How much $$$$ into aftermarket and mods?

[orangeback]

Okay guys. How much in terms of $$$$ are you willing to invest into your Bikes ??????

I know this is often limited to your "income" but on average how much do you realistically think you will invest into mods and aftermarket parts?

Suspension
Shit and glitter
OGY nobs
ETC

[NighthawkNZ]

Depends on the part????

Suspension over $1500
Shit and Glitter... errr depends fairing rear wheel hugger etc 250 - 500
OGY Nobs ???
ETC... hmmmm

[Big Dog]

If you have to mod a bike you probably bought the wrong one.
In my experience mods lack any practical purpose unless you do track days.
I do see a lot of fair weather riders with lots of trick parts and really low km's.

Some people will disagree, but $500 for a 5% gain seems rediculous.
I would much rather have a second jacket, newer set of gloves and 5 tanks of gas.

The exception to me any way is when you have had the same bike a while and outgrown it but cant afford / Justify the step up from what is essentially a satisfactory and reliable bike.

The only bike mod I have ever considered seriously is a chain oiler, and I have my name down for a Stebel.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=39375

One for easier maintenance and one is for safety.
But then I am a nana rider.......

[MattRSK]

I spend more money on keeping my bike road worthy.

[pervert]

If you have to mod a bike you probably bought the wrong one.

No way, who wants a bike identical to everybody else with that model?

[Big Dog]

Suspension
Shit and glitter
OGY nobs
ETC

Suspension - if the stock stuff had already failed and needed replacing $1500
Shit and glitter - $0
OGGY knobs - $200 if I did not have to cut the plastic.

[Big Dog]

No way, who wants a bike identical to everybody else with that model?

So what you think you are being original by buying mass produced after market parts?

Exhaust ? For my bike the only pipes that would make a genuine difference would also weaken the structural integrity. Trade off the pillion in a million would have to stay home so I could have some flashy tat on the bike.
I don't need any more ponies than I already have.

The flashy stuff? I have no need to feel like a poser and would rather have more money to spend on tyres fuel etc.

Would I buy a more comfy seat? Probably, if I was fit enough to be able to ride long enough at one stretch to get a numb bum.

Suspension? what I got is more than enough for my abilities.

Heated grips? Harden up, its not that cold if you were not too cheap on buying winter gloves in the first place.

Custom paint? Hell yeah, bit hard to justify though on a daily rider that gets ridden more than it gets washed and has a very nice paint job to start with.

Now if the Pillion in the million was to sanction buying a daily rider I "might" tart her up.

[kneescraper]

Well I think modding can be as simple as adding a sticker.. I dont think it has to be a Micron exhaust and jet kit for example.

My self....

Carbon Fiber (fake) clutch and brake levers
Carbon Fiber rear hugger
Tinted blade (yet to be fitted)
In the process of setting up to paint the bike VJ23 factory colours..

Thats my mod list so far..I will be adding to it untill I get my full licence (18months).

I like the look of carbon fiber so Im gona go down that road. No bling bling stuff just a nice clean looking bike.

[pervert]

So what you think you are being original by buying mass produced after market parts?

Who said anything about mass produced aftermarket parts.

Thinking outside the square, or finding the rare gems are what makes customisation fun.

[kneescraper]

Couldnt have put it better "pervert".

[Twig]

The only mod I've made, if you can call it that is. I got my seat recovered without the gay HONDA on the back and got it stitched in a dark blue to match the paint...... Does that count?

[kneescraper]

Well you modified the standard seat to suit your own taste so I guess it counts. Did you check to see if the seat cover was mass produced first?

[kiwifruit]

enough :)

[Gremlin]

Depends if mods have already been done... as it might limit what you can do to it. Or you eventually decide its better to start spending on a new bike, and have all the mods your own...

$1500 can be blown on suspension and a pipe alone. And while the parts are mass produced, I haven't come across another 7 the same as mine, have I?

Only problem is that sending the 7 down the road now, is to awful to think about :shit:

[Karma]

Only problem is that sending the 7 down the road now, is to awful to think about :shit:


Well it's sooooo heavy you'd have a hell of a time picking it up.

[bugjuice]

is this how much have I spent all together, or how much I intend to spend? Cos I'm not done yet.

And as for some of Big Dogs comments, I can see where you're coming from, but I think that because the market for bikes is so huge, they aren't personal enough. The BEST mod I've done, and would do to every bike I ever own, is the suspension. I haven't gone hard out for the bike names, but I've invested some hard-earned into that area, as well as the brakes. It's all to make the bike more personal, yes, but also to make it perform better, period. And it's worked.

I've got a different exhaust and power commander on it, for a little more performance (more grunt really), as well as looks, but more for sound too. Sounded a little tame before :yeah:

I have other things in mind tho. I like to think my bike is pretty unique, so I ain't selling it. But I also want to do some more things with it, to get a little more power, but also just to experience what different things would have an effect on an engine and bike. I'm not going to wreck it, I just want to see if a mass-produced crafted machine, has the best out of what it has..
Yep, more plans yet..

[Gremlin]

oh, the only problem was trying to list all the bits when phoning around for insurance quotes. I ended up getting passed to the supervisor, who was very suspicious, stating that "its not a slow bike to begin with, and with all the modifications that have been done to it, its usually obvious they are being done because they are needed, and will be used"

wasn't sure how to get out of that :innocent:

[RantyDave]

In my experience mods lack any practical purpose unless you do track days.
Crash knobs?

Dave

[James Deuce]

The Z is the first bike I've gone to town on.

But after looking at the Kendog Hornet litter, I've got a long way to go.

[Big Dog]

Crash knobs?

Dave

Yes I agree but I'm not any keener on cutting holes in plastic than crashing as it can impact on resale and is one way street once you start hacking up your baby.

[imdying]

If you have to mod a bike you probably bought the wrong one.Comfort, safety, crash protection, enjoyment...


In my experience mods lack any practical purpose unless you do track days.Comfort, safety, crash protection, enjoyment...


I do see a lot of fair weather riders with lots of trick parts and really low km's.Even enjoyment alone isn't a crime...


Some people will disagree, but $500 for a 5% gain seems rediculous. I would much rather have a second jacket, newer set of gloves and 5 tanks of gas.Some people wouldn't want a $500 jacket... I guess they're mad too?


The exception to me any way is when you have had the same bike a while and outgrown it but cant afford / Justify the step up from what is essentially a satisfactory and reliable bike.The call that maintenance, I don't think that was the gist of the thread...


The only bike mod I have ever considered seriously is a chain oiler, and I have my name down for a Stebel.Well there you go, you can add reliability to the list of reasons.[/QUOTE]


So what you think you are being original by buying mass produced after market parts?That's an assumption. I know plenty of Kiwis that make there own bits... make bits from other models fit their purposes, etc etc.


Exhaust ? For my bike the only pipes that would make a genuine difference would also weaken the structural integrity. Trade off the pillion in a million would have to stay home so I could have some flashy tat on the bike.You're in the minority of you don't think a set of cans sounds good on a busa.


Would I buy a more comfy seat? Probably, if I was fit enough to be able to ride long enough at one stretch to get a numb bum.Shock horror! A practical aftermarket modification? Surely not?


Suspension? what I got is more than enough for my abilities.It's surprising how many people thought their stock shock was fine till they tried an Ohlins equipped bike and were shocked at how crap the factory one is.


Heated grips? Harden up, its not that cold if you were not too cheap on buying winter gloves in the first place.What about the people living in Dunedin?


Now if the Pillion in the million was to sanction buying a daily rider I "might" tart her up.Wouldn't that be the one bike you wouldn't tart up?


Yes I agree but I'm not any keener on cutting holes in plastic than crashing as it can impact on resale and is one way street once you start hacking up your baby.Any increase in profit can pretty easily be offset by cracking a few panels. Plus, it is nice to ride home from a bin instead of having to get a tow truck.

[pervert]

Yes I agree but I'm not any keener on cutting holes in plastic than crashing as it can impact on resale and is one way street once you start hacking up your baby.

It's a good thing you've got Nana written under your name, because you sure live up to that title. :rockon:

Also, the values in the poll need increased somewhat...I've spent a good $1500 on modifications on my wee 125cc Pit Bike...I'd hate to think what it's going to tally up to on real bikes!!!

[Blackbird]

Don't agree with Big Dog that you've got the wrong bike if you need to modify it, personalising it is one thing but tweaking it slightly depending on end use is perfectly acceptable. My mods are largely in the direction of comfort because of the endurance events I do.

What I have on my Blackbird and why:
Front fender extender. A carbon-look extension to the front guard. Stops road dirt clogging the radiator, lowers the risk of radiator punctures and reduces grit abrasion of the front of the fairing behind the rear wheel.

Clear adhesive film on paintwork. I had it professionally applied by an automotive pinstriping and window tinting company. Have it on the top of the front guard, front of fairing, side panels of fairing around the lower air intakes and rear/sides of fuel tank. Eliminates wear and stone abrasion.

Crash mushrooms on fairing. Protects side panels in the event of an “off”, or the bike falling over.

Rear hugger. Reduces splash on wet roads and protects the shock absorber. The Pyramid glass fibre model is the best as it protects the lower linkage of the shock absorber.

Scottoiler. Makes chain tensioning a thing of the past. Never tensioned between tyre changes. Chain and sprockets are ~30000 km old and in perfect condition.

Heated handlebar grips. I have the Daytona brand. The ‘bird bars are out in the airstream and hands can get chilled in cold weather. I do a lot of long distance riding and they are wonderful – particularly nice in wet weather on a long haul.

Upgraded headlight bulbs. The shape of the ‘bird headlight means that the beam cutoff to the side of the bike is quite sharp – a bit unsettling when cornering on really twisty roads. The most common upgrade is to put in 100W H7 halogens which improve things a lot. I have 100 W H7 Xenons which are fractionally less effective than halogens at night but you are more visible in daylight (blue light) – a very important safety consideration. No relay required – just fit the bulbs.

Custom seat. I found that the stock seat gets pretty uncomfortable after a tankful of gas (~300 km). Because I do the 1000 mile in 24 hour endurance events and similar rides, I had the seat re-shaped with higher quality foams and re-covered. Can now travel an unlimited distance without discomfort. I had it lowered slightly as I’m only 5’ 8” and the rear raised by 20 mm to give my wife a little less leg bend.

Screen. I had a Pyramid dark tint double bubble fitted to give me more protection on the Southern Cross ride last year. Beautifully made and works perfectly but slightly increases the load on the wrists on a long haul. Not a big issue. My wife says it reduces passenger buffeting which wasn’t particularly big anyway with the stock screen.

Radar detector. I have the Escort Passport X50 which has excellent range for Ka band detection (camera vans and Highway Patrol). I’ve never come up against a laser yet. It’s mounted on a custom bar mount and I have a weatherproof clear cover on it supplied by Radar Direct in NZ. I’ve have a “screamer” fitted to my top yoke to amplify the alarm.

Illumiglo instrument dials. I was given these by a visitor from the UK. Probably wouldn’t have bought them myself but they are very effective. You can vary the degree of illumination and colour (“radiation” blue or bright green).

Ride height spacer. A low cost improvement which transforms the handling and makes turn-in very fast indeed. It’s a 6mm thick spacer which slips under the top of the rear shock and only takes around half an hour to do the full job. It raises the rear ride height and effectively steepens the fork angle, really speeding up cornering without compromising stability. Better than slipping forks through the yokes as ground clearance isn’t compromised. The best value for money modification you can do to a Blackbird.

Frame plugs. They just blank off the frame holes for the engine mounts/swingarm.

Total cost of mods ~$2000

[onearmedbandit]

I've modd'ed the fuck out of my bike, suspension, rearsets, steering damper, paint, crash bungs, exhaust, tre, etc. And I'll probably go further yet. Why? Because I enjoy working on my bike and the feeling I get when I've finished. I also enjoy the increase in function over the std parts.

Oh yeah, way plus $1500.

[placidfemme]

Okay guys. How much in terms of $$$$ are you willing to invest into your Bikes ??????

I know this is often limited to your "income" but on average how much do you realistically think you will invest into mods and aftermarket parts?

Suspension
Shit and glitter
OGY nobs
ETC


I voted $1500+

I already have a full aftermarket header and pipe system ($800+), Braided Brake lines ($200+), Rev Limiter ($400) and some other shit... and still more to come!

[Mr. Peanut]

Ive spent about $1500 on non standard bits.

Would like the following: 300cc kit, reed stuffers... HRC ignition system.... HONDA RS250 front end, Ohlins rear shock, TYGA pipes, VHM Cylinder Head Set.

That should see about 85-90hp ;)

[bugjuice]

no one has spotted an 'up-coming' mod that's been in my profile for a little while now..

[imdying]

Ive spent about $1500 on non standard bits.

Would like the following: 300cc kit, reed stuffers... HRC ignition system.... HONDA RS250 front end, Ohlins rear shock, TYGA pipes, VHM Cylinder Head Set.

That should see about 85-90hp ;)

Oh but you brought the wrong bike then... you should have brought the NSR500 instead! Oh wait... :lol:

[kiwifruit]

no one has spotted an 'up-coming' mod that's been in my profile for a little while now..

aye,
what are you up2 buggie? big bore kit?

[bugjuice]

can't say yet, still waiting for a) confirmation, and b) money.
Just something a little different for a different bike :yeah:

[Mr. Peanut]

Oh but you brought the wrong bike then... you should have brought the NSR500 instead! Oh wait... :lol:

You got one sitting around? :mellow:

[imdying]

Ask OAB, he might have one stashed away with his 1990 RGV500 :lol:

[slowpoke]

Hahahahaha....you expect me to write how much I've spent on my bike.....in a public forum.....where my missus can read it..............hahahahaha...........

If it increases my pleasure in riding the bike, I'll have it
If it makes ME like looking at my bike, I'll have it
If it makes my bike sound better, I'll have it
If it makes it easier/quicker to convert for track use, I'll have it
If it makes the bike faster (even though I can barely use it) I'll have it
If it makes the bike more crash resistant, I'll have it
If there's something I'll enjoy making for my bike, I'll make it
If it's made from carbon fibre, titanium or magnesium I'll lust after it
etc ad infinitum

If you say: stupid, what a waste of money, who can use sportsbike performance any way? Who cares! If you want sensible/practical go buy a Toyota.

I think someones sig on here says it all, for me: stock is not an option.

[imdying]

Addict :titter:

[slowpoke]

Addict :titter:

Sad....but true.........

[imdying]

Sad....but true.........

Admission, you're on the road to recovery :yes:

[98tls]

Me.......much more than $1500 and theres no end in sight.....Why.....because i enjoy it.

[Flyingpony]

My view is, if the bike requires modification then I've bought the wrong bike.

Having said that, I'd only consider mods which would save me money or my bacon (these modifications will also need to be cost effective too). Therefore things like chain oiler, brighter head lights, louder horn, better mirrors, etc, would make the list. Brake pads/lines, exhaust, suspension, carbon fibre, tyres, etc, are optionals.

Everything considered as optionals would only be considered for modification if the original parts are due for replacement. Even then, there will be a weigh up and OEM might still win.

If I out grow a bike, I'd not consider modifications to make it what I want it to be. I'd simply save my money and buy the bike I want.

[Cajun]

I now have most of the fruit on my bike full race system, pc3, air filter, track fairings, front fork springs. Also done some basic simple mods which cost next to nothing, eg powdercoat rearsets($25), remove pillion pegs, and replace with exhust bracket($30)

All my parts i have brought second hand, and pretty good prices. some where not really needed, take my full race system cost me $500, thats cheaper than buying a simple bolt on, which the route i mostlikly would have gone.

Somethings you change cause the bike is not really what you wanting, or want yours to look different to the some others, or cause you like spouting off you have ohlins this bremo that blah blah. even tho 90% of us don't need all these fancy things and use them like they meant to be made, but 90% of us don't need to ride these bikes we have, can't use them to what designed to be.

Like saying go
Different Strokes For Different Folks, if we all same, would be a very dull world would it not

[bugjuice]

actually, the more I read this thread, and the more I think aboutit, why settle for stock? why buy a bike, and just 'live with it'? If you like it the way it is, then great. I love mine the way it is. But I'm making mine more personal to me and unique too. I can no longer park my bike next to another 636 and say it's the same.. cos it ain't. It's all about personality. And I'm going to keep modding. Fuk, it's cheaper than modding cars anyway!
And I'm not 'blinging' my bike intentionally. I don't want it to look shite by any standards, but I'm not going to fit chrome rims, then ride like a nana. I ride like a nana anyway.

and anyone on the 'orange' comments can suck my can

[ceebie13]

Hehe...this will sound good:

Givi A210 Screen: $150
Wheel repaint: $340
Puig Rear Hugger from Germany: $240
Renntec Sports Carrier from the UK: $270
Custom seat mod from Riders: $500
Oxford Sports Luggage: $600

Yiks!! $2100 and Ive only had it two months!

[onearmedbandit]

$340 to paint your rims? What colour?

[Cajun]

and anyone on the 'orange' comments can suck my can

Your orange is bit like my yellow, they are bright and stand out, and alot of people really like it, would not admit out loud, but they tell you personally that looks good, and just they wouldn't own a bike that colour. I get that all the time with mine.

[imdying]

My view is, if the bike requires modification then I've bought the wrong bike.That makes the assumption that the factory, when it makes compromises to let the bike suit as many people as possible, will make it perfect for you... Good luck with that, let me know how that works out for ya ;) :lol:

[imdying]

$340 to paint your rims? What colour?

+1 on that!!! I hope they're taking them off the bike, disassembling, stripping, painting, reassembling, and putting them back on the bike for ya!! :shit:

[bugjuice]

Your orange is bit like my yellow, they are bright and stand out, and alot of people really like it, would not admit out loud, but they tell you personally that looks good, and just they wouldn't own a bike that colour. I get that all the time with mine.
lol.. yeah, i do get that.. and those that knock it want it really ;)
i love the orange. to the point that any bike i own, I'll get it resprayed orange. Definitely a race bike..
and yes, i guess i'm obsessed..

[Bonez]

As little as possible. Would rather spend the dosh on petrol, oil and maintenace. I generally just replace things as they wear out.

[bladez]

I spend more money on keeping my bike road worthy.

i know the feeling engine up spec and rebuild so lots and still havent done all the bike yet:gob:

[slowpoke]

It's impossible to buy the bike I would buy if I had unlimited funds...it doesn't exist.
A Macintosh Suzuki gets the juices flowing but I've a feeling it would be cumbersome with shite brakes compared to modern stuff.
An RC30 would be close to the top of the list, but it's got that wonky wheel size and that tragically stifling exhaust.
A Britten is a rolling wet dream, but you can't ride the bugger on the road
...and so on with ANY bike you care to mention, hence the temptation to modify....

Every bike I buy is just a rough approximation of what appeals to me at the time and I then go about refining it to something closer to my ideal, budget permitting. Of course it will never actually BE ideal 'cos my needs, taste, intended use, cash available, weather, roads, ideas, etc change on a daily basis.
I'm not talking big stuff necessarily, it may just be those monstrous indicators on your RC45 or that huge plow-like rear guard on your Gixxer, the wrist killing bars on your 998, the snatchy fueling on your SP1 etc, there is always something to change.

The perfect bike has never and will never be built.
If you think YOUR bike is perfect then you either set incredibly low standards or you are totally unimaginative.
Nup, my bikes are not new, won't win any show and shine's or even be the best looking things in the car park, but they are slowly getting closer to what I'd like them to be.

Now, if I can just sell my "spare" kidney I should be able to afford those keihin FCR41's I've been hankering for...............

[scracha]

A better question would be to ask what percentage of your bike's value would you spend on accessories during a year?

[TLDV8]

If you think YOUR bike is perfect then you either set incredibly low standards or you are totally unimaginative.

Some folk regard perfect and boring to be one and the same.A bike without character is just that,boring.
My TL has what i need for what i am looking for and that is to be reliable and cover distance in some comfort.Crap suspension will soon wear the rider out so it has a reasonable amount of money spent in that area.
Peoples idea's of mods vary.
Would i waste my time on tiny indicators when my life may depend on them,no,or remove the stock rear undertray so the Ohlin's and engine get hammered by stones,rain and other debris,no again.
It all come's down to personal choice.
Ohhh,and the Corbin seat and full Yoshimura system :woohoo:

[R1madness]

Ahh the joys of mods. Yea i love carbon fiber and annadised aluminium. Trick pipes (for the sound), flash brakes (for the pose value), under tails, coloured headlight bulbs (yes they are illegal), Yamaha tuning fork valve caps (just because noone else has them), the list is endless.
Jap bike riders are starting to catch on that its not only the Hogs and Guzzis that can be customised. In the USA a lot of custom shows are now being taken out by Jap bikes.

[pritch]

If you have to mod a bike you probably bought the wrong one.


Wouldn't agree with that.

I bought CRG levers - love at first sight.
I imported Sato framesliders to protect the bike.
A flyscreen to protect me (just a little), same for the heated grips.
Imported after market horns 'cause the OE item was crap.
Then an almost brand new all singing, all dancing, Ohlins shock turned up on Trade Me.

Oh and there is the Power Commander... Advice received said it was the best single mod I could do.

Haven't done any of that before, don't know if I'd do it again, but the bike suits me fine as is.

[ceebie13]

+1 on that!!! I hope they're taking them off the bike, disassembling, stripping, painting, reassembling, and putting them back on the bike for ya!! :shit:

pretty much, except for the removal from and re-fitting onto the bike.

Silver, by the way.

[slowpoke]

A better question would be to ask what percentage of your bike's value would you spend on accessories during a year?

What's the point....I'm gonna spend it anyway.....

[BarBender]

Plus $1500
Why? - Important to individualise and because I couldn't stand it if I saw another bike exactly like mine.

[Richard Mc F]

24......soon to 25 year old Ducati.............only $1500............i fucking wish....and as for the hours spent.......

[orangeback]

24......soon to 25 year old Ducati.............only $1500............i fucking wish....and as for the hours spent.......

not everybody got a money pit ducati
i know what you mean as i got 21g in on the SD ive got, over 11 years , and id probly see 8 1/2 for it, (not for sale ever)

[Dave C]

My SV-S is well tarted up - full fairing, tinted screen and light covers, rear hugger, integrated tail / indicator unit, etc...all of which makes her stand out from the crowd without looking like a bling-fest. Performance mods are limited to Micron pipes and a K&N hi-flo filter. Some remapping and suspension tweaks are also on the agenda, but if I was really serious about wanting more grunt then I'd be looking for a new bike. I bought the bike with all the fruit already on it - paid about a $1000 premium (compared with what I could have paid for a 'stock' bike with no mods and similar k's / condition.) To buy all the add-ons would set you back about $4k, so I was pretty happy with the deal.

[FilthyLuka]

gn400 mag wheels $200 (that was a deal)
Gn400 rear swing arm $250
aftermarket pipe $65 (thankyou motomail)
Straight bar $55
hacksaw to cut the old muffler, i stole that one (thanks dad!)
tyres, they dont count, i think i need those to ride in the first place so not considered aftermarket :p
new jets for carb... crap, cant remember!

thats $570... on a 1990 gn250...
f#ck you guys! i love the bike anyway!

denden

p.s: sprocket with extra tooth (front) is coming soon, thatll be between $25-$35

[Richard Mc F]

not everybody got a money pit ducati
i know what you mean as i got 21g in on the SD ive got, over 11 years , and id probly see 8 1/2 for it, (not for sale ever)

Approx $2k per annum for the the joy of riding a bevel :whocares: it is worth every cent :rockon: I hope my spending levels off close to that soon, but i was prepared to do what i needed to get reliability, japanese voltage reg, starter motor,big battery, headlamp relays, wheel bearings, on and on we go.....but it has only let me down once (as it needed recovering on a trailer) and that was because i should have checked the chain more thoroughly..it threw the master link ( yeah yeah rivet....)