The brilliant silver FLHRCI turned out to be a good choice as Kevin’s a big guy and it fit him well. “I wanted a nice riding bike, I enjoy an all day ride,” said Kevin. But like most H-D owners, stock was only good for so long and his wife was probably painfully aware that all those parts catalogs lying around the house were a portent of things to come. “I rode it while I worked on it. I had an idea the direction I wanted to go and just tried to stick with that,” said Kevin.

The Performance Machine 18” Domino wheels immediately gave the bike a different look and also eliminated any fears of tube-related flats. “I didn’t go 21” in the front cause I think it doesn’t follow the fender,” said Kevin. Shod with Metzelers, slightly wider in back gave him an immediately noticeable ride and handling difference too. “The Metzelers are awesome. It now wants to roll into the turns where I fought the stock tires, grooved pavement’s no longer a problem,” said Kevin. “I love the Metzelers.” Upgrading the stock brakes with H-D floating rotors, Lyndall Racing Brakes pads, and braided lines was another big step. “When you grab it now, it’s there,” said Kevin. “There’s a lot less brake dust with the Lyndall pads too. Down the road I’ll get PM calipers to go with it.” Suspension was left stock, but he did add chrome lowers in front. “I had no intention of lowering it. It was comfortable and handled well as is,” said Kevin.

Engine power modifications were simple with the addition of Vance & Hines Oval slip-ons aft of True Duals headers and an Arlen Ness Big Sucker air cleaner. “I wanted to gain horsepower and torque without doing motor work. I took it to my tuner who put a Power Commander on it. He made a special map and I gained about 10hp and 7 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3700 RPM without any backfiring or any of that stuff,” said Kevin. He also wisely installed H-D’s new easy clutch and automatic primary chain-tensioner upgrades. Next on the wish list are gear-driven cams. Throw in a Fueling oil pump and Kevin should have a bulletproof ride.

One glance at this bike tells you it isn’t just mechanically enhanced, but is wearing a good portion of Harley-Davidson’s P&A catalog supplemented by Küryakyn and Ness goodies. If it wasn’t chromed before, it is now. Kevin supplied a list of almost eighty items he’s installed and “chrome” is the first word in the description of almost half of them. Surprisingly, the comfy Brawler solo seat and the H-D limited edition Night Storm paint-set somehow missed the dipping. Anyway, the best part about this bike is that anyone with a little mechanical ability, patience, and a stock bike could make their own ride way special too. Gentlemen, start opening your catalogs!