Updated date:

Sep 20, 2021

Top 8 Fast and Easy Motorcycle Mods

Author:

Deya writes about motorcycles and many other topics as well.

Easy Motorcycle Mods That Beginners Can Do

If you are looking to upgrade your stock motorcycle, then here are some fast and easy motorcycle mods that are affordable and simple to install. I wrote this with beginner riders in mind so the mods in this article are good to start off with if you are beginner trying to get acquainted with your motorcycle's bells and whistles. I've also provided some links that take you to websites where you can purchase some of these products for your motorcycle or get an idea of the price range you can expect.

See the summary table below for time required, price, and difficulty level of each motorcycle mod.

Example of some modifications done to a Ninja 250R
Londonlady via Hubpages CC-BY

Summary of Easy Motorcycle Mods


Modification	Modification	Difficulty	Price Range
1. Windscreen	1 hour	Easy	$60-$200
2. Frame Sliders	1-3 hours	Easy/Medium	$50-$300
3. LED Lights	1 hour	Easy	$50-$200
4. Flushmount Turn Signals	Under 1 hour	Easy	$10-$30
5. Aftermarket Seat/Seat Pad	Under 1 hour	Easy	$50-$600
6. Fender Eliminator	1-2 hours	Easy	$10-$100
7. Bar End Mirrors	Under 1 hour	Super Easy	$15-$100
8. Motorcycle Grips	Under 1 hour	Super Easy	$10-$300

1. Windshield/Windscreen Mod

One easy mod that will take you less than 10 minutes to perform is switching out your stock windshield. You can get one that offers better aerodynamics, or just get one that is tinted or a different color. Depending on the motorcycle you have and the type of windshield you want it can cost anywhere from $60-$200.

If you prefer not to spend money on a windshield and just want a different color you can opt for spray painting the underside using Plasti Dip. Plasti Dip comes in various colors and is removable in case your don't like it. I recommend it because it's inexpensive, pretty durable, and can be reversed.

See how easy it is to replace a windscreen on a CBR 600RR. In this video, motovlogger 6Foot4Honda changes out his stock windscreen for one in the Zero Gravity series which offers better wind deflection while riding.

Stock windscreen on a Ninja 250R
Londonlady via Hubpages CC-BY

Example of a Windscreen Installation

2. Frame Sliders

There are two types of frame sliders. “Cut” and “No-cut” frame sliders. Cut frame sliders require you to remove your lower fairings (the plastic covers on your motorcycle) and cut them to the dimensions so you can install the frame sliders. No-cut frame sliders do not require you to cut the lower fairings and depending on the motorcycle you have, the lower fairings might not even need to be taken off in order to perform the installation. Find out what is best for your motorcycle type.

The installation process can take you anywhere from 1 hour if you have no-cut fairings, or more than that if you need to be precise with cutting your fairings. Prices for frame sliders can vary from $50-$300 depending on the brand. RevZilla, for example, has a wide selection. You can follow the link to get an idea of the price differences and watch review videos on specific products:

Frame sliders on a Yamaha R6
Londonlady via Hubpages CC-BY

Frame Sliders - RevZilla
Frame sliders on RevZilla.com

CycleCruza, a motovlogger who is meticulous about his bikes, gives a detailed description below of the installation of "No-cut" frame sliders on his CBR 600RR.

3. LED Lights

Adding LED’s to your motorcycle instantly adds 20 horsepower!

Unfortunately...no. But, it does look cool, and makes you more visible at night if you turn them on. Adding LED lights to your bike is one of the easiest cosmetic modifications you can do. A lot of stores sell a lot of colors in different size packages. Depending on how many lights you want expect to pay between $50 and $200 on an LED kit.

I've used LEDGlow in the past and like their products because they make easy to use packages. But I have found that one of their kits drained my motorcycle battery when I wasn't using it, so I do unplug it if I know I won't use it.

Please double-check if they are legal in your state/country before you buy them. Local laws vary. In some states they are allowed, even under-glow, as long as they are constant and not flashing but other states place different restrictions so check your local jurisdictions.

A fairly easy installation, LED lights on motorcycles.
Londonlady via Hubpages CC-BY

A typical kit includes LED strips, a relay, instructions, and some include a remote to operate the LED lights.
Londonlady via Hubpages CC-BY

LED Kits for Motorcycles

superbrightled.com: Motorcycle LED Lights
LED lights for increasing riders safety and adding extra flair.
LEDGlow: Motorcycle LED Lights
LEDGlow’s Motorcycle Lighting Kits designed to illuminate any motorcycle.

4. Flushmount LED Turn Signals

Another easy mod for your motorcycle is changing your front turn signals. It is one of the best ways to give your bike a nice clean finish. Installing flushmount turn signals is as easy as connecting a few wires together and mounting the signals on the bike itself. It would take the average user about 30 minutes to complete. Often times you can get turn signals that are specifically designed for your motorcycle but manufacturers also make universal ones. Ranging in price from $10-$60 this mod for your bike is affordable and easy to do. In addition you can do two-mods-in-one by buying and installing aftermarket front mirrors with turn signals built into them. This makes your signaling more apparent to other drivers and riders looking at you from the front.

The video below by TSTIndustries shows you a correct way to install the flushmount LED turn signals onto your motorcycle.

Flushmount versus stock turn signals on a motorcycle
Londonlady via Hubpages CC-BY

Flushmount Turn Signal Installation Guide

5. After-Market Seat Cover

After-market seat – If your motorcycle seat feels like you’re sitting on asphalt and is uncomfortable on longer rides, you can get it replaced. Aftermarket motorcycle seats and seat covers are readily available and are a good comfort mod to invest in.

If you are on a budget and still want comfort you can invest in a seat pad or cover instead of replacing the entire seat. A seat pad will range anywhere from $50 for a super sport bike to over $600 if you have a wide touring bike. BikeBandit.com offers a wide selection but pads can also be found Revzilla, Luimoto, and others.

6. Fender Eliminator

The fender is the piece of plastic on the stock bike that holds the license plate out over the rear tire of the bike. The Fender Eliminator mod is one modification a lot of riders opt for and for good reason. Stock fenders are large, bulky, and make the motorcycle look less like an aerodynamic machine. The majority of motorcycles will have an aftermarket fender eliminator kit built specifically for the bike. Depending on your bike the installation could take anywhere from one hour to more than two so reserve a nice afternoon for this project. You can expect to pay between $10-$100 based on the quality and what bike you have.

Universal fender eliminator kits are also available but they require a little more work and are usually just a piece of metal (to mount the license plate). These are a viable option if a bike specific kit is not available for your bike.

Ninja 250R with fender removed using a fender eliminator kit designed for the Ninja 250.
Londonlady via Hubpages CC-BY

Installation Guides for Fender Eliminator Mod

Any kit you order will come with installation instructions and there are many instructional videos out there that are specific for a kit you order, so just do a quick internet search on how to install the kit.

Puig Universal Fender Eliminator Kit | MotoSport

7. Bar-End Mirrors Mod

Another easy mod to customize your motorcycle is bar end mirrors. If you do not find your stock mirrors to be of much help in traffic, you can remove them (if it is legal to do so in your state) and replace them with bar-end mirrors which go on the ends of your handlebars and give you a better look behind you. You can also add them in addition to your stock mirrors.

The installation will take just a few minutes and can cost anywhere from $15- $100. Bar end mirrors are, for the most part, a universal fitting part. RevZilla has a good selection of mirrors of all price ranges, but many of the same brands can also be found on Amazon and eBay as well.

Bar end mirrors on a Triumph Speed Triple
Steve Watkins via Flickr CC-BY

Motorcycle Mirrors - RevZilla
Find Bar End Mirrors and other accessories for them from RevZilla here

Bar End Mirror Installation Guide

8. Different-Colored or Heated Grips

Different-colored grips: Fast. Easy. Affordable. That’s about all there is to it for grips. This simple mod takes you a few minutes to do and can be a cosmetic mod as well as a comfort mod. You can find different grips from under $10 to about $300 for really fancy and heated grips. Most will be under $50, however, If you live in a wintry climate and plan on riding over the winter. you can even get heated grips. Motorcycle Superstore has a wide selection including colored grips and heated grips.