match isn't as important.
Scootworks
www.scootworks.com
$180.00 VN900 FRONT Overdrive Pulley
$369.99 VN900 REAR Overdrive Pulley (Chrome)