Aftermarket Ace

Aftermarket ACE

ACCESSORIZING HONDA'S AMERICAN CLASSIC

LET'S BE HONEST, HERE: THE REASON THERE'S SO MUCH enjoyment in owning a Harley-Davidson has nothing to do with world-class, leading-edge performance. A big draw is that in contrast to countless Japanese cruisers, Harleys are as easy to customize as your bank account is fat.

But, as verified by the accessory-laden Honda American Classic Edition featured here, the aftermarket tide is turning.

Topping the gets-you-noticed list is Jardine’s Rumbler 2into-2 Megaphone exhaust system ($394). It fits nicely and coaxes a bit more horsepower and a tad more torque out of the Honda V-Twin, though the spiral-louvered baffles do little for decibel suppression-in town, full-throttle blasts will likely get you pipped for noise violations. Also, rejetting is definitely in order; Dynojet sells bigger main jets and revised needles through Two Brothers Racing (1842 Windsor Ln„ Santa Ana, CA 92705; 714/832-5504) for $80.

Targa’s American Cruiser Full Front Fender ($290) is a handsome ally to the Shadow’s graceful lines. Fland-laminated fiberglass with aluminum reinforcements at the mounting points, the pre-painted fender (available in 10 factory-match combinations and clear-coated) comes predrilled for ease of installation. Targa (21 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; 714/362-2505) also sells the nostalgic spotlight kit ($220) and Jardine billet backrest ($250), rack ($145), grips ($98) and passenger footpegs ($145).

The skirted Desperado saddle ($210, from Saddleman, 6325 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723; 310/6304522) bonds molded polyurethane foam to a one-piece plastic base. Combined with the slick-looking, smooth-operating Jardine forward controls ($495), it’s a comfy platform from wiiich to soak up several hundred miles of pavement.

Backroad bumps are better smoothed with Progressive Suspension’s steel-bodied 4000 Series shocks ($210). They have firmer springs than stock and less rebound damping for improved control, and are offered with black or chrome springs. Progressive (111 29 G Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345; 619/948-4012) also peddles fork springs for the ACE. These are slightly longer than stock with a firmer, more-linear wind (no more bottoming, better handling). While you’re swapping springs, the company advises junking the fork’s stock Automatic Transmission Fluid for a like amount of motorcycle-specific 10-weight fork oil; ATF can vary significantly in weight yet still meet SAE specs.

National Cycle (P.O. Box 158, Mayw'ood, IL 60153; 708/343-0400) completes the ACE’s accessorization with a scratch-resistant Custom Heavy Duty Windscreen ($150, $50 for mounting kit). It’s height-adjustable over a 3-inch range; nevertheless riders over 6 feet tall will get buffeted, especially in heavy crosswdnds. A smaller version called the Ranger is available, too.

These head-turning touches will add a weighty $3000 to the ACE’s $8999 base sticker. Still, the idea of spending a weekend or two personalizing one of this year’s best-looking cruisers has terrific appeal, regardless of whose name is on the gas tank.

Matthew Miles