Are you ready to breathe new life into your Sportster and turn it into a stunning Cafe Racer? In this blog post, we will explore various seat options, exhaust choices, and additional modifications that can elevate the aesthetics and performance of your motorcycle. From bolt-on seats to performance-enhancing exhaust systems, you'll find the perfect combination of upgrades that will make your Sportster not only look like a true Cafe Racer, but also provide a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience. So, let's get started on this exciting transformation journey and unleash the hidden potential of your Sportster.
Everybody knows the sporty seats are not that great after a few hours in the saddle, nor are they going to win any contest. The first thing is deciding the end goal of what your sporty is going to look like. Café racer and scrambler seats are vastly different from comfort saddles meant for longer rides or commuting. If you’re looking for a café seat, there are numerous options, the most popular is custom. However, a couple of bolt-on options are Roland Sand Design Café Sportster Seat at $369.99 and RYCA Café Racer Seat at $499.
Both require removing the one bolt holding the seat down. Where they differ is, Roland Sand Design’s seat is meant to emulate the high butt rest of a café seat, while using the stock fender. Remove the seat, and put a new seat on, and you’re done. RYCA’s seat replaces the seat and rear fender to give it a more authentic café look while supporting OEM lighting (Brakes). Your mechanic can simply unplug and unbolt the seat and wiring, place new on, plug in, and bolt on. Simple and done.
If trends are not your thing, there are numerous saddles to choose from. My favorite comes from Biltwell, the Sporty 8, which comes in different patterns such as diamond quilted giving it that retro-inspired feel for about $175 or you can go more retro with their banana seat for about the same price.
Ok, there are too many to list here, some are going to want style, others want performance, and then there are those who want bone-shaking, alarm-triggering pipes. But there are a few things to consider. If you’re looking for café style, traditionally you want a 4 into 1 or 2 into 1 full exhaust for better performance. Also, look for low-slung, lightweight exhaust. Tuners, Screaming Eagle Pro Tuner, $299, Dyno Jet Commander 399, Vance and Hines $299.
Finally, there are a few other things to note, but all require the help of a certified technician. Whenever you change out the exhaust or add accessories to your bike, you need to have it re-tuned. You can do it yourself with a tuner. Vanes and Hines sell one for $299, which allows you to dial it in from your phone app. If you are unfamiliar, take it by a RideNow service department, and they will take care of it.
Also, traditionally the tank has knee cutouts on the side, but this requires cutting and welding to modify to the peanut tank. You can leave it as is, or shop around for a new tank. If you get a new tank, it most likely won’t be a plug-and-play setup. You will want to have your mechanic relocate the tank mounting brackets for them to fit. Personally, for the sake of keeping in “Sporty”, I would leave it as is
Remember, that this is not a true café racer, but it is a starting point.
No matter your skill level or goal, always swing by your RideNow dealership for help.