There are a few schools of thought as to weather any brand new Harley should be customised or personalised to meet the customer’s specifications and desires.
Depending on what customising is performed and how that affects other components, it may very well null and void a new bike warranty. Which stands to reason, when the customising part used is an aftermarket part, then it hardly seems logical that the bike manufacturer should be responsible for that.
However, when buying a Harley, they are designed to be customised, so if your heart is really set on changing it up at the point of sale or with the warranty period then it might well be worth only using Harley approved parts and the work done at a Harley dealership or approved garage.
Of course if you do use aftermarket parts, then the warranty on those parts should come from the manufacturer of those parts, however if they affect the powertrain in any way, then any subsequent problems with that powertrain may be a voiding of your warranty, which is a big consideration.
Apart from the warranty issues however, there are other things to consider. Firstly, do you really know what you want and if it really is going to be something you will like in a few months time.
I’ve just bought a Harley Sport Glide…yes yes, very exciting times for me. However I have opted to buy a completely standard bike and not have any modifications on it at all, because in truth, whilst I kind of know what I’d like to do to it, I haven’t really formulated a proper plan and thought I would ride it as it is for a few months, then decide which direction I’d like to…if at all.
Perhaps you believe that your motorcycle will be that lifer bike, but in truth we can never say that for certain. So, any modifications or personalisations should be seriously considered because they may adversely affect the re-saleability or sale value of the bike. There are so many bike owners who can spend $1000s on their bike, only to see that value wiped out on resale. you could argue that people should never sell their bikes to avoid this issue, but life has a funny way of playing with us and our heads can be turned with ease when it comes to riding motorcycle preferences.
Finally, and this is a personal issue, this is the first time I have owned a Harley Davidson. So I am somewhat of a virgin when it comes to knowledge and best practices. I will undoubtedly spend the first few months getting acquainted with my new bike and how it performs but also scour the catalogues for accessories to see what tickles my fancy.
You never know, I could go for a couple of years and not even touch it…or I could be doing major work within 6 months. But at least I would have given myself some breathing room until I make my final decisions and I will have learned what I really like on the bike…and what I’d like to keep, and what I really don’t like and what I’d like to change up.
This might be the way to go or may not. That’s the beauty of the new Harley adventure…everyone has their own views on what is the right and wrong thing to do, but I suppose only you will know what is right for you.
Happy Harley riding to ya!
Leave a Reply