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Hardtail Conversion

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011.

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  1. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Well, this is something that I have been thinking about for awhile. I am contemplating changing my wonderful riding Sportster from a swing arm to a hardtail. I have the major parts picked out the major parts that I need to buy as I am not gifted in the world of fabrication. Maybe I am but I have never tried and I just don't have the time.

    Anyways, what can I anticipate for major problems? Am I going to have to realign everything so it is square? I will be using the front half of my current frame so the all that I have to do is get the conversion kit welded. That is another question, should I do the weld on or the bolt on? Which is better for strength? Which is better, an oil tank in the traditional location, or one that is underneath the transmission?

    Any insight will be much appreciated. Thanks!!!
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #1
  3. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    OK, I'll be the first to ask, WHY
    FLHTbiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #2
  4. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Why What?
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #3
  5. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Its one of those days, your starting to sound like CB, you guys related? :roflmao::roflmao:
    FLHTbiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #4
  6. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Well ask a complete question then. :roflmao:
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #5
  7. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    What question :D
    FLHTbiker, Mar 30, 2011
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  8. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    :roflmao::roflmao:
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #7
  9. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    I guess it is for something to do and because I would like a complete custom bike. I wouldn't do it until I got another bike.
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #8
  10. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Why not build one, buy a frame and go for what you really want.:)
    FLHTbiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #9
  11. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    I will be able to what I want by going this rout as well, plus it will cost me less.
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #10
  12. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    there is so much to take into consideration........lets see the list and mock up of what you want. you cant expect us to tell ya how to do something when you dont know exactly what ya want to do. ya got to have a plan and stick to it....do all your changing now, not half way through the project....that is what the list and mock up...a drawing...will do for you. save you time and money.....
    chucktx, Mar 30, 2011
    #11
  13. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    bolt on vs weld on.....equally safe. bolt on will let you return to stock. weldon can get you out of alignment if not welded properly.....and ya cant return to stock
    chucktx, Mar 30, 2011
    #12
  14. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    The things I will change are:

    Hardtail Conversion
    I would like to put a larger rear tire on: A 150 or maybe a 200
    New tank
    Springer front end or Stay with stock front End (This is depending on price and what rake I can find that I like). I need to be versed better to understand the nomenclature of front ends.
    I am considering an under the tranny oil tank, but am concerned with durability with it being there.
    There will be a couple of custom parts made depending on which style of oil tank that I go with.
    I will have round bar work done. (No webbing).
    Handle bars I would like to be dropped to the sides of the gas tank.
    As far as paint goes, I have many ideas for it. At this point, not sure if I am going to powder coat the engine or polish it.
    Most likely I will convert to an open belt drive as well.
    The seat will will be a drop seat.
    Forward control as well.

    These are the basic things that I want to do. I have some parts priced out already and I have decided on a place to get the frame altered once it gets to that step.
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #13
  15. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Does your bike have the sepert tranny ? on a hard tail would go with the horse shoe oil tank,
    Bolt on rear section
    I think if you go with the 200 tire you'll have to aline the drive belt/ chain not sure what you have , so wheel & spacers have to be fit just right
    cowboy, Mar 30, 2011
    #14
  16. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Not sure about the tranny, but as far as the oil tank goes, I did think about the horseshoe tank but it got voted out for either the under the tranny or a pill tank. From what I am seeing the pill or under tank will be best for an add on feature that I have been thinking about for a long time now. (Water injection). By clearing out that area I will have a spot to hide the pump and the tank for the water injection set up.

    Are you suggesting the bolt on in case I want to return to stock at some point?
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 30, 2011
    #15
  17. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Not realy I have seen both & both work well ,the bolt on is a little less hassel to align the frame & wheel/ drive belt
    cowboy, Mar 30, 2011
    #16
  18. Sleepy

    Sleepy Well-Known Member

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    not sure I'd be hacking up a sportster....they're just so much fun to ride as they are.
    Sleepy, Mar 30, 2011
    #17
  19. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    In your experience how far off is the alignment?

    The reason I am leaning towards the weld on is because I think that it would have a much cleaner look, easier to do the body work.
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 31, 2011
    #18
  20. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I want a sporty hardtail conversion with all the
    options like the one pictured below..


    [​IMG]
    hotroadking, Mar 31, 2011
    #19
  21. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    That picture would look better with Hot Rider on it!!!:D

    HRK, do you have any suggestions or opinions about the Bolt On or Weld on kit??
    JohnnyBiker, Mar 31, 2011
    #20
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