As one of the most enduring motorcycle brands, Harley Davidson has achieved legendary status and amassed a devoted fanbase. Over its century-long history, the Motor Company has produced countless beloved models, predominantly focusing on cruisers and touring bikes for the majority of their sales. Innovation has always been a key aspect of their bike designs.
Practical innovations like the “jiffy” stand, patented in the 1930s, are still in use today, showcasing the brilliance of the original design. This stand has been adopted by competing motorcycle brands and replicated by aftermarket part manufacturers. Now, buyers can find third-party Harley Davidson kickstands that provide similar practicality—supporting a 1000-pound parked bike even on uneven surfaces—with various sizes, materials, and designs tailored for different bikes and riders.
Get Your Harley Standing in a Jiffy
The jiffy stand’s design has stood the test of time, aptly named for its ability to balance the bike “in a jiffy” with just a quick kick. Positioned on the left side of the Harley, the stand unfolds when nudged and locks securely in place, utilizing the bike’s weight. Think of it as a tripod, with the tires acting as the other two balancing points. Once locked, the jiffy stand prevents the bike from tipping over unless weight is removed from it, and a gentle nudge forward disengages the spring, allowing you to ride off smoothly.
This feature means that Harleys equipped with the stock jiffy stand remain stable on inclines and declines, which might be overlooked by seasoned Harley riders but can catch new riders or those transitioning from other brands off guard. The Motor Company has continuously refined the jiffy stand, introducing adventure stands for the Pan-America with an expanded footprint for added stability on loose terrain, and jiffy extensions for modifications like lowering springs or new forks.
What are the Alternatives?
Originally designed for brief stops, jiffy stands became popular in police edition bikes, but some issues have arisen. As Harley models have increased in size and weight, the stand reveals its limitations. Heavily loaded bikes can sway or tip over when parked on soft ground or uneven surfaces. Some riders may find the stand too short or that it requires a larger contact point for better stability. Fortunately, economical solutions like extenders, jiffy coasters, or lift brackets are readily available and effective. Replacing worn bushings or springs can also quickly restore functionality.
While stock alternatives exist, many riders prefer aftermarket Harley kickstands, addressing stability issues and enhancing build quality in newer bikes, while also complementing the aesthetic of your Harley, particularly when matched with other aftermarket modifications. Numerous dedicated brands offer products to customize your bike to your liking.
If you find the standard jiffy stand flimsy, cumbersome, or unstable on loose ground, exploring the aftermarket option is advisable. When purchasing, consider overall lengths, materials, and the fit of the kickstand. Standard lengths measure around 11″, providing similar lean and 45-degree angles as the traditional jiffy, but with expanded footprints for enhanced stability. Lowered kickstands start at 10″, while taller riders may prefer variants around 12″.
Materials can vary from high-grade stainless steel available in black matte, powder-coated, or glossy chrome finishes to striking forged or polished brass. Look for design features such as extra foot pads for larger bikes and longer, more accessible kick tabs to ease the engagement of springs and simplify positioning the stand. Additionally, choose lean angles appropriate for your bike’s weight; options with less lean allow for level positioning with less effort. Lastly, evaluate the mounting hardware and installation requirements—most aftermarket stands replace the stock jiffy directly with provided hardware, while others may need welding.
The Advantages of Aftermarket Seats
For enhanced riding comfort, aftermarket seats are among the first upgrades riders consider. Truthfully, the various factory options (like the Sundowner, Signature, Hammock, or Road Zeppelin series) are adequate for new bikes rolling off the dealer floors, but their build, materials, and padding begin to show wear after several thousand miles. Sagging, torn, or uncomfortable seats can cause fatigue, distractions, and ultimately become a safety concern.
Similar to Harley Davidson kickstands, aftermarket seats provide greater convenience, a wider selection of styles, and a straightforward way to enhance your riding experience. These seats are built to higher standards while often remaining more affordable than stock options. Consider components such as stainless steel for the seat pans, higher-density or gel foam padding for better support, and durable seat covers made from high-grade vinyl or leather, designed to withstand rider weight, friction, and exposure to the elements.
Moreover, you can tailor the stock seat to fit your riding style by selecting different sizes. Opt for larger, well-padded extended solo seats for solo rides requiring more space, 2-up seats featuring back and armrests for comfort, or springer seats for custom rebuilds and improved vibration dampening. A vast array of seat accessories is also available, including heating pads, backrest supports, height adjustability, and locking mechanisms.
Improved Grip with New Tyres
The factory-fitted touring or cruiser tyres that come with a new Harley will inevitably require replacement for optimal performance and safety. Motorcycle tyres have a lifespan ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on riding style, tread type, road conditions, and maintenance. Regularly inspect tyres for wear, check tread depth, and look for debris, cuts, or cracks on the sidewalls. Also, check for wear near the rims and ensure proper pressure for current weather and road conditions.
There are significant design and performance distinctions for tyres suited to various Harley models. Touring tyres are crafted for prolonged mileage and traction, featuring flatter profiles that enhance straight-line stability and multi-ply compounds that perform in a variety of weather. On the other hand, cruiser tyres are designed with rounder profiles and stiffer sidewalls for superior cornering, while still using harder compounds for adequate traction on wet surfaces. Both types need to support significantly more weight compared to the lightweight, slick tyres usually found on sport bikes.
When selecting tyres, ensure they match the rim sizes and widths, choose tread patterns appropriate for your riding environment and typical weather, and aim for recently manufactured rubber, ideally no older than six years. Store new or unused tyres in dry, controlled environments, preferably at room temperature and shielded from moisture.