Types of Custom Bike Modification
Some people like to modify their bikes to look cool or have an attitude. These are called custom bikes. These can be anything from small alterations to extreme physical alterations. They can also include changing the frame, parts and paint job.
From simple changes that no one but you notice – like plastic ‘zippy ties’ instead of Jubilee clips – to eye-catching alterations that take weeks to perfect and cost thousands – any modification is an expression of your personality.
Brat style modifications
A Brat style bike is a custom motorcycle that takes its inspiration from English cafe racers and American bobbers. It is a simple style that aims to make the rider’s comfort the priority, and it usually has a low height. The suspensions are also lowered, and they often have a medium cylinder capacity to make them as light as possible.
Brat bikes are also known for their slab seating and dirt handlebars, which give them a rugged look. They can even accommodate a passenger, thanks to their elongated and flat two-seater seat. These bikes are characterized by their minimalist appearance, and they tend to dispense with any kind of tail.
In addition to the aesthetic, many of these modifications can be legal if they’re done correctly. However, it is important to take the advice of an expert before attempting any changes to your bike. Unauthorised modifications can lead to fines and penalties. So before you change your bike, be sure to get a permit from the RTO.
Baggers
Baggers are a type of touring bike that has saddlebags for more storage space and comfort for long rides. They are designed to withstand harsh road conditions and can usually be upgraded with a variety of custom features, such as a new engine, larger fuel tank, and more powerful headlights. They also have a wider range of accessories, such as heated seats and a sound system.
Performance bagger builders often add upgrades like a new air filter and exhaust to make their bikes run more efficiently. They may also remove the fascia/filler panels and TriBar light from the stock fender, which gives them a sleek, custom look. They also install LED lights in the saddlebags to improve visibility on the road. This is especially important when doing wheelies. To accomplish this, these builders can use a Custom Dynamics(tm) Turn Signal Eliminator Kit, which allows them to eliminate the rear turn signals while maintaining power to their rear turn signal arm bars.
Choppers
The chopper is one of the most classic and eye catching styles of bike out there. From tiny changes that no-one will ever notice – like fitting Renthal grips – through to time and money consuming, eye-catching alterations that everyone will see – like the ones on Jon Hughes Lamb Engineering Honda – there are many ways to make your bike stand out from the crowd.
The basic idea behind a traditional chopper is to take an unmodified factory bike and remove everything the owner considers superfluous. This could mean removing the pillion seat, shortened fenders or even changing the frame geometry by narrowing the front forks or increasing the rake angle.
While chopper culture faded in the 60s and 70s, the modern era of bike building has led to a new chopper boom with companies like West Coast Choppers producing expensive traditional style bikes. While these may differ in design and colour from the home built bobbers popular in the past they are still a great way to show off your individuality on the road.
Street fighters
Street fighters are typically older sportbikes that have had their fairings removed for a more aggressive, bare-boned look. This trend gained momentum in the 1990s, fueled in part by the relatively fragility of the protective bodywork and its high cost to repair or replace following a crash. As a result, many damaged but otherwise serviceable bikes became available at a fraction of their original price once the plastic was removed and custom lighting, conventional bars, and short aftermarket exhausts were added.
The name’street fighter’ is also a reference to a series of video games from Capcom, which reached a peak in popularity fueled by a campy Jean-Claude Van Damme film and an arcade and console game based on it. Today, the Street Fighter franchise has largely relegated itself to the crowded world of eSports and livestreaming platforms like Twitch.