Hardtail VS Extended swingarm and shocks.

espotj · Full Member Joined: Oct 04, 2007 Posts: 10

Hey All, I'm planning a bobber this winter. I'd like to hear from you hardtail guys about just how the ride is with a spring mounted seat. The other option is to extend the swingarm 4", laydown the shocks and cut out the frame and drop the seat. At 53 y/o I don't know if my back could stand it but on the other hand even my 05 Roadking rattles my teeth on rough roads. I live in Ma. where the roads generally suck. Thanks for any input. Ride safe, Tom

ghostyder

I think if you are going to ride it more than look at it, you should do the stretch and keep the shocks. They look great and no doubt would be easier on your back. If youre gonna look at it more than ride it, do whatever you think looks best. I would say looks wise its a wash though, because one of my favorite 650's is hardtailed and the other isnt. They both look equally good, but I know the hardtail Im thinking of cost much, much more to build.

81XSChopper

I'm 50 & have taken my hardtail with a sprung seat (and no padding) on a 340 mile 2 day fishing trip. I was sore, but not so much that it interfered with my enjoyent.

depends i think on the person.

greg

madskills · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 28, 2006 Posts: 59

I'm a little younger but after 2 fractured vertabrae years ago my back becomes fatigued easily, I opted for the 4" stretch and left the stock shocks in thier originol locale and I think it has turned out decently, I have a cple pics posted take a look. Oh and you think your roads are bad, come visit me in Michigan.

xs1961

Ive never owned a hardtail chop before but Ive ridden a couple for a few miles & it was bloody awful! I think thats because the chopper blokes like to have the footrests too far forward which means that your lower back/kidneys/'roids take al the pounding...Ive owned several old Brit bikes with rigid frames & sprung seats and never had a problem 'cos the footrests are further back nearer the line of your spine & so legs take more of the load..bit like motocross riders do...

Irish · Full Member Joined: Jun 12, 2007 Posts: 250

If you're looking to the hardtail from an aesthetics stand point I would suggest checking out the bratstyle.com site. They are doing some really sweet looking swingarm bobbers

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