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Harley-Davidson’s legacy spans over a century, with some of the coolest and most powerful bikes that riders have ever seen. When it comes to modifying those bikes, Harley encourages it by promoting an easy customization process. The company even has an online builder tool that lets you mix and match factory and aftermarket parts, giving you your dream Harley. In fact, there are Harleys that are extremely easy to customize, and thanks to a large aftermarket presence, Harley’s one of the most customizable motorcycle brands around.

Of course, if you’re going to tackle customization yourself, you’ll need to know how to do it. Otherwise, you’re risking your Harley’s performance and possibly your own safety. Something as simple as new handlebars can require some electrical work, and changing exhausts means tuning your bike to meet emissions standards. Riders on Reddit have run into these very issues, with some pointing out that the work was rough yet rewarding. Luckily, there’s an abundance of how-to videos on YouTube to help you along the way. Hiring a pro to do the work is probably the right move, but it can also be a very expensive one.

Plus, some aftermarket parts are naturally going to be built better than others. While you could save some money on upfront costs, you may end up replacing the same part just months later. You may be better off going with authentic Harley factory parts, which will be pricey but should make for a more hassle-free customization.

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Customizing a Harley-Davidson can get tricky, but following the rules when doing so can make the process a lot easier. That’s because certain modifications may actually break state or even federal laws. For example, changing your factory exhaust to a louder one may violate the noise limit in your area, even though some bikers think loud pipes are safer for riding. Emissions control is also important and really shouldn’t be adjusted at all. The best thing to do before attempting any of these modifications is to check your local laws and beyond.

Even if a customization is legal, it doesn’t mean your warranty is safe. While Harley-Davidson isn’t allowed to automatically void warranties due to third-party modifications, the company can deny coverage if damage occurs as a result. Also, if certain aftermarket parts are restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or if parts aren’t eco-friendly, you have a problem. So be sure you know everything there is to know about your Harley-Davidson warranty ahead of time.

The best thing to do when planning a customization is to make a checklist first. That way you’ll have all the legal and warranty information in front of you. Then you can determine what you’re hoping to achieve with your modifications, as well as what specific equipment you’re wanting to add. If you hit a roadblock along the way, you can always reach out to your local Harley-Davidson dealer for advice on how to move forward.