Your Riding Times bike already has its own look, but you can add a few personal touches to make it stand out. Whether you ride a GT73, GT54, or another model in the Riding Times lineup, you have several ways to change its appearance and setup.
Some riders start with new graphics or colored grips. Others change their seat cover or switch from pedals to footpegs. These changes serve different purposes, so it's worth knowing what fits your bike before ordering parts.
Here are five ways to personalize your Riding Times bike, plus a look at modifications that need extra care.
1. Give Your Frame a New Look with Vinyl Wraps and Graphics
Want to change the entire look of your bike? Start with the frame.
Vinyl wraps and custom graphics let you experiment with different colors and designs without changing the bike's main components. You could choose a matte-black finish, add bright racing graphics, or create a color combination that matches your riding gear. You don't have to cover the whole frame, either. A few well-placed decals can make a difference. Try combining two colors or adding your own design to give the bike a more personal look.
Here are a few ideas:
- Add racing-style graphics to the frame
- Use a colored vinyl wrap for a different overall look
- Add personalized decals or numbers
- Match the frame design with your grips or seat
Before applying anything, check that the material is suitable for your bike's surfaces. Keep serial numbers, safety labels, reflectors, and important components visible. Avoid applying heat near the battery or electrical parts. A custom frame design is one of the easiest ways to make your bike stand out from similar models.
2. Choose Compatible Handlebar Grips
Changing the handlebar grips is a simple way to give your Riding Times bike a more personal look. You can choose different colors and textures to match your frame graphics or seat.
However, the GT73 has a full-twist throttle, so the two sides of the handlebar have different setups. The left side uses a standard grip, while the right side is connected to the throttle assembly. This means you should not treat both sides as ordinary bicycle grips that can be swapped in the same way.
If you want to change the grips, check that the replacement parts are designed for your handlebar and compatible with the GT73 throttle arrangement. In particular, the right-hand grip must work correctly with the full-twist throttle and allow it to rotate freely and return properly.
You can use these aftermarket handlebar grips as a reference when looking at different styles. If the throttle-side grip needs replacing, compare it with a compatible replacement throttle assembly rather than assuming a standard grip will fit.
Before installing anything, make sure the throttle moves smoothly and does not stick or interfere with the bike's controls. If you're unsure which parts fit your model, confirm compatibility with Riding Times before ordering.
3. Give Your Seat a Custom Look
Your seat takes up a noticeable part of the bike's design, so changing its appearance can make a real difference. A custom seat cover gives you plenty of options. You could choose a different color, add contrasting stitching, or try a gripper-style surface for a sportier look. Some riders prefer a simple black finish. Others go for brighter colors that match their frame and grips. There's no single right choice. It depends on the look you're going for.
If you want to change the seat itself or install a suspension seatpost, check the measurements and compatibility with your Riding Times model first. These are different modifications, and not every seat or post will fit every bike. Keep comfort and fit in mind. A seat that looks good but feels uncomfortable won't be much fun on longer rides.
4. Add LED Accent Lighting
A little lighting can give your bike a completely different appearance, especially in low-light settings. Some riders prefer subtle LED accents under the frame. Others choose colored lighting that matches their bike's design. Either way, it's a way to add your own style without changing the frame itself.
But be careful with electrical accessories. Choose lights designed for your bike's electrical system and have them installed correctly. Don't experiment with the battery wiring or connect accessories to unknown power sources. Remember that decorative lights do not replace proper headlights, taillights, or reflectors. They should never distract other riders or drivers. Check local rules before using additional lighting on public roads.
5. Customize Your Footpegs and Handlebar Setup
If you want to give your bike a more dirt-bike-style setup, replacing the pedals with footpegs is one option to consider. Riding Times has a dedicated GT54/GT54 Pro tutorial showing how to replace the original pegs.
Before ordering, check that the footpegs match your exact model. Follow the installation instructions carefully and make sure both pegs are securely attached before riding.
Useful Accessories and Modification References
Looking for parts and accessories to personalize your Riding Times bike? Here are some examples to help you explore different customization options. Always check the product specifications and compatibility with your specific bike model before ordering.
Modifications to Approach with Caution
A Popular Performance Mod: Changing the Stock Controller
Not every rider wants to change the appearance of their bike. Some are more interested in performance. One modification that gets attention in the electric dirt bike community is replacing the stock controller with an aftermarket unit, such as a FarDriver controller. The controller manages how electrical power reaches the motor. Changing it can affect the way the bike accelerates and delivers power. That's why some riders look into aftermarket controllers when they want a different riding experience.
However, this is a technical modification. The controller needs to work with the motor, battery, wiring, display, and other electrical components. Installing an incompatible unit can cause overheating, electrical damage, or other problems.
Important: Riding Times does not support unauthorized controller modifications. These changes fall under the warranty policy's exclusions for unauthorized modifications and can affect warranty coverage. A controller upgrade can also affect the bike's legal classification. Before making any performance changes, check the rules that apply where you ride.
Some modifications create more problems than they're worth. This is especially true when they involve the battery or electrical system.
Bypassing the battery management system (BMS)
The BMS helps monitor and protect your lithium-ion battery. Bypassing it removes an important layer of protection and can create serious safety risks. Health Canada warns against modifying or tampering with lithium-ion batteries. Battery damage or unsafe modifications can lead to overheating, fires, or explosions.
Installing incompatible electrical parts
A new controller, motor, or battery must work with the rest of the system. Don't assume that a part will fit simply because it looks similar or has the same advertised voltage. An incompatible component can damage your bike or create safety problems.
Using poorly fitted accessories
Even a small accessory can cause trouble if it comes loose, blocks a control, or interferes with a moving part. Check every installation before riding. For more information, read Health Canada's lithium-ion battery safety guidance.
What Do E-Bike Modifications Mean for Your Riding Times Warranty?
Before you start customizing your bike, take a look at the warranty terms. Riding Times provides a two-year manufacturer's warranty for the original purchaser of e-bikes bought directly from the official Riding Times website. It covers manufacturing defects under normal use and conditions, subject to the policy's exclusions. Battery coverage has a separate one-year prorated warranty.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by unauthorized modifications, tampering, or improper installation. It also excludes certain issues involving third-party parts and accessories. This doesn't mean every cosmetic change automatically cancels all warranty coverage. The circumstances matter, including the type of modification and whether it caused the problem.
Before installing aftermarket parts, read the Riding Times Warranty Policy. If you're unsure whether a modification is suitable for your model, contact the Riding Times support team first.
Make Your Riding Times Bike Your Own
You don't need a complete rebuild to give your e-bike a different look. Start with a new set of grips, a custom seat cover, or graphics that match your style. These small changes can make your bike feel more personal. If you're thinking about performance modifications, take more time to check compatibility, safety, and warranty coverage. Changes to the controller or battery system need particular care.
Choose modifications that suit the way you ride, check every part before installation, and enjoy building a bike that reflects your style.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace the GT73 handlebar grips with any bicycle grips?
No. The GT73 uses a full-twist throttle, so the right-hand grip is part of the throttle arrangement. Choose compatible parts for your exact model rather than treating both sides as standard bicycle grips.
2. Can I install an aftermarket controller on my Riding Times bike?
Some riders explore aftermarket controllers, including FarDriver units, to change power delivery and performance. However, compatibility and installation require technical knowledge. Riding Times does not support unauthorized controller modifications, and these changes can affect warranty coverage.
3. Is it safe to modify an e-bike battery?
No. You should not open the battery casing, bypass the BMS, or modify the battery pack. Use the appropriate battery and charger, and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
