Nowadays, plenty of motorcycle manufacturers go to considerable lengths to try to personalize their machines for the individual needs of a potential buyer. Short of creating a bespoke piece, every manufacturer's goal is to try to fit their customers' hands like a glove. Despite that, some customers can't help themselves with aftermarket modifications, which is especially true for Harley-Davidson's motorcycles.

UPDATE: 2024/03/14 07:00 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

Harley-Davidsons and aftermarket customizations seem to go hand in hand. Given that, we have updated this list to include a few more examples of some of the best-looking Harley-Davidson mods.

While there's no harm in getting your machine personalized to your liking, there are some who go above and beyond. In that case, it's easy to see people get their modifications hilariously wrong, but some do a bang-up job. This piece focuses on the latter half, with some of the best Harley-Davidson customizations we've seen making it to this list.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars thoroughly scanned all the modified Harley-Davidson motorcycles listed online. It should be noted here that HotCars doesn't hold any biases toward any one particular machine and that this is a purely subjective exercise. Also, this list is a mix of motorcycles currently in production and those that have been discontinued.

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12 NCT Motorcycles Harley-Davidson Street 750

Notable Modifications: Turquoise Paint, Hand-Made Tank

NCT Motorcycles Harley-Davidson Street 750
NCT Motorcycles Via Facebook

This modded Harley was created by NCT Motorcycles, and we have nothing but admiration for this creation. While the bike is still home to the original engine, wheels, suspension, and brakes, the only major difference is the body.

At first glance, the turquoise color is breathtaking, contrasting with the black detailing on the bike tremendously well. The addition of a hand-made tank, tail, front fenders, side covers, and handlebars make this bike an absolute stunner.

2016 Harley-Davidson Street 750 Engine Specs

Displacement

749cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

N/A

Torque

43.5 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

11 Custom Harley-Davidson Softail

Notable Modifications: Custom Paint Job, Wheels

Custom 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail
Garage Build

This bike is truly one-of-a-kind with its unique modifications. Originally, the model resembled a pro street bike, and after some sprucing, it's almost unrecognizable.

The rustic appearance of the Harley is well done. The subtle, discretely placed copper elements add to the overall rustic appeal. The clear coat was an excellent touch to help add to the overall texture of the bike. This Harley is a true work of art.

1996 Harley-Davidson Softail Engine Specs

Displacement

1,338cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

57 hp

Torque

71.5 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Bikez)

10 Thunderbike Customs Harley-Davidson Breakout Softail

Notable Modifications: Chrome Detailing, Custom Fender

Thunderbike Customs Harley-Davidson Breakout Softail
Thunderbike Customs

The mods on this Harley hit differently, and we aren't complaining. All thanks to Thunderbike Customs, this legendary creation was born. A perfect combination of black, steel, and chrome detailing makes the bike look like a boss.

Equipped with a deep-scoop seat, custom fender, and perfectly placed LED lights, this Harley is ready to take over the streets and is also completely Instagram-worthy.

2016 Harley-Davidson Breakout Engine Specs

Displacement

1,690cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

N/A

Torque

99.5 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

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9 Harley-Davidson "Silver Storm" Softail Deuce

Notable Modifications: Custom Steel Elements, Spirit Leather Seat

Harley-Davidson "Silver Storm" Softail Deuce side profile view
One Way Machine

Stepping into the more "shiny" side of the mod world, this Softail is unreal. It is also an award winner, claiming two wins and four podiums at the AMD World Championships. Named "Silver Storm," this Softail is nothing short of legendary.

The rear is lowered, adding to the bike's overall appeal. The bodywork is actually a mixture of new and old detailing. With a Spirit Leather seat, W&W rims, and custom steel elements, it's no surprise that it's an award winner.

2002 Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce Engine Specs

Displacement

1,449cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

67 hp

Torque

86 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

8 XTR Pepo Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH883

Notable Modifications: Monoshock Suspension, Blue Paint Scheme

XTR Pepo Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH883 side profile view
XTR Pepo

The Harley-Davidson Sportster is widely known as one of the most popular bikes of its time. XTR Pepo worked hard to create an amazing, rustic bike that made this list once again. There is something about a rustic motorcycle that screams tough.

The boldest mod on this bike takes place in the suspension. Converting a dual shock suspension into a mono-shock and adding high-compression-based pistons led to incredible performance. The subtle blue paint scheme contrasts with the rustic appeal, making the perfect combination of old and new.

1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH883 Engine Specs

Displacement

883cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

48 hp

Torque

N/A

(Specs sourced from Bikez)

7 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob Mighty Guerilla By Rough Crafts

Notable Modifications: Lowered Rear, Custom Leather Seat

Harley-Davidson Fat Bob Mighty Guerilla By Rough Crafts
Rough Crafts

An all-black Harley... what more could anyone ask for? This bike's contemporary design can capture anyone's attention with a quick glance. With a slightly lowered rear and a custom leather seat to make the driver comfortable, the road holds endless possibilities.

To top it off, the subtle steel detailing, seen in the spokes and throughout the bike's body, helps to complete the look. This Harley-Davidson Fat Bob is wicked.

2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob Engine Specs

Displacement

1,868cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

N/A

Torque

114.3 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

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6 Harley-Davidson Chopper

Notable Modification: Metallic Green Shade

Custom 1997 Harley-Davidson Chopper
Custom Motorcycles Vintage

If you can ride a chopper, you are a true biker. Choppers are an amazing motorcycle model in the sense that, when purchased, it is highly unlikely that there will be another bike similar to yours.

The green metallic color on this bike is amazing, but the real beauty is the detailing on the flames. You can't go wrong with flames on a Harley; this model demonstrates it well. The performance modifications on this ride are minimal, and we can't blame the owner for the pristine reputation of Harley-Davidson's performance.

1997 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Engine Specs

Displacement

1,338cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

55 hp

Torque

71.5 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Bikez)

5 Unexpected Custom Harley-Davidson "Medusa" Softail

Notable Modification: Gold Paint Job

Unexpected Custom Harley-Davidson "Medusa" Softail
Unexpected Custom

With Softails being the most popular Harley motorcycle for heavy modifications, it only makes sense that another custom Softail is on this list. Clearly, a huge amount of attention was dedicated to the looks of this bike.

Not only is the gold color breathtaking but look at the baroque floral elements. With sculptural detailing on the tank and rear fender, "Medusa" perfectly combines elegance, royalty, and power.

2000 Harley-Davidson Softail Standard Engine Specs

Displacement

1,449cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

67 hp

Torque

86 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

4 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special M8 Fat 21 "Under Dog" Hot Rod Bagger

Notable Modifications: Increased Torque, Paint Job

2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE SPECIAL -124ci M8 FAT 21 "UNDER DOG" HOT ROD BAGGER
Custom Harleydavidsons

If this bike doesn't scream Harley-Davidson, we don't know what does. The black cosmetics accompanied by bright orange flames fit the brand perfectly. Performance mods on this Street Glide are definitely worth noting.

Equipped with a power package producing an additional 19-foot-pound of torque and a high-output engine conversion, it's ready to blow your mind. This mod is wicked and one-of-a-kind!

2017 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special Engine Specs

Displacement

1,746cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

N/A

Torque

126 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

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3 No Limit Custom Harley-Davidson V-Rod

Notable Modifications: Paint Job, Bespoke Components

No Limit Custom Harley-Davidson V-Rod Agera R V-Rod front third quarter view
No Limit Custom

This beautiful mod was created by No Limit Custom on a Harley-Davidson V-Rod. From the first look, the combination of black and deep red makes this bike look mean. No Limit custom-made every part of this bike, from the radiator to the handlebar tips.

All except the turn signals and handlebars. The 300 rear tire just adds to the cosmetic modifications. This bike was very well done, to say the least.

2002 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Engine Specs

Displacement

1,130cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

115 hp

Torque

74 lb-ft

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

2 Ben Zales Harley-Davidson Duo Glide

Notable Modifications: Chrome, Metallic Blue Paint

Ben Zales 1963 Panhead Chopper
Harley-Davidson Via YouTube

As a piece of pure aesthetic brilliance, it's hard to beat Ben Zales' creation here. Of course, the first thing that strikes you is the metallic blue paint and the liberal amounts of chrome, which go together exceedingly well.

It also features a new girder upfront and rear fender, a pop-up gas cap, and even a custom oil bag. If over-the-top is what you're after, this Harley also gets a suicide shift that's garnished by a crystal shift knob. Oh, and there are no front brakes.

1963 Harley-Davidson Duo Glide Engine Specs

Displacement

1,212.7cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

55 hp

Torque

N/A

(Specs sourced from Bikez)

1 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail 'Kumram' Classic

Notable Modifications: Custom Fuel Tank And Racing Carb

1963 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic 'Kumram'
TOEY Via Instagram

For Bangkok native Tuey Chuenprapar, the Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic needed a lot of work before he could ride it. And that's exactly what he did.

One of his requirements was to make the Heritage smaller and lighter. With a few sketches in place, he carted his Heritage off to Aoo Design, who subsequently returned it with some drastic changes. These changes included a custom fuel tank, drag-style bars, a lowered rear, and upgraded discs.

2008 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Engine Specs

Displacement

1,449cc

Engine Type

V-Twin

Power

N/A

Torque

N/A

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)


  • Source for features: Respective modifiers' websites
  • Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Bikez