Popular Harley Upgrades for a More Aggressive Look

Besides the distinctive V-twin rumble and old-school charm, Harleys are known for their personalisation options. Riders can change any factory part they don’t like or that doesn’t meet expectations in terms of power, looks and build quality. While most upgrades address power and aesthetics, additions that change handling or improve ride comfort, such as handlebars or tire and wheel combos, are often overlooked or left as an afterthought. 

Wide Tires

Several Harley models come standard with fat tires with widths of 240mm or more. The Fat Boy is the classic example, with tires growing in width with each subsequent model. The bike carries over this theme to the handlebars, forks and headlights for a big and aggressive look. The Breakthrough keeps the Fat Boy’s fat 240mm rear end, but rides on thinner 130mm fronts, which helps to accentuate the muscular rear even more. And while the Fat Bob doesn’t squarely fit the fat tire definition, the stock wheels can take hefty 200mm rubber with little or no modification. 

The bikes are chosen precisely for their distinct looks. This is one reason to go with Harley wide tire kits for models that aren’t exactly big-boned straight from the factory. Softails in production from 1991 through to the current models are prime candidates for an upgrade. With widths ranging between 130 and 1500mm, choosing fatter rear tires offers several benefits to unmodified Softails: 

• Increased traction: With a larger surface area greeting the road, fat tires offer more grip, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces. 
• More comfort: Wide tires cushion more road imperfections, meaning a smoother and more comfortable ride. Moreover, tires can be deflated to lower pressure to further enhance shock absorption. 
• Longevity: Decreased wear and better weight distribution result in tires that last longer. Better puncture resistance with stronger aftermarket rubber can also reduce the likelihood of a flat. 
• Increased load capacity: Consider a wide tire conversion if you’re frequently riding 2-up or carrying a lot of luggage. Bigger and wider tires understandably do better with more weight than thinner and standard-width tires. 

The main reason, though, is looks. More rubber emphasises the bike’s aggressive and muscular appearance, with a larger road footprint. Besides Harley fat tire kits, other required changes, such as bigger wheels, custom fenders or eye-catching exhausts, follow through with the “bigger is badder” aesthetic twist. 

Most changes are limited to the rear, though some riders will also change the front for a more seamless look. With that said, consider the disadvantages of going too wide. More weight and a wider profile can compromise maneuverability, with the bike becoming harder to handle and turn at low speeds. This though, is offset with more stability once at speed. A bigger tire will also result in higher rolling resistance, eating into fuel economy. Possibly not an issue if you’re riding a big tourer or cruiser. Most considerations revolve around the cost of added parts such as new swingarms, axles, spacers, brackets, mounting hardware and more costly changes to the primary drive, including belts, chains and gear upgrades. 

For die-hard Harley riders well versed in the modding scene, fitting Harley wide tire kits is just an extension of what the brand is all about – standing out from the crowd with a bike that’s truly your own. 

Handlebars

Aftermarket handlebars are another addition that pairs well with style changes, such as fat tire kits. Regardless of whether the stock bars are damaged, bent or not suitable for your riding position, there’s plenty on the aftermarket to consider as a more worthwhile alternative. New handlebars can offer an improved riding position in terms of hand and arm placement for more comfort on longer rides, as well as considerably less back, neck and shoulder fatigue in a posture that verges on pain. And if you’re buying second-hand, the stock bars might not work for you even if you like the styling. Either they’re too high and spaced out, or too close and narrow that they impede proper turning. For improved handling and easier access to the controls, look elsewhere. 

Aside from simple risers that add a few inches in overall height, riders can choose from dozens of aftermarket handlebar designs. Apehangers are chosen for their high and wide stance, with the bars sweeping back to accommodate hands and wrists and boost comfort. They’re a statement in style too, pairing with the whole big-bike aesthetic. Tone things down with slightly lower and narrower mini apes, assume a forward riding position with low-sitting drag and tracker handlebars, or up style with window, H-, T- and Z-bars. 

The main considerations when shopping for handlebars for your Harley are diameters, height and width. Sizing bars correctly means you’re comfortable at all speeds and can make steering adjustments on the fly. Diameters in stock bars average 1″, but there are 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ aftermarket versions if you’re after fatter bars with more presence. These sit well with other upgrades for a beefier look. Bear in mind that all bars thin out to 1″ in the clamping area, and so they will fit the factory clamps. 

Handlebar height or rise ranges between 0″ and 20″. For reduced fatigue, choose heights that level out with your shoulder height. Incremental changes can be done with risers if you want to retain the look of the stock bars. Similarly, widths should again be roughly that of your shoulders. This ensures easy maneuvering and the ability to keep the bike balanced at speed. For both parameters, full apehangers go high and wide, while T or window bars are inherently wider, but sit lower. 

Bodywork and Other Additions 

To accommodate tires in larger sizes, besides bigger wheels (in designs you like), consider aftermarket fenders. And to emphasise more rubber, go with shorter “tire huggers”. Of course, there are fenders in standard lengths and widths to cater to different tastes. Round out the looks with a custom LED turn signals and number plate brackets and a solo seat, and rework the wiring for the electrics. Simple additions that require only basic tools, but result in a great custom bike.