Tips And Tech

Motorcycle Customizing Dos and Don'ts

Tips on customizing your bolt-ons, saddlebags/leather, wheels, bodywork, and paint

January 19, 2017

Customizing you bike is what makes your motorcycle yours, and sometimes you might end up getting intimidated with all the options out there. With all the bolt-ons, saddlebags/leather, tires, custom bodywork and paint jobs out there it could be a little intimidating. Here are some dos and don'ts for when you go to create your two-wheeled embodiment.

All that glitters is not chrome, but sometimes it may seem that way.Photography by Fran Kuhn

Bolt-On Dos and Don'ts:

Consider mixing different kinds of metal finishes. Chrome, polished aluminum and stainless steel all shine with slightly different tones.
Make sure the styles of the accessories are complementary.
Be careful when installing chrome parts, they scratch easily.
Wash and wax bolt-ons regularly.
Don't chrome everything, hiding ugly parts can be more effective.
Don't clean chrome with abrasive cleaners.

If it isn't shiny, perhaps it's leather.Photography by Fran Kuhn

Saddlebag/Leather Dos and Don'ts:

Make sure all leather accessories incorporate compatible styles.
Be sure throwover saddlebags are securely attached to the bike.
Remember that light-colored leather is more susceptible to the elements.
Periodically treat the leather with a high-quality conditioner.
Don't overload leather bags. Overladen fork bags can cause handling problems.
Don't allow bags to swing into the rear wheel.

Go for the nifty whitewalls or the rubber-band-on-a-big-wheel-look.Photography by Fran Kuhn

Wheels/Tires Dos and Don'ts:

Mount all wheel hardware before installing the tires to be sure everything will fit correctly.
Check with both wheel and tire manufacturers when performing non-standard installations.
Bleed brakes and bed in pads carefully.
Don't ignore a tire's recommended rim width.
Don't chrome the swept area of brake discs.

If you're tired of stock fenders then step up to custom bodywork.Photography by Fran Kuhn

Fender Dos and Don'ts:

Fit the bodywork before painting it.
Allow for rear suspension travel, particularly with oversized wheels and tires.
Since most bodywork arrives raw and unfinished, the time spent sanding will pay dividends when the parts are painted.
Don't forget to secure the wiring harness to the rear fender or frame rails.
Don't limit your imagination. If parts aren't available for a particular model, get creative and modify the stock bodywork or graft on another bike's fenders.

It isn't really a custom if it's still wearing factory paint. Spice it up a bit with a nice, new paint job.Photography by Fran Kuhn

Paint Dos and Don'ts:

Visit shops that specialize in motorcycles.
Ask to see a portfolio and finished bikes.
Select a painter whose style suits your own.
Ask about a warranty.
Don't select your painter based on price alone.
Don't trust a painter whose paint booth is dirty or dusty.
Don't use lacquers—fuel can damage them.