Let me give you my two cents. I've seen naked bikes converted into hardtails in eBay and they look simply ugly in my opinion. The rear shocks fits like a glove in the CB frame design, while a welded strut is something ugly and makes for a harsh ride. If you want to get rid of the shocks, the best option is a hidden shock like in the modern bikes.
The chopper bikes are a different thing. The frame has a distinctive tube angle so the rear end, if rigid, gives a better look than the twin shocks. I still prefer the softails for the sake of the ride, but the hidden shock in a chopper bike is a great compromise between looks and performance.
Raul
