Rubbermount_EVO Looks vs. Performance

[wedge]

Originally Posted by USMCDevilDogg

Thanx for all the input. I've decided to go with pipes first then I'll grab an intake. ( Any recommendations) After performance I'll change the handlebars with some type of Z bars or apes. I love the bobber look put since I live on military base, my bike needs speedo and turn signals which sucks.

Nothing wrong with signals and speedo on a bobber. A bobber is all about cutting off anything that you don't like and will save some weight, but not sacraficing something that is necessary.

If you are into performance and it sounds like you are, then don't get tall apes or tall Z bars. 6" Z's will work and you can keep the original cables, brake lines, etc. I looked for Z bars for a couple of months, and ended up getting some from sportster specialty here on this site as a supporting vendor.

I'm still bummed that I can't see the links for vendors now that I spent the money to join the forun officially. I guess some folks think that's a problem, but I liked having them on the side to click on when looking for ideas, etc. As a new member you can still see the vendors, so look at what they have, there are some good things available from them. I need to modify the Z's I got, but I knew that to begin with. I'm going to add knurls and widen the center tube at the same time so that I can see both my tach and speedo.

[Van/TX]

No reason to increase performance without first upgrading/tweaking suspension. Stock suspension is adequate but not great IMO. My bike is stock and I like it but the first money I would spend would be suspension. Good luck.

[FiremanTx]

Be patient, most stuff can be found/built/traded without having to buy outright. In the end you'll feel a lot better about the stuff you fabbed up by hand rather than spending twice as much retail for the same thing. And like others have said, save a little longer for something you really want rather than buying something you kind of like. And +1 on NRHS, they make top quality parts. I'm pretty sure you could build a complete sportster just using xlforum, it has nearly everything.

[norseXL]

I am a firm believer of F. Porche´s famous words: Form fulgt Funktion (form follows function) So my advice is never add or do something for the look itself but do it for a purpose and the look will come and be right, that´s the reason why race bikes look so awesome.

[sep69]

Just think about what's most important for you.
It's your bike and it's only function is to make *you* happy.

When I bought my bike the plan was to change the looks first.
After riding it for a while I decided otherwise.
Right now it still looks about the same but has at least twice the hp

[norseXL]

It's your bike and it's only function is to make *you* happy.

Good one!

[sep69]

Originally Posted by norseXL

I am a firm believer of F. Porche´s famous words: Form fulgt Funktion (form follows function) So my advice is never add or do something for the look itself but do it for a purpose and the look will come and be right, that´s the reason why race bikes look so awesome.

I also very much agree on the the Form fulgt Funktion one
Making the bike 'work' better always seems to improve the look.

[SpartanDen]

I've always been partial to sleepers...plain Jane looking but totally kicks your Ass when you throttle up! I would get it running well first then work on your looks.