We like things that are quick, easy, and satisfying-like microwave popcorn and that peanut butter and jelly that comes in the same jar. Can you tell we haven't had lunch yet? The other day while cleaning out our office we stumbled over the Drag Specialties catalog, have you seen that thing it's massive. Anyway, we got to looking through the huge parts book and came across a couple simple, shiny-chrome items that could help dress up a bike in minutes. We headed over to our local shop, placed an order, and in a few day our parts were in.
1. Here's what we ordered:...
1. Here's what we ordered: Drag Specialties Don Hotop Designs O2 Sensor covers ($69.95), Drag Specialties Don Hotop Designs Neutral Switch Cover ($39.95), and a Drag Specialties Flush Mount Axle ($105.95), and Bullet Axle Caps ($117.95 a pair). If the name Don Hotop rings a bell, it's because he's been in the custom motorcycle game for 33 years. Don's built some of the most amazing bikes in the industry, and is known for his clean, simple and functional parts such as these.
2. While it may go unnoticed...
2. While it may go unnoticed until you actually get down and wash your bike the stock look of the Neutral switch isn't much to look at.
3. The Don Hotop Neutral...
3. The Don Hotop Neutral Switch Cover will work with '06 and later OEM Big Twin six-speed transmissions. The cover simply slips over the two rubber boots and the bolt and then is secured to the bolt via a small Allen head set screw.
4. If you own a newer bike...
4. If you own a newer bike and have changed out your pipes, you've probably noticed that those O2 sensors are pretty ugly.
5. The Don Hotop O2 Sensor...
5. The Don Hotop O2 Sensor Covers will work on all OEM O2 sensors. The covers have a slit down the back side that allow you to slip the sensor wires through, then you simply slide the cover over the sensor and secure it to the sensor bolt with the two Allen head set screws.
6. Here's a look at the stock...
6. Here's a look at the stock axle on a '09 Street Glide. It serves its purpose; however, it's kind of clunky looking with the ends of the axle sticking out on either side of the fork legs. Plus the stock lower pinch bolts setup on the right side won't help you win any awards at the local bike night.
7. The Drag Specialties Flush...
7. The Drag Specialties Flush Mount Axle fits '08 and later FLH and FLT models. The left side of the axle is threaded and has a threaded cap, while the right side has a hex head bolt end to tighten down the axle and a cap that slips over it. The axle and Bullet Caps are sold separately, so if you wanted to save some money you could just run the flush axle and it'll still look better than stock.
8. To install the axle you...
8. To install the axle you use a flat jack to help support the front of the bike and take the load off the front wheel then you simply unbolt and remove the stock axle and slide the new axle in and tighten the axle bolt and install the right side flush cap and tighten the pinch bolts. You could just leave the bike like this, and it still looks cleaner than the stock setup.
9. ...You could add the Bullet...
9. ...You could add the Bullet Axle Caps. Just like the O2 and Neutral Switch Cover, the axle covers slide over the axles and bolt onto the fork legs with Allen head set screws. We like the Bullet Covers because they hide the pinch bolts on the right side and really give the lower legs a much more finished look. They would look especially well against a set of chrome legs. In less than 10 minutes and for less than $350 we added a little bit of shine to our bike and made a couple of ugly parts a little easier on the eyes.