Harley Sportster S Mods: Handlebar Risers, Fender Eliminator & More!

Enhanced Riding Experience with Sportster S Mods

• 💡 The Sportster S feels like a new bike due to several small setup tweaks and modifications, rather than major engine changes.
• 🔧 Key modifications discussed include a new rear rack, skid plate, crash bars, and notably, handlebar risers.
• 🏍️ The fender eliminator kit significantly improves the rear aesthetics of the bike by removing the stock large tail bar.

Impact of Handlebar Risers

• 📈 The handlebar risers provide a more comfortable, upright riding position, reducing the hunched-over posture.
• ⚖️ This change shifts more weight to the rider's posterior, making a comfort seat (like the Harley comfort seat previously installed) highly recommended to avoid discomfort.
• 🦶 The crash bars, while offering protection, can also serve as comfortable highway pegs, especially when paired with the more upright riding position and comfort seat.

Skid Plate and Ground Clearance

• ⚠️ A skid plate was installed, which does lower the bike's ground clearance, potentially leading to scraping, as experienced during sharper turns.
• 🛠️ Despite concerns, the skid plate fits over the lower fairing without causing vibrations, offering a best-of-both-worlds scenario for looks and protection.
• 🧐 The speaker notes that while the bike can still lean significantly, the reduced ground clearance from the skid plate and belly fairing is something to be cautious of.

Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades

• ✨ The fender eliminator kit is highlighted as a must-have for improving the bike's overall clean look.
• 🎨 The Kemimoto parts contribute to an appealing industrial vibe, enhancing the bike's aesthetics.
• 🎒 A rear luggage rack was installed, which is aesthetically pleasing but found to be less functional for the speaker who prefers to wear a backpack to maintain the bike's clean look.

Final Verdict on Modifications

• ✅ The fender eliminator is the favorite for its aesthetic impact, making the bike look as it should.
• 🚀 Handlebar risers are praised for their functional benefit, improving body position and comfort, and can even double as foot pegs.
• 🌟 The crash bars/sliders are functional for protection and can be used as highway pegs, though their necessity depends on rider preference and comfort needs.