| Customizing a motorcycle dates back in an era when | | | | Motorcycle customization is a subject that covers a |
| American soldiers came back from World War ll. | | | | lot of ground. It could mean something as simple as |
| They remembered the lighter and stylish European | | | | repainting the gas tank or something complicated as |
| motorcycles that they had ridden in Europe. These | | | | substantial motorcycle modifications or replacement |
| riders that served overseas thought of incorporating | | | | of the wheel, swing arm, frame and other |
| the style of the motorcycles in Europe and blended it | | | | components before squeezing something into the |
| with and improved the bikes that were made locally. | | | | chassis. |
| So they began to get together and started removing | | | | The main purposes of customizing a motorcycle are |
| or shortening the fenders or any motorcycle parts | | | | for fit, function and style. If you like your bike to fit |
| they felt was unnecessary. They chopped off or | | | | you better, you can swap your stock saddle for a |
| added detachable windshields, front fenders, crash | | | | Harley Davidson seat for example, that is covered |
| bars, seats,headlights or anything that they can think | | | | with sheepskin for added comfort. You might want |
| of. Large footrests were replaced with | | | | to adjust your suspension so your feet rest more |
| forward-mounted foot pegs. To allow for an increase | | | | comfortably on the ground. |
| in the wheelbase, the angle of the fork to the | | | | For functionality, you can add electronic accessories |
| ground was decreased by raking the front end of | | | | like GPS systems, sound system and intercom. So |
| their motorcycles. They also raised the handlebars | | | | you can arrive at your destination without hassle and |
| and thus the ape hangers were born. The rear tire | | | | on time. |
| was made fatter and front tire made smaller. Each | | | | The best reason by far for customizing is for style. |
| rider created the bike as an extension of his | | | | As much as possible you want your bike to stand |
| personality. If the rider loves speed, then he may | | | | out from the rest of the fleet. Customizing a |
| want to consider getting the engine rebuilt for added | | | | motorcycle are principally about style, not mere |
| horsepower. Maybe he is the type who likes to cruise | | | | function. |
| along the major thoroughfares at boulevard speed. | | | | There are numerous ways you can use parts to |
| He may want to enjoy the asphalt all to himself, | | | | customize your motorcycle for style statement like |
| soaking in the moving sights, sounds and smells of | | | | adding chrome to almost all of your ride's |
| the scenery, yet at the same time want to look | | | | components including oil filter cap, air cleaner cover, |
| good on his cruiser and does not feel the need to try | | | | mirrors and fenders. Selecting from various designs, |
| hard. Then he may want to accessorize his | | | | colors and finishes, you can have your fenders and |
| motorcycle with studded leather saddlebags and | | | | gas tank custom painted. Or you can replace your |
| backrest or add chrome. | | | | wheels with spoked, alloy or solid kinds. Aside from |
| The rage of chopping and adding motorcycle parts to | | | | adding sissy bar bags and backrest which can be |
| the bikes to make it look more personalized, caught | | | | convenient if you like to take long tours on two |
| on. Soon enterprising individuals started designing and | | | | wheels. You can accessorize it with heated grips, |
| creating custom bikes to sell to other riders ( so they | | | | decorative gas caps, timer covers, license plate |
| did not have to do the dirty jobs themselves) for a | | | | frames, medallions, fuel gauges, floorboards and |
| price. Until now motorcycle customization is still a big | | | | footpegs. The choices are endless. |
| business. | | | | |