A great way to get more performance out of your motorcycle is by installing a Performance Air Cleaner. One choice with great performance and cool looks is the Kuryakyn Hypercharger. Kuryakyn has a great selection for every Harley Davidson motorcycle with variations for both Harley big twins and the XL Sportster. In addition to the Stock Carburetor or EFI the Hypercharger is available for motorcycles with the S&& E or G carburetor. Finishes include both black and chrome so they’ll look great on every bike.

One of the most popular models is the "Blood Groove" with two distinctive groves on the outer casing. An alternative to the "Blood Groove" is the "Pro series". With a 50% increase in filter size and it's internal shape the Hypercharger Pro Series increases air flow and velocity. This unit’s body measures a half inch wider than your typical hypercharger. Embossed bearing cups give the Pro series an aggressive look that will be sure to let everyone know you’re packing a few more horses. The Pro R Hypercharger offers increased air flow over the Pro Series with the addition of an additional air scoop. The unrestricted air from the vacuum operated front butterflies results in the highest performance in the Hypercharger line. Like all the Hyperchargers the Pro R comes with the mounting hardware but also includes a crankcase breather kit

Best of all, Kuryakyn hyperchargers are reasonably priced. The Blood Groove models start at $200 while the Pro-Series models begin at $235.

 

If you are looking for an easy way to fight off fatigue and lengthen your ride time then fitting your bike with a fairing or a windshield may be an option for you. Simply put, highway riding can be tiring with the constant pounding of the wind on your chest. Sure for short rides the wind in your face and the feeling of freedom you get without the windshield is great. At higher speeds there’s a greater degree of wind in your face than on a back road. Add in wind bursts from cars and the occasional passing semi-truck , and you start to feel like you’re in a tornado. If your bike isn’t outfitted with a windshield then you’ll feel like you’re fighting to stay upright the whole ride when on an open highway.

 

Luckily, there are many fairing and windshield options available. The best part is, many have a quick disconnecting mechanism, meaning you don’t have to make the fairing or windshield a permanent change. This is welcome news for those that aren’t crazy about the dresser/touring look but need the functionality. In fact, Memphis Shades has a trigger lock mounting system that allows for windshield removal without the need for tools.

Of course, many riders do like the look of glass on their bike and are simply looking to replace their OEM shield with one that’s more to their liking. In that case, Memphis Shades offers options in four different heights along with 7 different gradient colors. These shields are specifically made to fit Harley-Davidson models so there’s no worry about fit. They’re also guaranteed against stress fractures that plague other manufacturer’s products.

Not your typical Harley Davidson Saddlebags for Baggers. There are others who make Bagger stretched saddlebags but none do it with the care to the small details like Dead Center Cycles. Offering a clean uncluttered look without the outside visible latches these bags are gorgeous and incredibly functional. The hinges are hidden and bags come complete with lids. There are no visible bolts or rivets. As an added benefit without the clutter of latches and hinges there is more area to show off that custom paint and pin stripping.

Harley Davidson stock hard saddlebags are ABS plastic which is susceptible to cracking. Dead Center by comparison uses fiberglass as fiberglass is stronger, will not crack, and in most cases can easily be repaired in the event the bike is banged up. The manufacturing process is a closed mold fiberglass process ensuring consistent thickness and a very smooth finish inside and out

Unlike your standard saddlebags the Dead Center smoothies open outward giving the rider access to the bags while seated. Dead Center uses a recessed compression latch which easily disengages to open the bags. For stretch Dead Center choose 3½" increasing all important storage capacity without the bulky look. If you have a Harley Davidson Touring Bike such as an FLHT,FLHX, FLTR the Smoothies saddlebags will bolt right up as they are a direct placement.

For many riders, the pursuit of performance is never ending. We’re never quite satisfied. We could always get a little more horsepower or a little more fuel efficiency. With the advent of EPA restriction the 96 cubic inch Twin Cam is in dire need of a performance boost. Thankfully, there’s one way to achieve this in a relatively easy and inexpensive manner. What we’re talking about are fuel controllers. These gadgets help adjust the air/fuel mixture to make sure your bike is running more efficiently. Of course, better efficiency leads to more power!

One of the more popular choices in fuel controllers is the Power Commander from Dynojet. These units are extremely user friendly. The Power Commander simply plugs into the the stock ECU on your bike. There’s no customization needed. The unit is designed to fit in the small footprint under your Harley Davidson saddle. Since there’s no slicing, dicing, or duct taping involved, most installations take 25 minutes or less including removing your Harley Davidson seat.

The result you’ll get over the manufacturer’s set up is dramatic. That’s because the stock unit is set up to control the fuel ratio based on an update fuel mapping. Therefore, when you upgrade your exhaust, the stock unit doesn’t take the changes into account. What you’re left with is a system that is taking full advantage of your upgrades. The Power Commander’s can be adjusted to fit almost any exhaust system and its microprocessor will make all the necessary adjustments to make sure your bike is running at its peak. For just over $300 and virtually no labor time, this is one of the easiest ways to increase both power and torque.

Want even more power? The Dynojet Power Commander can re-calibrated to take advantage of cams, ported heads, or cylinder bored out. This can be accomplished by a mechanic at a shop with a dynamometer or with the purchase of the Dynojet Multi-Function Hub Accessory. As an alternative for gaining the utmost power and performance the Daytona Twin Tec replaces the stock ECU giving you unlimited control of the air fuel delivery.

Harleys can be beasts and all that extra weight can sometimes slow you down. If you are content to be riding around at your own leisure, without any need to reach top speeds, then this article is not for you.

For those of you who want to get your Harley back in top shape, horsepower and weight go hand in hand. Any loss of weight without a loss of horsepower is a great thing. Also, replacing some of the stock parts with high-performance accessories can sometimes lift your horsepower number up and up. Enter Belt Drives Ltd. is a company which specifically designs parts for Harleys. Their latest series is a family of super-light transmission pulleys. They weigh just over two pounds, while most pulleys weigh in over six pounds- an impressive weight loss. Additionally, these pulleys will increase your horsepower by varying numbers, depending on other modifications that have already been done to the bike.

These things will last forever. They are made from aircraft-quality materials with the super aluminum 7075. They have been anodized to make the finish even harder and are able to withstand anything. It should be an easy install since these parts were designed to fit into the stock locations, providing an ample fit and the best possible space efficiency.

Currently, Belt Drives is offering the high-performance transmission pulley for a variety of bikes.

• 1979 - 1983 Big Twins
• 1986 – present 5-speeds
• 1992 – present 5-speed Sportsters

 

Starting out, many of us buy our first Harley as a weekend toy. The wind in our face we picture ourselves jumping on and riding off into the sunset. In this daydream, we’re loners without any need for belongings. As long as we’ve got a few bucks in our pocket for a beer down the road, we’re good. The reality is, we’re not that cool and carefree. Chances are you’ll at least want a place to stash an extra layer of clothing when the sun goes down or some rain gear in case the weather changes course. Also, if the wife likes to ride with you, there’s definitely going to be some additional "stuff" that comes along with you.

Luckily, you don’t have to go the full-dresser route. Just adding a simple set of Saddlebags or a Sissybar bag can help you find the cargo space you need without going overboard. If having bags on your Harley all the time isn’t your thing but you need the space from time to time, designers such as Nelson Rigg and Willie & Max, make a variety of throw over saddlebags and Sissybar bags that don’t require permanent mounting. These options allows you to remove the bag easily when you want to your bike to maintain its bare bones look. Throw over and Sissybar bags are a great way to get the best of both worlds.

Ready to Customize your Harley Davidson? Start with the Seat. With all the chrome pieces, handle bars, wheels, exhausts, and other upgrades available, the seat is often overlooked as a place to start customizing your bike. However, nothing can change the look of a bike and improve the enjoyment of riding as drastically as this most basic accessory. For instance, if you want to go for the “low” look, you don’t necessarily have to mess with the suspension. Another way to take your bike down a half inch or so is to fit it with a low-profile seat.

There are many manufacturers of this style. One of the most popular is Danny Gray. With leather seating area, gel insert, and available custom hides you can get a seat that is perfect for the look and comfort you are looking for.  Or you can streamline your bike’s profile by pairing it with a Le Pera solo seat. Danny Gray makes the Big Seat that’s great for touring bikes and those searching for an uncluttered look. Of course, for many of us, style comes secondary to comfort. If you’re the type of rider who wants to keep his or her kidneys intact above all else, then a Mustang touring seat is obviously the way to go. Another option is the Saddlemen Road Sofa. The downfall to this seat is looks and durability.

It’s easy to switch seats, and in just a few minutes you have a completely different ride. Because of this versatility, many riders keep several styles around. For instance, a solo option for bar hopping and short commuting and then something more comfy for longer weekend rides. No matter what your situation, there’s a seat out there for you.

 

There was a day not too long ago when it was uncommon to see a women in control of a motorcycle. This is no longer the case; more and more women are moving from the back of the bike to the front and enjoying the freedoms that come with controlling the ride. In my experience, women are after the same thing as their male counterparts; the sense of power and freedom that one gets “in the wind”, the joy and solitude of a solo ride, as well as the camaraderie of their fellow bikers. But, the fact is, for a long time, motorcycles have been built for men. It's only recently that women have been joining the ranks of riders in throngs, and because of that the manufacturers have started to pay attention to their needs and desires.

A frequent complaint that many women have is that the seat height is to high and their feet can't reach the ground. This can be a safety problem, especially at stop lights or when you put your foot down on a wet or oil slicked road. Fortunately, most Harley-Davidson motorcycles can be lowered enough to make a difference to the rider, and get her feet safely on the ground again. And, as an added benefit, lowering the rear of the motorcycle can also give it a custom chopper look. Buying a Lowering Kit from LA Choppers, Wild 1, or Burly is a simple inexpensive choice.  Shorter shocks like those made by Progressive suspension can effectively lower the rear of the motorcycle and at the same time improve the suspension.  A more Le Pera compact low profile seat is another way to get the bike to fit you better.

Lowering has drawbacks.  Lowering the suspension can affect handling, ground clearance and load capacity. Adjusting the springs, suspension, and spacers to properly lower your bike should be done cautiously. We can help you determine whether you should lower both the front and rear of the bike, or just the rear and which method of lowering might suit you best.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to save a little dough and have a little fun. That’s right: it’s time to park your car or truck and use your bike for the morning commute. By doing so, you’ll actually enjoy your ride to work and get awesome gas mileage. Imagine everyone’s surprise when you show up for work with a smile every day. Your bike is also sure to get you noticed around the office.  Whether they ride or have an interest in motorcycles people enjoy talking about motorcycles. Riding a motorcycle invokes a sense of freedom.  Even non-motorcycle enthusiasts can understand the feeling of the wind in your face.

If you’re like most of America, you can’t just hop on a hog and go to work. You’re tied down with smart phones, laptops, iPods, and good old-fashioned paperwork. The good news is there are a lot of solutions out there for the commuting motorcyclist. One targeted specifically toward those who have to carry their computer around with them is the Nelson Rigg Riggpak Laptop bag, this case has plenty of room for a laptop and paper files. The briefcase style bag has a padded panels to help protect your laptop, zippered compartments, and a detachable strap.  An alternative is the Kuryakyn Daily Tour Bag. The Daily Tour Bag has lots of room with a semi rigid construction, two side pockets, and a shoulder strap for carrying your possessions.

Spring is here, and as the thermometer rises, so do the number of motorcycles on the highways and byways.  But, before you ride your motorcycle for the first time after a long winter’s rest, it’s important to do a complete safety check and perform pre-season maintenance.  One maintenance area often overlooked are the tires; however this should be a main concern.  If the bike has been sitting for any length of time, especially in non-climate controlled environments, the tires may be weather worn or eroded, which can cause serious safety concerns.  Of no less importance is the tire pressure.  It is critical that the tires are properly inflated; if tires are under inflated, you could experience handling problems, and uneven wear.  Check your owner’s manual to insure you know the right inflation amount for your bike and the load.  Remember, tire pressure recommendations vary with the weight of the bike, and whether or not you are carrying a passenger or loaded down with gear.  The owner’s manual is the best source to find this information.

If, during inspection, you find that the tires are worn and need to be replaced, contact Axiom Cycles.  We carry the full line of Metzler, Avon, and Dunlop as well as many others to meet your needs.  Most tires are in stock.  Your tires will be delivered to your door within days of your order.