Has anyone modified their rubber mounted sportster to a rigid rear end?

Question

I really like the look of a rigid frame. I am curious if anyone has done a cut and weld on to convert their frame to a rigid frame. I have a 06 XL1200 Custom. thanks

Answer 1

cut and weld is pretty harsh for a modern bike.... maybe you might like the bolt on kits out there or even a rigid frame kit because them you still have something left that another might otherwise perceive as butchered up

Answer 2

I have modified about three of them for customers. If your going to do it yourself make sure you do it right. Otherwise it will look half assed. When it starts to go wrong it's just going to get worse. But the good news is that it isn't impossible, you just need to take your time. How do plan on paint the frame after it gets welded? Your better off stripping the bike down to nothing and having the frame repainted after you weld it. It is a bitter pill to swallow on a newer bike, but it good look real cool if done right. www.blacklistedcustoms.com

Answer 3

One more alternative would be to use struts in place of shocks. It's not expensive, looks good, and if you don't like the rigid ride, it's real easy to change back.

Answer 4

Just get a hardtail frame for it -so- if you F it up or dont like it you can just go back to the orig uncut bike

At 1 time in the 70s I had 3 bikes and 1 engine

I got real good at changing engines

Answer 5

I've never done it; however, there are customer sporters out there that this has been done. American Iron Magazine featured one last month.