Modification Philosophy - What's Yours?

[R100Pilot]

The rim stripes thread got me thinking (always a bad thing)...

One of the things that sold me on the Speedy is its minimalist aesthetic. Yes, it's well-styled, but there is nothing on it that does not serve a practical function.

Now, we've all seen what happens to Harleys (given the performance limitations, modification for purely aesthetic reasons may be the only real option), and even sportbikes. I mean, who needs an irridium windscreen when the stock one is the same shape and performs the same function.

So, I pretty much decided that any modifications I make will be done for practical reasons, following the notion that less is more. If it ends up looking cool, okay.

So I've justified the following:

<ul>[*] Bar-ends (because some of us do believe seeing what's behind us is a good thing)
[*] Seat (because my butt is the main point of contact with the bike, and the more comfortable it is, the better.
[*] Removed the passenger pegs (useless and unnecessary).
[*] Removed the rear "fender" (because its only practical purpose - holding the turn signals and plate - did not justify its monumental hugeness).[/list]
As a result, I have a box full of parts I've stripped from the bike. I like that. Less is more.

All of these were relatively cheap (except the seat) and easy, but I'm running out of cheap and easy _practical_ mods. Thought about Pazzos or rearsets, but the brake levers and pegs work fine, so I'm not sure if they'd fit my philosophy.

However, I like the rim stripes. They are pretty. And if I get reflective ones, I can justify 'em on accounta safety reasons. Am I violating my own principles? I dunno.

So, when modifying your bike, what's the guiding principle? Performance? Looks? Some balance between the two?

[ This message was edited by: R100Pilot on 2006-07-01 19:08 ]

[Limey]

certainly a balance between the two. try to keep it simple in the minimalist way. never thought I would get rid of my TORS but they are starting to look like to much bling.

[R100Pilot]

Yeah. Pipes may be next on accounta I can justify 'em on performance grounds, but they're pricey, the stock ones look darn good (especially with the passenger pegs gone), and do I really NEED another 10 hp?

[Limey]

Forgot to mention about rear foot rests being useless. When I had my little slide on speedy they did very well as sliders, prevented a lot of damage to the rear. They got scratched but nothing that wet 'n' dry and elbow grease didn't cure.

[kuhlka]

My philosophy? I take a balance of looks and performance being I'm an artist/philosopher (those are actually my university degrees). Clean, simple, and effective. Oh, and easy to clean/maintain.

I tend to focus my upgrades on personalizing my bike to what is comfortable; different bars, mirrors, levers that actually adjust and feel nice, headlights that let me see ahead at night, rearsets before long, t595 tail for the looks and gunslinger seat, etc.

Gradually, as I get deals and see things I like, I add appearance mods. I did the carbon fiber bits for protection and weight reduction (engine case covers, fenders, etc). I'll eventually do CF bodywork if I have a lump of extra cash laying around and want to go that direction. Eventually going to paint the wheels bloody red metalflake. Gonna do red Mike's Grilles for rad protection, etc etc. The list goes on. Its all just to increase the width of my grin though. I'm not about BLING or showiness. Just nice subtle grit and nastyness. I want people to look at my bike and either love it or fear it.

Hoping to have the Vroom VROOM HISSS before long.... mmmm....

[EliziumS3]

My Philosophy:

I do what I like. When it comes down to it (and shhhh, don't tell my wife), a bike is a recreational vehicle. In other words, it's for fun. As such, it can and/or should be a reflection of your personality (or some would say an extension of your... nevermind).

That's why some people strap on as many neon strips as they can, or lower and lengthen their bike to the point of non-street usability. Other people strip everything off (or cut out half the work and buy an S3!).

I love the Triple. I love the seat cowl, the flyscreen, the CRG bar-ends, and the other bits I've added. I may or may not love the bellypan when it's on. Regardless, one of the greatest things about motorcycles is that we seem to have SO many options for customization.

So, my philosophy is to do what you like. Even if I think your lowered, stretched, neon-laden pink Hayabusa looks like a circus elephant who took the short bus to the big tent, it's your perogative to wreck... errr do that to your bike.

Personally, I plan to make just about anything I can on the bike black, cause we all know that's the fastest color.... :hammer:

[kuhlka]

Yeah.... definitely not hip to the bling-fest some people do to their rides unless they mix bling with pure rideability. If a person blings out their bike to the point of being pure ***** to ride in the corners, its just a show ride and they're not into motorcycles for the ride. Not interested in hanging with people who spend more time standing by their bike posing than riding.

[EliziumS3]

Agreed Kuhlka!

One thing I've always noticed at "Bike Nights" no matter where I visit them, is there's distinct crowds. Usually I see two:

1) People who buy whatever bike they perceive to be most popular, then bling it out with every ridiculous piece of nonsense they can find regardless of how it actually affects the street performance of the machine (which is where most of us do our riding).

2) People who are consumed by bikes, love to ride, love to talk about riding and bikes, and would prefer to be riding than just hanging out.

That's not a criticism of bike nights, I love them. But it seems to divide itself up naturally.

Is it any surprise which group is usually wearing proper riding gear?

[bkrbil]

A bike is a personal statement. Whatever you add on, or don't add on is fine if it makes you happy. After all, you're really the only one that needs to be impressed.

[TrackerOldGuy]

I was going to say everything kuhkla said but he got there first, so never mind