Let’s be honest, no one buys a Harley-Davidson to blend in. Your bike is a rolling statement, a piece of your personality cast in steel and chrome. And when it comes to making that statement, few upgrades offer as much bang-for-your-buck as a new harley cover derby.
This isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s the centerpiece of your primary, a canvas for your style. It’s one of the first things people notice, and swapping the stock cover is a rite of passage for any serious owner.
But it’s not just about looks. A quality derby cover also provides crucial primary cover protection for the sensitive clutch components underneath.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from choosing the right design to installing it yourself this weekend. A derby cover is just one way to personalize your Harley. For a complete overview of performance and aesthetic upgrades, see our Ultimate Motorcycle Performance & Upgrade Guide.
1 Harley Derby Cover Comparison
| Product | Best For | Style | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willie G Skull Derby Cover | Overall Value | Iconic, Classic Rebel | Instantly recognizable H-D branding |
| Arlen Ness Deep Cut Cover | Aggressive Custom Look | Machined, Bold | 3D-milled for a high-end feel |
| Drag Specialties Plain Cover | Budget & Minimalists | Clean, Simple | A blank slate for custom work |
| Custom Laser-Etched Cover | Ultimate Personalization | Unique, One-of-a-Kind | Your own design on your bike |
| Roland Sands Design Cover | Premium Finish | Industrial, High-Tech | Two-tone finishes and superior materials |
2 What is a Harley Derby Cover and Why Every Rider Needs One
So, what exactly is this thing?
The derby cover is the circular plate on the left side of your Harley’s engine case. It’s not just for decoration; it’s a crucial access port for your bike’s clutch and primary chain inspection.
Think of it as the gatekeeper to your bike’s transmission system.
Because it’s front-and-center, it’s a prime piece of real estate for customization. Harley-Davidson knows this, which is why they offer a wide range of their own designs.
But the aftermarket world is where the real fun begins, offering endless ways to express yourself.
3 Protection Meets Personalization: The Dual Purpose
A derby cover serves two masters: style and function.
On one hand, it’s a statement piece. It can be chrome, black, or feature intricate designs that tell a story about you and your ride. It’s the difference between a factory bike and your bike.
On the other hand, it provides primary cover protection. The derby cover shields the clutch release mechanism from road debris, dirt, and water.
A high-quality, well-fitted cover ensures the internal components of your primary drive stay clean and function smoothly, protecting your investment for miles to come.
4 The Complete Guide to Derby Cover Styles and Materials
When you start shopping, you’ll see an overwhelming number of options.
Let’s break down the most common choices to help you find the look that’s right for you. It’s all about matching the cover to your bike’s overall aesthetic.
A new derby cover is a great first step in a bike makeover. But while a derby cover transforms the look, upgrading your exhaust system transforms the sound and performance. Check out our guide to Voodoo exhaust systems for the complete package.
5 Chrome vs. Black vs. Custom Finishes: Choosing Your Look
The finish you choose sets the tone for your bike.
A chrome derby cover is the timeless, classic choice. It pops against any paint color and screams traditional Harley style. It’s perfect for riders who love that old-school shine and want to maintain a factory-plus look.
A black derby cover, whether gloss, matte, or wrinkle-finished, gives your bike a more modern, aggressive attitude. It’s the go-to for blackout builds and pairs perfectly with a darker, more subdued style.
For riders looking at performance upgrades beyond aesthetics, consider upgrading your braking system with a Beringer Harley master cylinder.
Custom finishes are where you can truly let your personality shine. This includes everything from machined aluminum and two-tone designs from brands like Roland Sands to laser-etched logos or images that are completely unique to you.
6 OEM vs. Aftermarket: Quality and Value Comparison
Should you stick with Harley-Davidson parts or explore aftermarket brands?
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cover from Harley guarantees a perfect fit and high quality, but your style options are limited to what they offer, like the iconic Willie G skull.
Aftermarket brands like Arlen Ness, Roland Sands Design, and Drag Specialties offer a universe of styles, from minimalist to wildly complex.
The quality from these top-tier brands is often exceptional, sometimes even exceeding OEM standards. The key is to stick with reputable manufacturers to ensure you’re getting a part that will fit right and last.
7 How to Choose the Perfect Derby Cover for Your Harley
Nothing is more frustrating than ordering a part that doesn’t fit.
With derby covers, compatibility is everything. The bolt pattern and diameter must match your bike’s specific primary cover.
Don’t guess. Check your owner’s manual or a reliable fitment guide before you buy. Getting this right is the most important step in the process.
8 Model Compatibility: Big Twin, Sportster, and Milwaukee-Eight
Harley models fall into a few main families, and each has its own derby cover requirements.
A Big Twin derby cover for a Softail or Dyna will not fit a Sportster. The modern Milwaukee-Eight engines also have their own specific cover sizes and bolt patterns.
The most common mistake riders make is assuming all covers are interchangeable. They are not.
Always filter by your bike’s exact year and model when shopping.
9 Sizing Guide: 3-Hole, 5-Hole, and Specialty Covers
The bolt pattern is the key.
Older Big Twins (pre-1999) typically used a 3-hole derby cover. The Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight engines, along with most Sportsters, use a 5-hole pattern.
However, even within the 5-hole family, diameters and bolt spacing can vary.
Here is a general compatibility chart to get you started. ALWAYS VERIFY FITMENT FOR YOUR SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL.
10 General Derby Cover Compatibility Chart
| Engine Family | Model Examples | Typical Bolt Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportster | Iron 883, Forty-Eight | 5-Hole (Most models 2004+) | Diameter is smaller than Big Twin covers. |
| Big Twin (Twin Cam) | Street Glide, Road King, Softail (1999-2017) | 5-Hole | This is the most common pattern. |
| Big Twin (Evolution) | Pre-1999 Softail, Dyna | 3-Hole | The classic pattern for older bikes. |
| Milwaukee-Eight | Street Glide, Road Glide, Softail (2017+) | 5-Hole | Specific diameter and shape for M8 primaries. |
11 Top 5 Harley Derby Covers for Every Style and Budget
We’ve sifted through the market to find the best options, whether you’re looking for iconic style, a premium finish, or just a simple, clean upgrade.
12 1. Best Overall: Willie G Skull Derby Cover
You can’t go wrong with a classic.
The Willie G Skull collection is one of Harley’s most popular for a reason. It’s rebellious, well-made, and instantly recognizable.
It adds a touch of custom attitude without straying too far from the H-D family. This cover is a no-brainer for riders who want a proven design that looks great on almost any bike.
13 2. Best Custom Option: Arlen Ness Deep Cut Cover
When it comes to high-end custom parts, Arlen Ness is a legend.
The Deep Cut series features aggressive, 3D-milled lines that give the cover incredible depth and a high-end feel.
When I first picked up the Arlen Ness Deep Cut cover, the first thing I noticed was the weight and the precision of the machining. It feels substantial in your hand, not like a cheap piece of stamped metal.
In my field test on a Street Glide, the fit was absolutely perfect, and the black anodized finish was flawless, giving the primary a sharp, modern look that the stock cover just couldn’t match.
14 3. Best Budget Choice: Drag Specialties Plain Cover
Sometimes, less is more.
The plain derby cover from Drag Specialties is the perfect choice for the minimalist rider. It offers a clean, uncluttered look that’s perfect for a stripped-down bobber or chopper.
It’s also an excellent, affordable base if you’re planning on getting your own design engraved locally.
15 4. Most Unique Design: Custom Laser-Etched Cover
For the ultimate in personalization, nothing beats a custom-etched cover.
Numerous small shops online allow you to submit your own artwork—a club logo, a personal symbol, anything you can imagine—and have it laser-etched onto a blank cover.
This is your chance to create a true one-of-a-kind part that no one else on the road will have.
16 5. Best Premium Finish: Roland Sands Design Cover
Roland Sands Design (RSD) bridges the gap between high performance and high style.
Their covers often feature unique two-tone finishes, like the Contrast Cut (black with exposed machined aluminum) or Black Ops (gloss and matte black).
RSD parts are for the rider who appreciates fine details and wants a premium, race-inspired look for their bike.
17 DIY Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Process
Changing a derby cover is one of the easiest DIY jobs you can do on your Harley.
It takes less than 15 minutes and requires only basic tools. It’s a satisfying project that makes an immediate impact.
18 Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your tools. You’ll typically need:
A T27 Torx bit and a ratchet or driver
A torque wrench (highly recommended)
A new derby cover gasket
A clean, lint-free rag
19 The Critical Step: Keeping Your Bike Level
This is the most important part of the job.
To prevent primary fluid from spilling out when you remove the cover, your bike MUST be standing perfectly upright. Do not attempt this job with the bike leaning on its jiffy stand.
Use a motorcycle jack or have a helper hold the bike level for the few minutes it takes to swap the cover.
Position the Bike: Get the bike perfectly level and stable.
Clean the Area: Wipe down the existing derby cover and the surrounding primary case to prevent any dirt from falling inside.
Loosen the Bolts: Using your T27 Torx bit, loosen the bolts in a star pattern. This prevents warping the cover. Do not remove them completely yet.
Remove the Cover: With one hand holding the cover in place, remove the bolts. Carefully pull the old cover and gasket away.
Clean the Surface: Use a clean rag to wipe the mating surface on the primary case. Ensure it’s free of old gasket material and oil.
Install the New Gasket & Cover: Place the new gasket on the primary case (some gaskets are designed to sit inside the derby cover itself; check your part). Place the new derby cover over it.
Tighten the Bolts: Hand-tighten the bolts first. Then, using a torque wrench, tighten them to the factory specification (usually around 84-108 in-lbs, but check your service manual) in a star pattern. This ensures even pressure and a proper seal.
20 Professional vs. DIY Installation: Cost and Considerations
Can you do this yourself? Absolutely.
As we just showed, it’s a straightforward job for even a novice mechanic. The main reason to DIY is the satisfaction and the cost savings—all you need to buy are the cover and a new gasket.
If you’re not comfortable wrenching on your own bike, any motorcycle shop can handle this for you.
A professional installation is worry-free, but it will cost you. Expect to pay for about 30 minutes of shop labor, which can vary by location.
FAQ: Your Derby Cover Questions Answered
What is a derby cover on a Harley-Davidson?
A derby cover is a removable circular cover on the left side of a Harley-Davidson’s primary case. It provides access to the clutch assembly for adjustments and inspection while also serving as a major point of cosmetic customization.
How do I know what size derby cover I need?
You need to know your Harley’s specific model and year. The size and bolt pattern (e.g., 3-hole, 5-hole) vary between engine families like the Sportster, Big Twin (Twin Cam), and Milwaukee-Eight. Always use a fitment guide or check your owner’s manual before purchasing.
Can I install a derby cover myself?
Yes, installing a derby cover is one of the easiest DIY maintenance tasks. The most critical step is ensuring the motorcycle is standing perfectly level to prevent primary fluid from spilling. With basic tools like a T27 Torx driver, it can be done in under 15 minutes.
Do derby covers fit all Harley models?
No, they do not. Derby covers are specific to the engine family and year range. A cover for a Big Twin will not fit a Sportster, and a cover for a Twin Cam engine will not fit a newer Milwaukee-Eight engine. Compatibility is key.
