T-Sport: Personalizing the T

The Personalization of the T-Sport Continued

Everyone wants to make their bike their own. How one approaches this objective is virtually unlimited. In my case, I was absolutely clear about one thing; to have as little chrome as possible. I also did not want any part that did not fulfill a specific function. No unnecessary covers to add weight or complicate servicing. If I did install a new part, it would have to improve my riding experience.

In my report "First two Years with the T-Sport", I described the initial changes that were made to my bike. I wrote about the performance enhancements made to the engine, the changes made to the foot and hand controls, the new seat and windshield, and the addition of accessories such as the chin spoiler, backrest and luggage rack. In this report, I will continue by describing the latest changes that my T-Sport has undergone.

Some Chrome is OK

When I sold my Electra Glide, I told myself that my next bike would have as little chrome as possible. Although I am in general not very diligent when it comes to cleaning my bikes, I do perform this tedious chore on occasion. I can remember spending far too many hours out in the garage polishing all the yards of shiny metal on that decker. Though it can be a therapeutic exercise at times, I mostly just found it a pain in the ass. Hence my new mantra; no more chrome. Perhaps it is somewhat ironic that when I purchased the T-Sport, I only exchanged one problem for another. Yes, the new bike had very little chrome, and I liked that. It had a very business like and aggressive look. But the wrinkle black motor can be just as difficult, if not more so, in keeping its good looks intact. I've already purchased a can of engine brightener in preparation for the eventual dulling of the paint, but have not yet needed to use it thus far. When I do use it, I certainly hope it works as advertised.

Some bikes can get away with a completely blacked out look and be absolutely stunning. I don't think my T-Sport can claim that kind of success. In its final year of production, Harley detailed the T-Sport's engine in the more popular black and chrome format. In my opinion, it was the combination of the uninspired fairing and nylon bags that contributed to an overall dullness of the T-Sport, especially when the black motor was added to the mix. I concluded that with a little bit of chrome, some of that dullness could indeed be erased.