Motorcycles are pretty advanced nowadays. However, by adding a few modifications, you can make your bike truly personalized. From new motorcycle wheels to a beautiful speaker grill, tons of simple motorcycle upgrades can take your ride to the next level.

In this post, we’ll discuss several easy motorcycle mods for your ride, including where you can find some of the leading motorcycle products in the business.

1. Wheels

Are you ready to show off some brand new motorcycle wheels? If so, you have countless brands and styles to choose from. Adding new wheels is one of the easiest ways to update an older bike or provide the perfect aesthetic for your new bike. Just keep in mind that new tires may be required along with any new wheels. Take a look at the various types on the market today:

Solid or Spoke Wheels

First things first, you’ll need to decide if you want solid or spoke rims. Solid wheels consist of the rim and spokes cast together as one piece. These rims are typically made of aluminum. Spoke wheels, on the other hand, involve spokes that are intertwined or laced together. These spokes add stability to the wheel, and they also give off a certain flare.

Different Rim Materials

Motorcycle wheels are made with a few different materials, including:

• Aluminum
• Magnesium alloy
• Carbon fiber

Aluminum is by far the most popular. The other types are designed to reduce weight, so they’re more common on airplanes or racing vehicles.

Billet Motorcycle Wheels

Billet wheels are a type of rim made by carving a block of solid aluminum. They’re constructed using computer technology, allowing you to create intricate, creative designs. These wheels typically cost about $850 to $1250.

Cast Rims

These wheels are the most common type, so you’ll probably see these on the majority of bikes out there. Made from cast aluminum, these rims often come with a polished or chrome finish. You can expect to pay $500 to $600 for these wheels.

Laced Wheels

Laced motorcycle wheels are the typical spoke wheels we’ve all seen before. Usually made of aluminum, the thin spokes are laced between the hub and edge of the rim. Many riders love the style of laced wheels, and they’re also easier to repair than other types.

2. Fresh Paint

While you can make several upgrades to your bike, custom motorcycle paint jobs are among the most noticeable. If you’re looking to take your ride up a notch, consider adding some paint. Not only can you find that perfect look you’ve been searching for, but new paint can also increase the value of your ride when it comes time to sell.

Take a look at the different types of paint jobs out there, including how much they cost:

Average Paint Jobs

A typical paint job is one done by a professional. You can find these services at motorcycle shops or other painting providers. While you can usually trust these experts for a job well done, you can’t always expect the best paint quality.

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding average paint jobs:

• Expect to pay between $300 and $1500
• The price depends on how much prep work is needed
• They’re handled by professionals
• The service is relatively quick and easy
• Paint quality is average

If you want a basic paint job and don’t have the resources to do it yourself, this could be the way to go.

Custom Paint Jobs

If you want something unique and high-quality, a custom paint service could be the answer. However, custom motorcycle paint jobs often come with a higher price tag. That said, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $3000 for the project. This price depends on:

• The amount of prep work needed
• How long the job will take
• The type of design
• How much paint the project requires
• And more

If you’re looking for a special design or style, consider a custom paint job. Make sure you find a reputable paint shop that specializes in motorcycles.

DIY Paint Jobs

A DIY motorcycle paint job is by far the most affordable option. In fact, it should only cost you around $100-$500. However, it’s vital that you know what you’re doing. 

It’s also important to keep the following in mind:

• Make sure you have the right tools
• Practice and plan before starting the project
• Make sure you have enough time

If you’re experienced enough to tackle this project on your own, a DIY motorcycle paint job could save you thousands.

3. Customized Exhaust

The exhaust is another motorcycle modification that many riders decide to upgrade. By making this easy modification, you can reap several fantastic benefits.

Advantages of a New Motorcycle Exhaust

Many bikes come with high-quality exhausts right out of the box. However, you may have a certain sound you’re looking for, or you may want a particular design that a stock bike simply doesn't provide. If you’re thinking about making this upgrade, you’ll either choose a motorcycle slip on exhaust or a full system replacement. No matter which route you go, you can take advantage of the following benefits:

• Improved sound with less noise
• Greater performance
• Aesthetic enhancements
• More speed
• Less weight on your bike

When your bike was built, the manufacturer had to comply with certain emission rules. They also had to follow a strict budget. That said, your exhaust could be the weakest part of your ride. By upgrading to a top-notch motorcycle slip on exhaust or a full system replacement, you can experience many impressive improvements on your bike!

Muffle System or Full Exhaust System

When it comes to upgrading your exhaust system, you have two options: Adding a new, full system or just a muffler. A muffler system, also called a motorcycle slip on exhaust, is a modification that only replaces the muffler. The stock head pipes stay in place. This upgrade is cost-effective, but it leads to minimal enhancements.

A full aftermarket exhaust system upgrade, on the other hand, is a much more involved modification. This involves replacing all parts of the exhaust system. While this can get expensive, it leads to the most impressive results, such as greater performance, better sound, and improved looks.

4. Lighting

New lights for your ride are another upgrade that can provide lasting benefits. Furthermore, these enhancements are also affordable. Before you decide to make this modification, think about what lights you want to upgrade.

Here are the lights you have to choose from:

• Motorcycle helmet lights
• Headlights
• Auxiliary lights
• Underglow lights
• LED lighting kits

Today, you can find several lighting setups that can drastically change the look of your bike. You can choose from basic lights, lights that change colors, and even lights that change to the beat of your music! And best of all—most lighting setups can be installed on your own!

Understand the Laws

Before you purchase a crazy lighting setup for your custom bike, make sure you understand the laws in your state. If you get caught with something illegal, you could face a hefty fine and be forced to remove the lights. As an example, here are the light laws in the state of California:

• Any light aimed at the front of the bike must be predominantly white or yellow
• Lights projecting toward the motorcycle's rear (tail lights) have to be predominantly red
• A predominately white light must illuminate the license plate and provide visibility from 50 feet away

Be sure to follow these laws to avoid fines and avoid wasting your money!

5. Seat

Looking for a more comfortable ride from your bike? While stock motorcycles come with cushioned seats with decent padding, an aftermarket upgrade could provide a better riding experience with options best suited for shorter and longer rides. Also, with so many models to choose from, you can find a truly customized solution depending on your riding style.

Thinking about making a seat upgrade? Here are the different materials and seating options to choose from:

• Foam seats
• Gel seats
• Air seats
• Modified seat cushions
• Sheepskin seats
• Traditional seats

If comfort is your top priority, consider a foam seat. These are believed to be the most plush, comfortable seat solutions on the market. If you take long rides on your motorcycle, foam is a material you can trust.

Do you often drive your bike in warmer weather? If so, consider sheepskin motorcycle seats. Not only do they keep you cool during the summer months, but they also retain heat when the weather is cold.

If you would rather not spend the money on an entirely new motorcycle seat, you can easily make a modification to your existing setup. This allows you to find an upgrade based on your needs, and some seats can even be adjusted at any time.

6. Audio

Looking for an upgrade that really gets heads turning? Consider enhancing your motorcycle audio system! These audio components have come a long way in years past, resulting in top-of-the-line systems that sound incredible. However, if you’re thinking about boosting your audio components, decide whether to add new speakers or make a full audio overhaul. If you want a complete system modification, consider adding or upgrading the following:

• Speakers
• Motorcycle amp
• Speaker grill
• Motorcycle subwoofer
• Tweeters
• Batteries
• Radio

With the sophisticated audio products on the market today, you can find a personalized system that’ll blow people away! No matter where you take your bike, you’ll have your favorite tunes right by your side—and you’ll be amazed at how good these systems sound!

Shop Audio at Garage Bagger Stereo

Garage Bagger Stereo is your one-stop shop for all of your motorcycle system needs. We work with some of the leading brands in the industry, including American Hard Bag, Diamond Audio, Hertz, Rockford Fosgate, Sony, and more! In addition, we provide installation tips and tutorials so you can easily install these products for yourself.

Garage Bagger Stereo has been a top motorcycle audio business for over 10 years. We employ skilled, knowledgeable audio specialists with the experience you can trust. Furthermore, we offer affordable pricing and insane deals on your favorite audio aftermarket parts for Harley Davidson motorcycles and more! Whether you’re looking for high-quality speakers, a new radio, or a heart-pounding motorcycle subwoofer, we have your solution to complete any custom build.

Contact us today to find the motorcycle audio system of your dreams.