My bike had lots of motorcycle upgrades including chrome accessories, lowered progressive suspension, fat handlebars, a chin fairing, and other items. My Suzuki was a great looking bobber.

The one thing that I did not upgrade was the exhaust. I contemplated doing it but decided against it because I felt my bike ran strong and sounded pretty good.

My Harley buddies disagreed and frequently teased me about how quiet my bike was. They were right. Compared to some of their Harleys, my bike sounded like a scooter.

I now have a 2007 Harley Street Glide and even the stock exhaust on this bike is relatively quiet. There has been much debate over whether loud pipes are a safety feature or a public nuisance. As aftermarket exhaust continued to get louder and motorcycle manufacturers like Harley Davidson received more public backlash, they decided to outfit their bikes with pipes that are quieter and socially acceptable.

Recently, I replaced my stock pipes with a set of Rinehart Slip-on Mufflers and all I can say is wow. Now, my bike sounds like a Harley should. It also feels that the bike has a bit more throttle response but that might be the placebo effect of the increased noise.

The best way I can explain the sound is to compare it to the sound of a fat guy snoring on a couch after eating a full rack of ribs and drinking a six pack of beer. This is not the best visual image but, the sound is accurate; low, deep, and nasty! The increased sound gives the bike the type of attitude that a Harley deserves. While the bike is much louder, it is not so loud that my bike is annoying to my neighbors. It’s perfect.

I should have gotten slip on exhaust with my Suzuki and now that I have them for my Harley, I strongly suggest this upgrade. The sound, style, and maybe even the performance are all worth the cost.

I’ve had my current motorcycle for about 2 years and I have made some significant changes. I added lots of chrome, a chin spoiler, fat handle bars, LED lights, braided steel lines, Progressive shocks, custom lights, and more. My bike looks very different than it did when I first bought it.

But I need to finish what I started.

My ultimate dream for this bike is very close to being a reality. I just need to add Cobra Speedster Slashdown Exhaust, a hot box, Tornado Air Intake kit, and chrome wheels. After that, I can say my bike is done.

In 2010, unless I upgrade to a Harley Street Glide, I’m going to make sure I finish my bike. So, one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to finish what I started when I bought my motorcycle. If your bike is in the middle of it’s transformation from stock to stylish, then make 2010 the year to complete the job.

Only the most hardcore bikers would even think about riding in December or January in Boston, Chicago, or upstate New York. While winter motorcycle apparel will keep riders from freezing to death, it’s still not as fun and satisfying as riding in good weather.

The winter does not have to be a total waste though.

If you can’t ride, then why not take time to upgrade and modify your bike for the next riding season? This way, you won’t miss any riding time and your bike will be the envy of your friends at the start of the spring riding season.

Some upgrades are fairly simple and take very little time to accomplish. Others are extensive and require a large investment of both time and money. Regardless of the upgrade, follow these steps to make your winter season productive:

• Save: If you are looking to make major changes to your Harley, metric cruiser, or sport bike, make sure to put some money aside to make it happen. Frequently, estimated charges may amount to more than originally budgeted. Also, engine, exhaust, extended swing arm, controls, and other upgrades can have hidden additional requirements that may unexpectedly increase costs.

• Research: Go online and research bikes, motorcycle repair shops, brands and materials, and pictures. The aftermarket motorcycle industry is huge and has a wide range in products and services. There are dozens of online retailers for parts and thousands of motorcycle shops across the United States. Make sure to check the online galleries on the retailer websites. You might find a bike that looks exactly like what you want.

• Call Around: Talk to your fellow bikers in person or online to ask their opinions on the best parts, motorcycle shops, and fabricators. Going to a shop and talking to the owners and mechanics is also a great idea. Make sure that your bike will be in the hands of an expert and you’ll get the results of want.

• Get New Gear: What good is a redesigned motorcycle unless you have some new gear too? Don’t forget to upgrade your cool biker gear so you look as good as your bike.

Cold weather doesn’t have to end your excitement and enthusiasm about motorcycles. Take the winter months to plan out changes to your bike and make upgrades to keep your bike running and looking good.