Topic: Tell me about going hardtail

[50words]

As I mentioned in another thread, I am thinking about bobbing my bike. I couldn't do the frame modification, but there is a great custom shop nearby. I love the way a springer seat and hard tail look. I want to put biggo tires on there since the shocks won't be there, but I'm wondering if anyone with experiences on a hardtail could share that. I'll be riding predominantly in the city, but Minneapolis is a bumpy city (not that the stock rear springs do much). Plus, I take a few short-ish road trips per month during the riding season. I'll eventually get another bike, but at least next summer, I may have just the one. Could I live with it?

Edit: I'm looking at you, alfabeast! I'd love to hear more about the fabrication process, as well.

[cd811]

if you are young, I say go for it. I have riden rigids all my riding life. they are cool, low, easy to work on. when riding, you get a "man and machine connection,all in one" kind of feeling.
over the years, though... it takes a toll own your back. I"m 47 and my latest project  has a swingarm.  

[Uncle Ernie]

I don't have a hardtail per se, but I do ride on a plunger frame with about 1/4 inch travel- literally. You need a stiff frame. Forget about going over 55mph except maybe for very short stretches where you can see well ahead. Forget about riding with a passenger- one pothole at speed and your passenger will hit the clouds. A spring-loaded seat definitely helps. Run your rear tire at about 20psi.

[Henry Dorset Case]

if you are young, I say go for it. I have riden rigids all my riding life. they are cool, low, easy to work on. when riding, you get a "man and machine connection,all in one" kind of feeling.
over the years, though... it takes a toll own your back. I"m 47 and my latest project  has a swingarm.  

I hope you dont mind I saved that pic of your bike. its cool!

what are the forks, wheels brakes and swingarm off?

[alfabeast]

I agree with cd811, you do get a certain connection with your bike, I cut a 78 because it was ugly overweight and felt bendy in the middle, I promise you it now handles better and you can feel the rear end when you nail it around corners

I don't go hardtailing everything but that 78 deserved it and needed it


http://www.home.earthlink.net/~alfabike/id5.html

[hondachopproject]

Make sure you do your homework before you start. Tubing size, type, etc.
And be prepared for road blocks in progress.
Find a good welder-scratch that fabricator-one who has done a frame preferable.
Account for ground clearence.
Take your time.

I took mine (76 cb 550) to a fabricator, but never has done a bike. I allowed him to attach the bottom rail different, then I had laid out....hell I didn't know it would make a difference. He did a great job, but.........
Now my bike sets tooo low. Had to remove 16 in sportster rim(honda hub), Can't run drag pipes, kick stand drags on turns. So now I have to fabricate around these problems, or cut off hard tail and start over, or ffind new frame.
Still working on it

But don't let this discourage you.....do your homework...have fun.
Lee
P.S. Have you seen the page on line-taken from a magazine on" how to hardtail a jap frame" it is from the 70's I think

[alfabeast]

Hey 50words, I welded around my swing arm and then cut it out, hence the wheelbase is the same, however I did lower it about 1 1/4" . I used 1 1/8" DOM tube with 1/8" wall thickness, I TIG welded some joints and brazed others

There are some PICs on my website: http://www.home.earthlink.net/~alfabike/\

Also here is a step by step to hardtailing: http://www.ironcross.net/Chopping%20a%20japbike.htm

[ProTeal55]

It is a tough choice , becasue hands down you cant beat the look and handling of a hardtail bike.
You do " Become one" with the bike, and get much more control and feel without a swingarm.
You also " Become one with the air" when you hit a good bump and get bucked off the seat.

I have a hardtail american v-twin bike , along with my HD Roadking , and the CB. The roadking is the road bike , for trips, long rides, and when the girlfriends wants to tag along with me . The custom is for going to shows, and bar hopping. The CB is my to and from bike. So in my case , Having a hardtail makes sense. I have a choice , depending on where I am going, how long I will be riding , etc...

If the bike is your only motorcycle , I would not make it a rigid. Their will be times you want to go out for a hour + ride , and you wont know the road conditions , and you will regret removing the swingarm. But then again , it is all up to the owner of the bike.

[ProTeal55]

My hardtail was my first , only bike I had for awhile , and I learned the hard way that a Hardtail / Rigid bike is not for the faint of heart.

The random bumps in the road aren't so bad , but you have to watch for the "ramps" I like to call them. Basically the gaps on the tollways around here that go fron regular road to a bridge. Almost like a junction, usually made of metal. Act like a ramp and send you straight up. One time my buddy , who was in a car behind me,  said my a$$ was about a foot and a half off the seat.

All in all , hardtails are a form over function thing. It really depends on what you are gonna do with the bike in the end.

[dusterdude]

actually a rigid isnt that bad.if you have an engine that doesnt vibrate like a panhead does i would say it would be an enjoyable ride.

[hahnda]

Heres a couple options for rigid frames or possibly a weld on hardtail.

www.p6customs.com
www.cyclepathicchoppers.com

Both are known to be very reputable fabricators.


Kevin

[cd811]

thanks henry
1995 gsxr 1100 front-end
yamaha radian wheels,both 16's
more pics and info in the galary

[cd811]

thanks pro
I got an inspection sticker yesterday!!!!!!!!!!
street legal(well except for insurance)lol
front brakes are next