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Modifications to a Street 500:

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Before I go on I just wanted to say that all add-ons will be rated 1-10 and 0ne being the worst and ten being the best and definitely worth the price of admission.

The first modification or add-on is the mirror extenders in black HD part# 56000042. This is one add-on that everyone should really consider if you’re tired of looking at your shoulder instead of what is behind you or on the side of you in your mirrors.

The box comes with just about everything you will need. One each of left and right mirror extenders CNC of aircraft aluminum and fit and finish are superb. All I had to buy at the ACE was two Hex Head SS polished bolts and four SS compression washers. The photo speaks for itself on installation. Very easy and shouldn’t take you longer than ½ hour to install.

This add-on is a big 10, though expensive @ $55.oo for the set it is well worth the price. The mirrors do not vibrate and stay in positions. Looks good without sacrificing the cosmetics of the bike. Plus the safety aspect alone tops the list on this one. This is definitely a must have on a long list of add-ons.

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The seconded mod is the taking off the fairing and exposing the headlight hidden behind it. The light shroud is made of metal and the rest is ABS black plastic. Wanting the shroud to match the speedometers chrome bezel, so I decided to take it to a custom graphics shop that has done other vinyl graphic for me. They have a highly polish chrome looking vinyl that will fool anyone into believing that it is real chrome. For $10.oo dollars they coved the shroud for me in chrome with this vinyl.

You have to really look very closely to see that its not been chromed by a chroming shop or it came that way. Now headlight and Speedo looks like a matched pair. I would rate this one a 6, only because the headlight looks cheep to begin with and a replacement would be a better choice but would cost considerably more. But for now, and the price I paid, how can you beat it?

The photos will show some other cosmetic work I did to tidy-up the front of the bike. I Auto-Cad a cover for the back of the speedometer and will have that laser cut out of polished SS.

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The last add-on is the HD Screaming Eagle Nightstick slip-on muffler. This Jet Black long diffusion disc muffler produces a HD raspy tone when diffusion disk are left in place at the mufflers end. However, once those diffusion disk are taken off, then you get the full Monty of Harley-Davison’s loud “get out of my way” sound that HD is so famous or infamous for. Yes, this muffler takes the Street 500 into the big boys playing field as far as sounding like a Harley only could. Makes it sound like you have a 1200cc instead of a 500cc engine. In fact, earplugs are recommended when riding; remember you have been warned!

What I notice was not only did the Street sound louder like Harley’s do, but also the absence of backpressure on the engine really gave it an extra boost in first and second gear adding to its performance. So much so that it flew me back into the seat when I really hit the throttle hard. This is something I hadn’t notice with the stock muffler. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but it was just more noticeable with the Nightstick on verses the stock muffler.

Instructions for removing the six socket head SS cap screws at the end of the Nightstick mufflers end to remove the diffusion disk, very easy. First you will notice that one of the SS screws is tamper-proof and an Allen wrench, AKA: Hex Key, will not work on that one screw and buying a special hollow Allen wrench is not needed.

First, unloosen and remove all five SS socket head screws that are not of the tamper-proof type. Then once they have been remove and the pressure has been removed from the diffusion disks then you can use a vice-grip or Locking pliers to grab the end of the last screw. Turn it as much as you can and keep reclamping the screw head until it is loose enough that you can remove it with your fingers; no special tools needed! If you look at my photos you can replace the end cap with aluminum ¾” spacers that you can buy at any ACE hardware store and get new shorter SS 10-24 cap screws, too. (NOTE: The reason I did this was you could feel the exhaust output 8' feet away.) I painted the end with high gloss engine paint to match the Streets paint scheme.

I would have to rate this add-on a 10 if you want the “ Harley-Davison sound” and the boost in performance. It will take a Street 500 to the next level of motorcycling experience and you will never look back that you didn’t buy the Street 750. Time to do this job about an hour and it is easy to do, too. Remember: Earplugs are not included, and as one member said on this forum and I will quote: Awesome!
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I agree the mirror extenders are a must, I did the mod about 2 weeks ago.
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Good job with going with those mirror extenders, i might have to add that onto my list of first mods to do.
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I agree concerning the mirrors but you can keep the loud friggin muffler modification. I hate loud bikes and that is the VERY reason always hated Harleys till now.
I love the sound of the 750 and wouldn't change it for the world.
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I agree concerning the mirrors but you can keep the loud friggin muffler modification. I hate loud bikes and that is the VERY reason always hated Harleys till now.

I love the sound of the 750 and wouldn't change it for the world.
:rolleyes:

Yes, I can’t agree with you more! However, my wife was the one that said the Street was not even as loud as my Vespa GTS250 scooter and if you’re going to ride a Harley then it better sound at least like one too. She gave me an envelope with money in it and said “fix that bike now!”

When I took the Street 500 over to a friend’s house that rides Harley’s everyone was asking me what did I do? Because everyone over at the house rides only Harley’s they all liked the better sounding Nightstick. It them became a little more excitable to them that now it “fit in” with the rest of the Harley-Davison line of bikes.

To me the quieter Street 500 was good enough but a lot of people think and stereotype Harley’s in a different perspective. You either lead, follow are get left behind! A lot of Harley riders believe that the louder bikes are a safety issue too. It lets cages know that you are right next to them and wakeup and pay attention. Though I’m sure this statement can be debatable, I personally will not argue the point. Anything that makes riding a motorcycle safer then I’m all for it and that point is not an iota debatable.
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Wow Very nice mods!!! the 1st thing im ordering is the mirror extenders. One small question does the bike still pass inspection if you change the pipe like that?
Any other big plans for it? Im tyring to figure out whats best to use to cover up some of the exposed wires. any suggestions?
Any suggestions on new grips?
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Here is a pic of my Nightstick . Of corse its after the person ran me off the road and into gravel :( Is there a certain paint i can get to match that color? Or is a replacement really my only choice? The dealership is the one who did the end of my pipe this way. sorry for the rain lol.

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You are probably right about the loud exhaust and it making surrounding motorists aware of you, I wouldn't argue that point at all. As with anything it's a matter of preferred taste. I'm all for anything that can make a rider safer but I simply like quiet, and it is the most quiet Harley I have ever heard. Also you might want to check into the warranty status after making that modification.

I have made one modification to my 750 so far. I took a black cable tie and routed the front brake line closer to the fork. It looks much more neat without protruding all the way back to the radiator.
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Wow Very nice mods!!! the 1st thing im ordering is the mirror extenders. One small question does the bike still pass inspection if you change the pipe like that?
Any other big plans for it? Im tyring to figure out whats best to use to cover up some of the exposed wires. any suggestions?
Any suggestions on new grips?

Yes the bike will still pass inspection and warranty is not void by Harley-Davison because it is one of their aftermarket products. Harley-Davison sells lots of aftermarket muffler slip-ons’ for all their bikes made by them. I talked to the dealer that sold me the bike and they said the diffusion disk are there to make the muffler 50 state legal for sound only, but it still will meet all states standers for EPA with or without the diffusers.

RadioShack sells electrical heat shrink-wrap of various sizes for electrical use. That is what I used to hide or cover-up the yellow connectors by the handlebars, then wired tied it to some other cabling. One of the members on this forum also suggested the same thing for covering up the wires.

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I really wouldn’t know much about grips because I like the one that come on the bike. The only thing I’m looking for now is saddlebags in leather. Definitely will upgrade the horn too with something that looks a little more agreeable with the bike.


I just thought I would share an experience I had today with another Harley owner at the dealer. Drove my Street 500 to the dealer to check on some parts availability and take a look-see.

When I was in the lot getting ready to leave a man stopped me as I was butting on my helmet and asked if that was the new Street 500. He would like to get one for his son and was it a good bike. I told him that I thought it was a very good bike for the money and for its price point does serve a purpose. He then look at me and then said the magic words: “But does it sound like a Harley?” I said wait a second and you’ll find out!

With a grin on my face I place the key into the ignition, the fuel injection primed and hit the start switch. She fired up and a smile got on his face and he said: “Yes it sounds like a Harley definitely” with big thumbs up. Though I do not advocate loud motorcycles, HD riders do, no, demand that Harley tradition stays with their bikes.

Several Harley motorcycle riders now have given me the big ‘OKAY’ if you want to call it that when looking at the bike and hearing it too. Only food for thought.

Also the dealer told me a lot of people have been asking for the Street now because word is getting out about the new HD Street 500 & 750.:)
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Here is a pic of my Nightstick . Of corse its after the person ran me off the road and into gravel :( Is there a certain paint i can get to match that color? Or is a replacement really my only choice? The dealership is the one who did the end of my pipe this way. sorry for the rain lol.

Yes, try an Auto Parts store they will have engine paint and paint that will withstand higher temps . The muffler looks good.......I like the way they did it, nice job!
My biggest thing with how quiet the bike is that whenever I'm on the freeway, I can't hear the engine. It worries me that perhaps the engine isn't working correctly and I wouldn't even be able to notice.
Yes, try an Auto Parts store they will have engine paint and paint that will withstand higher temps . The muffler looks good.......I like the way they did it, nice job!

Would taking the other parts off the muffler make it louder? Or they way they cut out the end works the same way? i just hate the person ran me off the road and scratched it :(
thanks for all your input. love the way your looks also.
I'm running that muffler open ended (without that cap/spacers) on the end. Louder may just depend on where you're standing... with the cap/spacer on, directly behind probably wouldn't be as loud as standing next to the bike.

The difference is probably fairly insignificant, but its there.
The last add-on is the HD Screaming Eagle Nightstick slip-on muffler. This Jet Black long diffusion disc muffler produces a HD raspy tone when diffusion disk are left in place at the mufflers end. However, once those diffusion disk are taken off, then you get the full Monty of Harley-Davison’s loud “get out of my way” sound that HD is so famous or infamous for. Yes, this muffler takes the Street 500 into the big boys playing field as far as sounding like a Harley only could. Makes it sound like you have a 1200cc instead of a 500cc engine. In fact, earplugs are recommended when riding; remember you have been warned!

What I notice was not only did the Street sound louder like Harley’s do, but also the absence of backpressure on the engine really gave it an extra boost in first and second gear adding to its performance. So much so that it flew me back into the seat when I really hit the throttle hard. This is something I hadn’t notice with the stock muffler. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but it was just more noticeable with the Nightstick on verses the stock muffler.
Do you have the H-D part number and/or a link? The only one I found was Part Number 80872-12 for $274.95 but it doesn't list it as being for the Street 500/750 (or any 2015 Harleys at this time).

Screamin' Eagle Nightstick 2-Into-1 Slip-On Muffler-80872-12 | Mufflers & Pipes | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store

It did seem a bit pricey but then all H-D add-ons are pricey. My partner and I are considering fabricating a 2-1 exhaust that fits on the stock pipes and it isn't all that hard. I used to be a supervisor for an after market manufacturer of exhaust systems and I had the M/C department. Mufflers are relatively easy to fabricate so we're going to give it a shot anyway because we might also use it on our Street 500 bobber project.
More modifications.

Today my partner and I looked at some mods for the Street 500/750 that some might be interested in.

Front controls: Some people like front controls over mid-controls and I'm one of them. Based upon the visual inspection today it appears fairly straight forward although working around the forward exhaust pipe probably requires moving the brake cylinder to in front of the exhaust pipe and running a longer hydraulic line and brake light sensor to tie into the relocated brake cylinder. The left side simply requires kicking out the shifter linkage about 1" to clear the side case.

Faux rigid swing arm, rear fender, and new seat: To go along with the front controls a different seat would be cool and changing out the swing arm for a faux rigid and a different seat would provide an excellent look and ride with the front controls. This might require some relocating of the electrical and perhaps even a different battery but it's under consideration. Hiding the single spring/shock shouldn't be hard to do but we won't know until we tear down the bike and check it out. This is only based upon the visual inspection with the battery/water reserve cover panels and seat removed. We'll know more once we remove the rear fender. Mentioning the fender the factory fender reminds me of a Ducati and I'm tossing that one in favor of a plain metal fender that's more traditional bobber looking with the change in the swing arm, seat, and front controls.

Different radiator grill: The stock faring isn't bad but I'm not into the size of the holes through the grill. It will allow too large of rocks through that could damage the radiator. The grill can be changed by just drilling out the plastic attack locations. More on this later. BTW the stock radiator itself (w/fan) is excellent.

Chrome Kick Stand: The factory one is a bit cheesy for me and I'd like to move the spring to the backside of the stand to hide it.

Chrome Belt Guard: I'm not a fan of the plastic belt guard, period.

I'm with others in changing the mirrors to kick them out a least 1" more on each side. They work for checking the lanes next to you but you just can't see behind you in your lane at all.

I'm also going to change the hand grips and controls. There are tons of these as the Street has standard diameter handle bars.

We're a couple of weeks away from tear down because I want the 1,000 mile service complete before starting that.
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Here is a pic of my Nightstick . Of corse its after the person ran me off the road and into gravel :( Is there a certain paint i can get to match that color? Or is a replacement really my only choice? The dealership is the one who did the end of my pipe this way. sorry for the rain lol.
Hold the Phone everyone! After seeing Street750Nc end to his Screaming Eagle Nightstick I decided to change my end to a polished one. I like his so much but had to make the end look like chrome.

If anyone on this forum whishes to do the same and can’t polish one of their end diffuser rings I will do it for you. You pay shipping and $6 bucks and I will make it look like mine no problems. I don’t know if they have a PM on this forum so you can contact me? Let me know?
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Wow !!!! very nice!!! i sent you a pm. I can see now we going to be bouncing so many ideas back and forth.
Do you have the H-D part number and/or a link? The only one I found was Part Number 80872-12 for $274.95 but it doesn't list it as being for the Street 500/750 (or any 2015 Harleys at this time).

Screamin' Eagle Nightstick 2-Into-1 Slip-On Muffler-80872-12 | Mufflers & Pipes | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store

It did seem a bit pricey but then all H-D add-ons are pricey. My partner and I are considering fabricating a 2-1 exhaust that fits on the stock pipes and it isn't all that hard. I used to be a supervisor for an after market manufacturer of exhaust systems and I had the M/C department. Mufflers are relatively easy to fabricate so we're going to give it a shot anyway because we might also use it on our Street 500 bobber project.

Here is a photo of the label right from the box; price is $350.oo USD. CATION: Read the label and you will see what Harley states about voiding your warranty with other makers of parts.
Text Font Label Material property
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More modifications.

Today my partner and I looked at some mods for the Street 500/750 that some might be interested in.

Front controls: Some people like front controls over mid-controls and I'm one of them. Based upon the visual inspection today it appears fairly straight forward although working around the forward exhaust pipe probably requires moving the brake cylinder to in front of the exhaust pipe and running a longer hydraulic line and brake light sensor to tie into the relocated brake cylinder. The left side simply requires kicking out the shifter linkage about 1" to clear the side case.

Faux rigid swing arm, rear fender, and new seat: To go along with the front controls a different seat would be cool and changing out the swing arm for a faux rigid and a different seat would provide an excellent look and ride with the front controls. This might require some relocating of the electrical and perhaps even a different battery but it's under consideration. Hiding the single spring/shock shouldn't be hard to do but we won't know until we tear down the bike and check it out. This is only based upon the visual inspection with the battery/water reserve cover panels and seat removed. We'll know more once we remove the rear fender. Mentioning the fender the factory fender reminds me of a Ducati and I'm tossing that one in favor of a plain metal fender that's more traditional bobber looking with the change in the swing arm, seat, and front controls.

Different radiator grill: The stock faring isn't bad but I'm not into the size of the holes through the grill. It will allow too large of rocks through that could damage the radiator. The grill can be changed by just drilling out the plastic attack locations. More on this later. BTW the stock radiator itself (w/fan) is excellent.

Chrome Kick Stand: The factory one is a bit cheesy for me and I'd like to move the spring to the backside of the stand to hide it.

Chrome Belt Guard: I'm not a fan of the plastic belt guard, period.

I'm with others in changing the mirrors to kick them out a least 1" more on each side. They work for checking the lanes next to you but you just can't see behind you in your lane at all.

I'm also going to change the hand grips and controls. There are tons of these as the Street has standard diameter handle bars.

We're a couple of weeks away from tear down because I want the 1,000 mile service complete before starting that.

Thanks, and please keep us updated with photos too. I can get some more ideas then. I mean we all can!:eek:
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I did a modification today. I moved my horn. :)

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