A Rider’s Guide to Style, Speed, and Stance
Performance baggers are built for riders who don’t back off. These bikes aren’t just meant to cruise, they’re engineered to haul, to corner, and to keep you confidently in control at speed without giving up long-distance comfort. It’s a movement, not a moment. And it’s one the Klock Krew knows better than most.
So what exactly makes a bagger performance?
At a glance, the silhouette is familiar: touring platform, saddlebags, fairings, floorboards. But look closer and everything’s tighter, taller, and meaner. From upgraded suspension to dialed-in air management, performance baggers are designed to deliver more.
More confidence. More control. More fuel for the ride.
Performance Baggers vs. Traditional Baggers
Traditional baggers? Great for cruising. But when you want something a bit more lean and something that handles like a street bike, not a sofa—you go performance.
Riders swap stock components for taller suspension, beefier bars, and serious braking systems. The stance changes: the rear drops a bit, the front comes up, and what you’re left with corners harder, rides smarter, and just feels right from the first twist of the throttle.
6 Mods That Define a Performance Bagger
1. Enhanced Motor, Transmission & Clutch
It starts with power. Big-inch engines, high-performance cams, tuned intakes, and free-flowing exhausts because performance isn’t just about speed, it’s about responsiveness. Behind that power is a transmission and clutch that can handle it like a Baker 6-speed and Barnett Scorpion Clutch.
2. Suspension That Soaks It Up and Holds the Line
Stock suspension won’t cut it. Aggressive riding demands suspension that stays planted, corners predictably, and doesn’t fade under pressure. We’re talking Race Tech front kits, adjustable rear shocks, and smart geometry that boosts lean angle and feedback.
3. Brakes That Match the Speed
More speed = more stopping power. That means bigger rotors, radial calipers, and steel-braided lines that give you precise control when you need it most.
4. Smart Air Management
Wind pressure at speed isn’t just annoying, it’s exhausting! Without the right windshield, your posture suffers, your audio’s useless, and fatigue sets in fast.
Our Flare® Windshield is built to fix that, flipping air up and over the rider for less buffeting, more stability, and a calmer cockpit.
5. Ergonomics That Work With You
Performance doesn’t mean uncomfortable. It means everything’s where it should be with bars that give leverage, seats that lock you in, and foot controls that support real riding. T-bars, KlipHangers, tucked saddles, and rearsets can all play a part—but what matters most is that it fits you.
6. Tires and Traction
The right tire makes or breaks the ride. Grippier compounds, stiffer sidewalls, and a profile that complements your suspension setup are critical. Traction matters more when you’re leaning in at speed.
Bonus: Some riders swear by 2-into-1 exhausts or T-bars. Are they required? Not necessarily. Performance is personal, what helps you and your bike work better together is what belongs on your build.
Why Performance Baggers Just Make Sense
They’re the ultimate hybrid. Fast, capable, and still built for the long haul. Whether you’re bombing backroads with your crew or carving canyons solo, these bikes keep pace and look sharp doing it.
The culture’s grown, too. King of the Baggers proved these machines can race but you don’t need a track to feel the benefits. All you need is open road and open throttle.
Klock Werks Was Built for This
Performance isn’t new to us, it’s been baked into everything we do. The Benchmark Bagger, built back in 2003, set the tone. The Way Fast Bagger, which became the World’s Fastest Bagger in 2006, proved what performance touring could look like. If you want to catch the vintage Discovery Channel Biker Build-Off, search season 3 episode 11, Brian Klock and Jay Hart.
We’ve led the charge ever since, designing parts that help riders push further, ride harder, and look damn good while doing it.
From Flare® Windshields that smooth turbulent airflow, to handlebar setups that improve feel and control, we’re here to build the tools, not follow trends.
It’s Your Ride. You Decide.
The performance bagger isn’t a template. It’s a mindset. Whether you’re chasing lap times or chasing sunsets, your build should match your speed, your style, and your stance.
And when you're ready to take it to the next level, the Klock Krew is here, wrench in hand, throttle ready.
Welcome to the fast lane.
