Flip-top box
The new Smoothies Stretched Saddlebags from Dead Center Cycles have a lot going for them both fashionably and functionally. The 3.25-inch downward stretch and graceful contours make for a high-style contemporary custom appearance, but more importantly from a packing standpoint, that stretch creates more usable space, and the super-clean lids on the bags are fitted with recessed, lockable latches and offer a practical improvement on the stock H-D tops. Not only are they a one-hand operation to open and close, they hinge open to the outside so you can conveniently store or retrieve items while seated in the saddle. Constructed of smooth-finished fiberglass, they sell for $1,399. Paint matching of the bare units is also available from the manufacturer.
Dead Center Cycles www.deadcentercycles.com 866.971.3323
Sound investment
Designed to hook up to the catalyst-equipped headers of 2010 Touring and Trike models (and 2009 California Touring models), Harley-Davidson’s Screamin’ Eagle Thunder Street Performance Mufflers deliver a boost in the horsepower and torque departments of both 96- and 103-inch Twin Cam engines. What’s more, these mufflers employ an open-baffle setup that reportedly produces a stirring basso profundo exhaust note. A pair sells for $379.95; a pair of billet end caps—either Slash Cut or Piston design—tack on another $99.95. The mufflers will fit all current Touring and Trike models with the exception of the 2010 Street Glide, Road Glide Custom and CVO models.
Harley-Davidson www.harley-davidson.com
Calling all pinheads
Why restrict your customizing impulses to your scooter when you can let them go to your head—literally—with one of these Custom Hand Pinstriped Biltwell Helmets from Licks Cycles? These one-off creations are individually decorated by in-house pinstriping artists and shipped directly to the customer. The cost of such exclusivity is remarkably affordable, with prices ranging from $199 for basic pinstripe designs to $249 for gold leaf treatments.
Licks Cycles www.lickscycles.com 413.663.9050
Stick ’em up
As you’ve probably noticed, apehangers are back in a big way these days, and Harley-Davidson gets in on the act in a big way with their new 16-Inch Fat Ape Handlebar Kit with Riser. With a stout 1.25-inch diameter, these bars live up to their billing, and in addition to the riser, the kits also include a custom handlebar clamp. They’re available in both bright chrome and the black powder coat pictured here, and sell for $319.95. A shorter 12-inch version is also offered for $299.95.
Harley-Davidson www.sharley-davidson.com
Nifty niche
This clever Stash Dash for Touring Models from Custom Chrome is a slick means of sanitizing your bagger’s console while simultaneously putting that space to handy storage use. This item is a direct replacement for the stock console on 1997–2007 baggers, and incorporates both the fill cap and storage cubbie under a smooth hinged lid. It comes either chrome-plated for $299.99, or bare paint-ready steel for $285.99.
Custom Chrome www.customchrome.com 800.729.3332
Tight package
We first encountered Harley-Davidson’s Combination Digital Speedometer/Analog Tachometer on the dazzling 2010 CVO Convertible where it’s standard equipment and we were mightily impressed with the approach to packing a full-function dash into a small space. The big LCD digital speedo is super-easy to read even for the presbyopic among us, and while the tach with its perimeter-sweep needle is less so, it’s nevertheless a handy reference to have. This unit is plug-and-play, and will mount in the stock opening on any 2008–present Softail with a five-inch speedo. Another version of the device is available for 2008–present Road Kings and 2009–present Dynas. The price is $299.95.
Harley-Davidson www.harley-davidson.com
Kicked-back comfort
Installing Mustang’s new suite of Super Touring components on your Electra Glide isn’t so much a matter of merely swapping seats as it is of fully refurnishing your rec room. The heart of the makeover is a recliner—the one-piece Super Touring Seat, which both lowers the tush of the operator and moves it back a full 1.75 inches. The optional Driver Backrest completes the lounger effect, and it folds down to ease access to the plush passenger perch. Complete the makeover with the Wrap-Around Passenger Backrest and your pillion pal will feel as pampered as you. Available in plain leather or adorned with studs—either chrome or chrome with black centers—the seat and operator backrest cost $719, and the passenger backrest adds another $279.
Mustang Seats www.mustangseats.com 800.243.1392
Slenderizer
Outfitting your 2010 Dyna Wide Glide for touring duty gets a whole lot simpler with this License Plate Relocation System designed to eliminate the stock side-mount license plate bracket while simultaneously repositioning the model’s turn signal/ brake lights farther back and closer in to facilitate the fitment of a set of saddlebags. Developed by Great Bike Gear, the system consists of a sturdy powder-coated fixture that tucks under the end of the fender and houses the license plate, illumination and indicators, freeing space for bags and giving the bike a slimmer profile in the rear. And no holes need to be drilled or wires cut to effect the change. A bargain at $129.95.
Great Bike Gear www.greatbikegear.net 866.521.3024
Beveled beauties
Eye-popping and simple to install, the Diamond Night Series Forward Controls from Accutronix are studies in two-tone toughness. Utilizing sealed bearings for smooth operation and durability, these billet beauties are given a gloss-black anodize treatment and then machined to present a striking bright aluminum contrast. Offered in three different lengths to suit your boot, and supplied with all necessary mounting hardware, pegs and linkage, they retail for $879.95 and are available to fit a wide range of models.
Accutronix www.accutronix.com 623.516.9600>