What would be the best thing to change out first?

[NavyBlue]

I've got a stock '04 1300S and a desire to spend some money. I've thought about changing the pipes first to make it a bit louder but really haven't made a move yet. I've also thought that since it is silver, some blue LED's to highlight the engine would be cook too but I haven't made up my mind. So what do you all think? If you had it to do again, what would be the first thing you would change on a stock bike?

[trmc328]

First move I made....Changed out the pipes.Had to go with something louder(cobra drag pipes).
-Tim
cutrolin@aol.com

[CaptnGus]

The 4 best things that I ever did to my bike, in order of importance:

1. new seat (Mustang)
2. 4-inch risers
3. new pipes (Hard Krome)
4. Coyote X-Hinge

Go for comfort first, especially if you ride alot or on longer trips. Set your bike up to fit you, and the way you ride. Everything else was just icing on the cake. New pipes and chrome are great, but not if your butt or back is aching. You won't ride that beautiful customized bike if it's not comfortable.

[bwoy]

depends what you like, i would say pipes first. Make sure you visit honda direct line for your best price on accessories.

[Iron City]

Well if you have some cash HDL will be more than happy to take it. I beleive they will have a Memorial Day sale, but not 100% sure. Thats when you can save a few bucks. Also keep you eyes peeled on the VTX classifieds for items that you really want. But back to your question 1)saddle 2)pipes (check out VTXexhaust.com) 3) since you have spokes get rid of those blackwalls and get some wide whites 189.50 for a set. And lastly well the list goes on till you join a 12 step program to stop the madness :lol: :lol:

[mishka]

pipes.pipes and pipes............the 1300s sound great with pipes.
:lol:

[Jimmerz]

Listen, buy your pipes and everything else you can off a fellow X rider who is selling (that will be your best deal)

I bought my Mustang Seat after my first 45 minute ride and BUTT BURN! SO far my best purchase. You can search around but here is where and what I paid for it:
https://www.oneidasuzuki.com/store/customer/cart.php
compared to:

http://hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/pr ... D=67343539 (http://hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=1432&str=11&ID=67343539)

I was very fortunate to find a nice set of pipes (bought without even hearing them first, lol) Off a Guy in Iowa who said they were too loud. That's all I needed to hear! $225 Shipped!

My Risers were added recently for $30 on Ebay and I am very pleased with the difference my riding comfort is with these.

I added about 30 LED lights spent too much$$$, having someone else do it! I need to add about 10-15 more to light up the left side of my bike betterand I will be doing these myself...who knows when this will happen?

[hudock]

Yeah it highly depends on what your looking for.

You went with a retro, so you want the laid back feeling.

You choose what you want based on need.

Price can also be a big factor, with pipes & seats being the biggest costs.


Comfortability:
1) Seat
2) Risers
3) Highway Pegs/Bars
4) Handgrips (kurys are the standard)

Travel
1) Saddlebags
2) Windshield (yeah it looks old man style but if you get memphis or any others they come on/off in less then 30 seconds. a MUST for highway travel.

Sound
1) Pipes (I highly recommend because its a great addition to the weak stock)

Looks
1) Chrome... chrome? chrome chrome.. chrome chrome.. and... more chrome..
2) chrome.. and more chrome, anything is cromable.

Performance
1) Front Springs (many say this is #1 thing)
2) Air In-take


Hope this gives you an idea..

[shadango]

I've got a stock '04 1300S and a desire to spend some money. I've thought about changing the pipes first to make it a bit louder but really haven't made a move yet. I've also thought that since it is silver, some blue LED's to highlight the engine would be cook too but I haven't made up my mind. So what do you all think? If you had it to do again, what would be the first thing you would change on a stock bike?

I think you need to go out and look at your bike and say to yourself

"What would I change". Go with THE first thing thatcomes to your mind. You mention pipes first off, so my guess is that is your deepest desire.

Me, I had a LONG list. Still have a list of stuff I eventually want to do.

First thing that HAD to get swapped out was the seat and risers...after that its all just addiction....You wont regret pipes though....I love my Cobra Speedsters.....

Prgressive springs also helped the front end out immensely.....for $65 or so you cant go wrong there.

[NavyBlue]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I haven't had time lately to do more than browse through here but I did make time this past weekend to wash and polish the bike. :D

I also took that time to start making a list of things I want to change and prioritize it some. I think pipes will be the first big thing. Now that you all mention it, I really notice that dip in the front springs when I hit a bump or use a little more front brake than rear brake coming to a stop so springs are going to be up there on the list too. I think I'll wait on the seat a bit. I've taken some 100mile plus rides on the stock seat and while it could have some more padding, I can live with it for now.

I really appreciate all the suggestions and I will definitely be asking more questions in the future. I had no idea how easy some of this stuff was to do on my own until I started reading the posts here. And I think I got that chrome bug already. I've got my eye on a few things that can do with a little more shine. Of course the deal I have with the wife could get expensive (I buy something, she gets something of equal value). Believe me, it seemed like a good idea at the time! :lol:


Terry

[Jimmerz]

I've got a stock '04 1300S and a desire to spend some money. I've thought about changing the pipes first to make it a bit louder but really haven't made a move yet. I've also thought that since it is silver, some blue LED's to highlight the engine would be cooL too but I haven't made up my mind. So what do you all think? If you had it to do again, what would be the first thing you would change on a stock bike?

Your UNDERWEAR, since you will more than likely pee yer pants when you twist that throttlle for the first time!!!!

[DaGrizz]

I would change my bank account so the better half doesnt know how much you will be spending...LOL