Off Duty, Automotive - Army Times

Two-wheel tweaks

“One of a kind” doesn’t come cheap.

If you’re looking for a hot, custom-built motorcycle sure to turn heads at every stoplight, it’ll cost you big — in time, money or both.

But that doesn’t mean you have to roll on the same two wheels as everyone else. If you’ve got some extra cash or a few hours you can spare over a weekend, you can give your bike the custom look without the custom cost.

Here are a few prime upgrade targets to consider, along with some tips on what it’ll cost you in time and money to get there:

1. Seat

Why change it? Whether your ride is a sport bike or a cruiser, the stock saddle often leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to shape or padding. And since few dealers will let you test-drive a new bike for an hour or more, you won’t know that you hate that seat until after your name is on the title.

There are plenty of options in terms of shape, covers, patterns, trim and padding. You could go with a two-person seat, a seat with a built-in backrest or a sleek “gunfighter” style saddle if you’re a sport-bike rider.

Price: Typically $200 to $400 for a new seat; upgrading an existing seat runs about $100 for padding and a new cover, plus another $100 or so for an upholstery shop to do the work.

Can you do it? A new seat can be installed in your driveway, since it bolts on in place of the original. Re-covering a seat isn’t a job for amateurs — it’s best to leave that to the pros.

Where to shop: Corbin (http://www.corbin.com) is one of the best-known and most highly regarded names in custom seats. Dennis Kirk (http://www.denniskirk.com) carries custom seat covers.

2. Handlebars and risers

Why change them? Handlebars play a role in whether you’re comfortable with how the bike fits. Risers lift the handlebars from their mounting point anywhere from 1 to 3 inches, which can improve the fit for a taller rider (or one with shorter arms). Replacing the handlebars themselves gives you the option of improving fit while also changing the look of the bike.

Price: Risers usually cost about $100; handlebars range from $75 to $200.

Can you do it? Risers can be installed in less than an hour with basic hand tools. Handlebars aren’t too complicated, either. It’s a matter of carefully removing things such as the grips, mounting brackets for the clutch reservoir and brake master cylinder, rear view mirrors and the like. The most challenging part is removing and replacing the right-side throttle/grip; be careful to keep the cables adjusted properly. If you’re not comfortable doing this kind of work yourself, it will probably cost you about $100 in labor charges at your local bike shop.

Where to shop: See http://www.scootworks.com and http://www.twistedthrottle.com.

3. Foot pegs and rearsets

Why change them? Sport bike riders sometimes like to alter the position of their bike’s foot pegs by using custom rearsets, especially on bikes that feature fairly conservative riding positions in stock condition. More aggressive rearsets give the bike a sportier, more tucked-in riding position — and more clearance during hard cornering.

Price: $400 and up, typically.

Can you do it? Don’t let the price tag scare you off. You can unbolt the existing gear and swap in the new parts with basic hand tools. If you can change a set of spark plugs, you should have no trouble installing a rearset.

Where to shop: See http://www.jdacustom.com and http://www.kneedraggers.com.

4. Exhaust system

Why change it? Factory exhaust systems are often heavy, restrictive and unattractive — or just too quiet. Bike manufacturers must build their cycles to meet noise and emission standards, just like car makers. Many states don’t require motorcycles to pass emissions tests, but some do, so be sure you do your research before you make any big changes.

You can replace the “can” — bike-speak for the muffler — or the entire system, which usually includes a header and main pipe and can. Stainless systems are durable and easy to keep clean, while titanium systems are the way to go if you’re trying to shave off some weight. Styles are limitless, offering plenty of options in both looks and sound. A performance system also reduces backpressure, increasing your engine’s output.

Be aware that you may need to “re-jet” your bike’s carburetors (or adjust the fuel injection system) to get the most out of an aftermarket exhaust system.

Price: The cost of a custom exhaust system varies from $200 on the low end for a can to replace the factory unit, to $1,000 and up for a system that includes a header, and one or more mid-pipes and cans.

Can you do it? Installing a can is pretty simple; a home mechanic can easily do the job in under an hour with basic hand tools. Full exhaust systems can be more challenging, especially on sport bikes, where the headers are sometimes hard to reach and many small parts are involved. Turning it over to a pro might be the ticket here. In that case, figure two to four hours of shop time and about $200 in labor costs.

Where to shop: Some of the big names in aftermarket exhaust systems include Vance & Hines, Kerker, Muzzy, Akrapovic, Yoshimura and Jardine. Dennis Kirk (http://www.denniskirk.com) has a huge selection.

5. Chrome plating

Why do it? Since body work can be pretty plain on most stock bikes, chrome plating is a quick way to give your ride a unique look. Bike owners often go with chrome engine case covers, clutch covers, wheels, or even just nuts and bolts.

Price: The cost of chrome plating has gone up considerably in recent years because of environmental restrictions on chrome-plating shops, but it’s still fairly cheap to do smaller parts. Figure roughly $75 to $100 for something like a clutch cover and maybe around $10 per bolt.

Can you do it? This is a job for your local bike shop. Turnaround time can be several weeks, so plan this kind of project for the winter off-season.

Where to shop: Many companies offer chrome-plating services; two worth checking out are Classic Components Chrome Plating (http://www.classiccomponents.com) and Nu-Chrome (http://www.nu-chrome.com).

6. Nuts and bolts

Why change them? This is an easy and inexpensive modification that adds to the good-looks factor of your ride. Aftermarket fasteners come in anodized, chrome-plated and hex-key styles, among others. You can buy individual bolts or a kit that includes everything you need to swap out all of your bike’s stock bolts.

Price: Depends on the bike and number of bolts involved. I replaced every original screw on my Kawasaki Kz900 with stainless hex-style fasteners for $75.

Can you do it? This one is definitely a driveway job — you can finish the work in less than an hour with basic hand tools.

Where to shop: Check out http://www.chromebolt.com and http://www.yoyodyneti.com.

7. Frame sliders

Why add them? Sport-bike riders use these aftermarket parts as a way to limit damage to their bike’s expensive and fragile alloy engine, cases and plastic in the event of a crash.

Price: Usually less than $150 for a pair, though the cost depends on the bike and type of slider you buy.

Can you do it? These are easy to install with basic hand tools, though some sport bikes with plastic fairings may require some cutting.

Where to shop: You’ll find a variety of options online at http://www.kneedraggers.com.

8. Spools

Why add them? These small fittings that attach to mounting points near the rear wheel axle allow you to raise and support the bike’s rear end with a special cradle for easy removal of the back wheel or servicing of the chain and sprocket.

Price: Expect to pay about $50.

Can you do it? This one’s easy — you simply screw the spools into threaded holes in the swing arm.

Where to shop: Check out http://www.twistedthrottle.com and http://www.kneedraggers.com.

9. Bags, bars and pegs

Why add them? If you have a cruising or touring bike, these add-ons — storage bags, sissy-bar back rests for passengers and highway peg foot rests — make long-haul drives more comfortable.

Price: Highway pegs and sissy-bars are usually available for $200 or less; hard-sided and soft-sided storage bags can get pricey. Expect to pay $1,000 or more for hard bags that match your bike’s color.

Can you do it? These are at-home installs that you can finish in an afternoon with basic hand tools.

Where to shop: Any major parts supplier will have a large selection of add-ons and bags. Large dealerships usually have items on display or can order them. Start by checking out your bike manufacturer’s Web site.

10. GPS unit

Why add one? A Global Positioning System unit is a popular addition for a touring bike. In fact, it can be more helpful on a bike than in a car since you don’t have a co-pilot to handle map-reading duty.

Price: Depending on what bells and whistles you want, prices for motorcycle-ready GPS units range from $500 to $1,000.

Can you do it? GPS units install quickly wherever you choose to put them on the bike.

Where to shop: Garmin (http://www.garmin.com) and TomTom (http://www.tomtom.com) offer motorcycle-specific GPS units.

Eric Peters is an automotive columnist who has covered the auto industry since 1992. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, among other publications.