Club Style is defined by how a bike is ridden, not just how it looks. Unlike traditional cruisers, Club Style motorcycles prioritize performance, control and all day rideability. They combine cruiser power with sport touring handling and an aggressive stance, and they're built to go hard and hold up. Here's where the style came from, what defines it, and the parts that make a real Club Style build.
The Origins of Club-Style Bikes
After World War II, returning veterans, especially on the West Coast, formed tight knit riding clubs. Members rode often and covered serious miles, so they modified stock bikes for handling, power and reliability. In the 1950s and 1960s, many riders stripped Harleys into choppers, often trading away comfort and rideability. Competition from bikes like the Honda CB750 pushed Harley-Davidson® to improve, and in the 1980s the FXR's stiffer frame and better geometry made it a club favorite. Riders later moved to the Dyna, and today's M8 Softails carry the torch.
Best Motorcycles for a Club-Style Build
While many types of motorcycles can be modified into club-style bikes, these models stand out:
- Harley-Davidson® Dyna® – Discontinued, but still the quintessential model for club-style builds, known for its responsive handling and road-ready durability.
- Harley-Davidson® FXR® – One of the most respected performance cruisers, the FXR® is prized for its steel frame and high-speed control.
- Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST – A factory-built club-style bike with FXRP® fairing, performance suspension, and Milwaukee-Eight™ power.
- Harley-Davidson® Softail® – A modern alternative to the Dyna®, offering improved handling and a classic cruiser feel.
- Indian Motorcycle® Challenger® & Chief® – Performance cruiser models, with the Challenger’s® liquid-cooled engine and alloy frame making it a solid club-style contender.
What Defines a Club-Style Motorcycle?
Every part on a Club Style bike has a job. Here are the traits that define the style and the Klock Werks® parts built for them.
Fairings, Fenders and Windshields
FXRP Style Fairing. The FXRP fairing, born on Harley police bikes, is Club Style's signature armor. It adds wind protection, room for audio and a distinctive profile. The FXRP Style Fairing Fit Kit fits 1982 to 2000 FXR, 1991 to 2017 Dyna, 2018 to 2026 M8 Softail, 1997 to 2025 Road King, 1986 to 2003 Sportster and select Indian® models. Read Why Upgrade to an FXRP Fairing for the full guide.
Flare® Windshield. Hard riding demands air management. A Flare® for FXRP style fairings or Kolor Flare® cuts buffeting and steadies the front end at speed. Add Pursuit Light Pods for the full police bike look.
Steel Front Fenders. Club bikes skip excess weight. Klock Werks 14 gauge steel fenders sit tight to the tire, like the 19 inch Tire Hugger Fit Kit for 2006 to 2017 Dyna and 2018 to 2026 Street Bob. See all styles in our 19 inch steel fender guide.
Natural Riding Position
T-bars or moto style bars raise your stance and improve front end control, and mid controls support cornering. Shelton Handlebar Risers add 8.5 inches of rise, are machined in the USA and include an iOmounts® center phone mount. Browse all handlebars.
Suspension and Handling Upgrades
Stock cruiser suspension isn't built for aggressive riding. Club builds often add stiffer rear shocks and reworked forks for better high speed control, less dive under braking and more stability in corners.
High-Performance Braking
Higher speeds need stronger stopping power. Common upgrades include stainless braided lines, larger rotors and performance calipers for sharper response and less fade.
Performance Exhaust and Engine Tuning
Two into one exhausts are a Club Style staple for torque and sound, often paired with cam upgrades, EFI tuners or big bore kits.
Comfort and Rider Support
Step up seats keep you planted under hard acceleration, and slim saddlebags add storage without hurting the look. Keep navigation in sight with an iOmounts® Magnetic Phone Mount, and keep the bike clean with the Klean Werks Kit, because dirty ain't the look.
The Evolution & Popularity of Club-Style Bikes
While originally shaped by West Coast motorcycle culture, the club style has expanded beyond club circles, appealing to riders across the globe who want a high-performance cruiser that can handle anything from highway pulls to technical canyon roads.
Though the TV series "Sons of Anarchy" undeniably played a major role in bringing club-style motorcycles into the mainstream spotlight, it wasn’t the only influential factor in the equation of bringing these bikes back. While the series featured a number of Harley-Davidson® bikes with club-style mods and introduced a wider audience to these efficient and performance-focused bikes that define the “club-style” there was a subcultural undercurrent that was brewing in the stunt community.
Riders like C-Bear and East Coastin’ Crew were touring across the United States during this period. A movement and sport which started growing in popularity at the time. As this form of entertainment took hold, on-lookers came to know, love and demand the same kind of bikes these stunters were using: performance-forward, efficient and maneuverable motorcycles that had a distinctive look.
As more manufacturers recognize the demand for high-performance cruisers, we’re seeing factory club-style-inspired models hitting the market. The Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is a prime example, as it offers performance suspension, an FXRP®-style fairing, and Milwaukee-Eight™ power straight off the showroom floor. At the same time, the aftermarket industry has exploded, making it easier than ever to build a custom club-style motorcycle.
Upgrade Your Club-Style Build with Klock Werks
Klock Werks has been building parts for FXRs, Dynas and Club Style bikes from Mitchell, South Dakota for decades. Shop every part in our Club Style motorcycle parts collection, or call the Klock Krew at (605) 996.3700 for help planning your build.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What makes a motorcycle Club Style?
A: A performance focused cruiser setup: an FXRP style fairing, taller bars, upgraded suspension and brakes, and a performance exhaust, built for hard riding and long miles.
Q: What's the best bike for a Club Style build?
A: The FXR, Dyna, M8 Softail and Low Rider ST are the most popular, along with the Indian® Challenger and Chief.
Q: What's the first part to add?
A: Most builders start with the FXRP fairing and a Flare® windshield, then add bars or risers.
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