Bike Modification - Pros & Cons

Many have an idea and will to modify their bikes in to a stylish one like super bikes and top cruisers. The idea is quite awesome but everyone should know the benefits and drawbacks behind modifications before modifying a bike. People who are not affordable to buy a top end bike generally prefer to change its look to a top class bike and also who like to make the bike their own identity. However they have to keep some ideas in mind before engaging in such tasks.

Pros & Cons in general:

• Generally bike lovers love to have bikes a full fairing appearance and they wont hesitate to fit one for getting a sporty look. Many people don't know the fact that a full fairing cowl resists the air flow to cool the engine fins which is essential for an air cooled engine.

Karizma's stock half fairing - Since its air-cooled.

All the major sport bikes with full fairing are equipped with liquid cooled engines so they don't require air to cool them up. So to be wise don't use a full fairing cowl for air cooled engines.

Full fairing- strictly no for air cooled engines.

• The extra body work and accessories can increase the weight of the bike thus reducing its performance.

Apart from stock body, changing the body work by replacing tanks or including some other accessories like large visors, engine guards or any other unwanted spares.

• The next thing which is most common in modification of bikes is changing the exhaust muffler to get the beat similar to a race bike. Using branded exhaust systems similar to the bike specifications generally increases the power and gives a good roar to hear.

Daytona has launched its racing kit for Yamaha R15 & FZ 16, which includes chain & sprocket, Large diameter disc brakes with front master brake cylinder and exhaust muffler. Using genuine branded accessories are very much worthy for custom modifications.

Duplicate mufflers which are available in various sizes when fitted increases fuel consumption and offers poor performance.

• Replacing the tyres of stock model with wider tyres offers good grip but it has to be ensured that replacement of both front and rear tyre with the same brand has to be done to get good stability. 

Replace both front and rear tyres

The tyres of  few inches extra size from that of stock model offers good stability and oversize tyres has to be avoided. Usually wide tyres provide good grip but at the same time it affects pick up, handling and fuel efficiency. So the right kind of tyres has to be chosen prior modifications.

• The next modification many bikers prefer is to use air horns and electronic synthesizers. Make sure of using branded ones. Also use an optional switch to change over horns when needed.

 Take care while using air horns within city limits since its illegal.Using cheap duplicates may damage wiring and battery life.

• Headlights also comes under modification for many guys. High  power halogen bulbs, projectors and LED's are options. Use a correct one according to the bike's specifications to prevent battery charge draining away.

Philips HID conversion kit

Philips HID conversion kit is one of the good brand to choose. Provides good illumination during night riding and in highways.

Projector headlight

• Alloy wheels are also a part of modification, Always use a original branded ones for modifying your bike. Alloy wheels adds look of the bike and also enable easy maintenance.

Alloy wheels

 Avoid duplicates to prevent risks in case of accidents.

• Go for split seats. It would offer an all new look for your bike you wouldn’t have even thought, It offers a sporty look. Anyone in a seat repairing and lining shop can help you with this idea.

Split seats

Use quality seat materials. A brand called Royal Touch introduced Joyride seat covers which claims to prevent UV rays and keeps the seat temperature15 - 20 degrees cooler.

• To increase the horsepower many bikers use K&N air filters. These air filters substantially increase the HP. Ensure that correct jetting and tuning of carburetor has to be done after fitting a K&N air filter to get optimum performance.

K&N RC-1060 universal air filter

Improper carb setting leads to poor mileage and engine damage. Also clean these filters at mentioned time period to prevent major damage to filter as well as the engine. For electronic fuel injected bikes it won't be an issue since the ECU adjusts the air flow setting automatically.

• Whatever the modifications it never renders the bike's performance. Mostly the modifications on body work should not be done and changing the paint is strictly illegal and offence. Major mods depends on how much budget you have starting from 20k to 100k.

Remember the last point. When you make your bike undergo any massive mods, see to it that you consult the concerned people in the RTO (Regional Transport Office), ask them in advance what is to be done regarding re-registration of your bike after all these modifications are done. After these are performed, make your documents of your bike legally faultless in all aspects.

Yamaha R15 - Modified with Daytona Kit

A good mechanic and authentic spares will do a great job. Modifications without affecting the bike's performance and originality yet increasing the style and performance is always appreciated.