Top Club Style Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Dyna and FXR Models
When building a truly unique Harley-Davidson, the Club Style offers an iconic look that combines performance, aesthetics, and riding dynamics. For Harley-Davidson fans, especially Dyna and FXR riders, Club Style means customising your bike. It uses upgrades that improve handling, braking, and comfort. This creates a performance-inspired, aggressive stance on the road.
In this blog, we’ll explore the Club Style Harley upgrades for Dyna and FXR models, covering essential categories like handlebars, suspension, braking, and exhaust. Each section includes practical tips for upgrades. You can find these at Legendary Parts. Legendary Parts is a trusted supplier of OEM and aftermarket Harley parts.
What Defines Club Style? (A Quick Breakdown)
The Club Style Harley isn’t just about looks—it’s a complete build philosophy that blends performance and personality. Originating from the FXR and Dyna club scene, as well as the stunt and performance bagger communities, Club Style bikes prioritise handling, control, and stability. Whether you're after that West Coast style or simply seeking to boost your bike’s performance, Club Style is all about practical upgrades designed for aggressive riding, stunt setups, and excellent cornering performance.
The key elements of a Club Style bike include tall handlebars, high-performance suspension, and iconic fairings like the FXRP fairing. Each upgrade is designed to maximise rider control, comfort, and speed while maintaining the unique look that Harley-Davidson customisation fans love.
Essential Club Style Handlebars & Controls Upgrades
T-Bars & Moto Bars for Maximum Control
To perfect your Club Style Dyna or FXR build, you’ll need the right handlebars. T-bars are a popular choice among Club Style Harley riders because they provide improved leverage and stability, which are essential for aggressive riding setups. With common heights like 10", 12", and 14", T-bars help you maintain better control over your bike, reducing hand fatigue during long rides or stunts.
The FXR vs. Dyna rider preference for handlebars varies, with some riders opting for taller Harley handlebars for added comfort and control during high-speed runs.
Upgraded Risers & Clamps
To support your handlebar upgrade, 1-piece risers or billet risers are excellent for achieving a rigid cockpit setup that enhances handling. These Harley risers improve control and reduce flex when tackling corners or executing aggressive manoeuvres. These also help raise the handlebars or bring them closer to the rider for better control. This is useful for riders who prefer lower handlebars but want higher controls.
Fitment notes: Keep in mind that FXR and Dyna top clamp differences might require specific risers to ensure compatibility.
Performance Levers & Throttles
“Performance levers”, like adjustable clutch levers or easy-clutch levers, make the clutch pull lighter. This is because Harley-Davidson clutches are known to be heavy. For braking, upgrades include racing or braided brake lines. You can also fit an upgraded master cylinder for better brake response. Upgrades to the brake callipers and rotors are also available.
Club Style Fairings & Wind Protection
FXRP / T-Sport Fairings
An iconic Club Style look wouldn't be complete without FXRP fairings or the T-Sport fairing. These fairings not only enhance the aesthetic of your Dyna or FXR but also offer improved wind protection for better comfort at higher speeds. Keep in mind, some mounting brackets may be required for these setups, especially for Dyna & FXR models.
There are many types of fairings and visors... these are just a couple. Bullet-style fairings are also popular. It's worth noting that there are many types, not just those two. Many reputable aftermarket companies sell such kits, but many more Chinese knockoffs fail early and are of low quality.
Lighting Upgrades for Safety & Visibility
To stay visible and safe, LED headlights and bright turn signals are essential. These lighting upgrades ensure you're seen during both day and night rides. Wiring may need adjustments, especially on older FXR models, to ensure compatibility with modern lighting systems.
Suspension Upgrades for Better Handling
Rear Shocks (13”–14” Club Style Setup)
High-travel shocks, such as the Ohlins Harley shocks or other performance shocks, are key to achieving a Club Style rear setup. Preferred for cornering clearance and ride stability, these shocks also improve weight distribution, enhancing overall performance.
Front Suspension Upgrades
Upgrading your front suspension with cartridge kits, upgraded fork springs, and fork emulators can reduce front-end dive and create a more balanced setup with your rear shocks. This creates a more stable ride and improves control on the road. Also, a popular performance upgrade is inverted shocks. But for this, you also need to upgrade/modify the triple trees and,d in many applications, also the braking system.
Brake Upgrades for Increased Stopping Power
Dual Disc Conversions (Where Applicable)
For those riding aggressive setups, a dual-disc Harley brake conversion is a must. This upgrade provides improved braking performance and is essential for high-speed or stunt riding.
Performance Rotors & Pads
Floating rotors and sintered pads are great for increasing braking performance. These parts are heat-resistant and improve braking bite, which is especially important for the high demands of FXR and Dyna performance parts. Ensure proper fitment according to your Dyna or FXR rotor sizes.
For a serious performance build with many aftermarket front-end components, it is best to use a single brand. If one brand cannot supply everything, use one or two brands. This can cover forks, suspension, brakes, and other parts. And always consult a professional shop when making such ample mods, if you've never done it before.
Braided Steel Brake Lines
Braided steel brake lines improve brake feel and consistency under heavy use, a crucial upgrade for performance enthusiasts.
Essential Club Style Seats for Stability & Comfort
Step-Up Seats
Step-Up seats are the standard for Club Style Harley builds. Brands like Saddlemen Step-Up seats offer excellent back support, especially for aggressive acceleration. These seats provide comfort for long rides and also accommodate passengers with ease.
Exhaust Upgrades for Sound & Performance
2-into-1 Systems (Club Style Favourite)
2-into-1 exhaust systems are a favourite among Club Style Harley riders for their ability to improve torque curves and reduce weight. These upgrades are popular for Dyna and FXR models, but fitment may vary based on your specific bike.
Heat Shields & Mounting Hardware
Proper mounting and exhaust heat shields help ensure your exhaust system remains secure, even with taller suspension setups.
Engine & Performance Upgrades
Stage 1 Essentials: Air Intake + Tune
For a true performance upgrade, start with a high-flow air cleaner and ECM tuner, Harley. If the bike is carbureted (a bit more rare of an occurrence in club style, but still present), upgraded carbs like the Mikuni HSR, for example, or S&S. This Stage 1 upgrade is essential for maximising the potential of your new exhaust system and improving fuel efficiency.
Cooling & Reliability Enhancements
Upgrading your oil cooler and clutch will help with Harley heat issues, ensuring your FXR or Dyna can withstand the demands of high-performance riding.
Wheels, Tires & Drivetrain Upgrades
Lightweight Wheels for Faster Handling
Lightweight wheels are a great choice for reducing rotational mass and improving handling. These wheels are often used in performance builds, giving your Dyna or FXR.
High-Performance Tires
Sticky compound tyres designed for cornering can make a big difference in your bike’s handling. Tires play a crucial role in performance, making them more important than cosmetic upgrades.
Chain Conversions
For stunt riders, Chain length can depend on whether modifications to the drive sprockets and rear wheel were made. It's best to remove this.
Crash Protection & Practical Add-Ons
Engine Guards / Crash Bars
Club Styles do not always use traditional crash bars, like other cruisers. Instead, crash pads are more popular on this style of bike. They are commonly found on sport bikes. They mount on straight bars welded to the front of the frame. They can also work as foot supports in a pinch. This allows you to stretch your legs during a ride. However, it can look a bit ridiculous. They are especially common on stunt bikes.
Saddlebag Options for Club Style
Whether you need T-Sport saddlebags or Dyna saddlebags, soft bags provide functional storage while maintaining the Club Style aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Upgrades for Your Club Style Build
When planning your Harley build, prioritise handling and performance first. Focus on suspension, brakes, and cockpit controls. After that, consider exhaust and engine upgrades, followed by aesthetic choices like lighting and seats.
FAQ's
What are the best handlebars for a Dyna or FXR Club Style build?
T-bars and Moto bars are ideal for better control and comfort. The height and materials will vary depending on rider preference, but they’re essential for a Club Style Harley.
Can I install a dual-disc setup on my Dyna?
Yes, a dual-disc conversion is available for certain Dyna models and provides improved braking performance for aggressive riding.
What are the must-have upgrades for a Club Style FXR?
Key upgrades include FXRP fairings, performance shocks, T-bars, and 2-into-1 exhaust systems. These parts enhance both the look and performance of your bike.
What makes the Harley FXR so special?
Instead of the traditional Dyna-style rubber-mount system, the FXR was built on a triangulated steel backbone frame with an Isolastic engine mounting system. This provided increased stability, improved cornering, and an overall smoother ride, setting it apart from the rest of Harley's lineup.
Final Verdict - Building a True Club Style Dyna or FXR
Building a Club Style Dyna or FXR is all about balancing performance with personalisation. By focusing on handling, control, and functionality, you can create a bike that stands out and delivers exceptional performance. Legendary Parts is your go-to supplier for OEM and aftermarket parts to bring your build to life.