| Above almost all else, motorcycle frames | | | | backbone or front downtubes. These are |
| shape the overall look and feel of your | | | | different from Sportster softail frames that |
| custom chopper. If you're mulling over the | | | | have no stretch. |
| idea of building your own custom chopper from | | | | |
| scratch or from a custom bike kit, motorcycle | | | | Rigid Frames: |
| frames are the piece around which you'll want | | | | |
| to build your design concept. There are | | | | In most cases, rigid motorcycle frames are |
| several styles of motorcycle frames to | | | | stretch frames that are angled upward. Where |
| consider depending on the look you're going | | | | other motorcycle frames have both wheels |
| for and how you'll be using your custom | | | | connected to the motorcycle frame through a |
| chopper. | | | | suspension arrangement, rigid motorcycle |
| | | | frames often forgo the rear suspension. |
| Measuring Custom Frames: | | | | |
| | | | FRX Frames: |
| When comparing custom frames, you'll notice | | | | |
| that they are described in terms of | | | | If you're building a racing bike or dirt bike |
| "stretch." The amount of stretch in the | | | | or are going to be riding on rugged terrain |
| downtubes refers to how much higher the | | | | and need durability and extra suspension, FRX |
| custom frame is than the stock frame. The | | | | motorcycle frames may be your best bet. |
| stretch in the backbone refers to how much | | | | |
| longer the custom frame is than the stock | | | | The Weight Factor: |
| model frame. | | | | |
| | | | Make sure to consider the weight of the |
| Sportster Style Motorcycle Frames: | | | | motorcycle frame before you buy. The weight |
| | | | of the motorcycle frame makes a big |
| There are different styles of Sportster | | | | difference in how smooth of a ride your |
| motorcycle frames designed for the Sportster | | | | custom chopper will have; generally the |
| engine. Sportster motorcycle frames needs to | | | | heavier the frame, the smoother the ride. |
| be extra tough to withstand the weight and | | | | However, if you're going to be drag racing, |
| rumble of the big Sportster engine. If | | | | you might favor a lighter weight. |
| you're going to have oversized tires on your | | | | |
| custom chopper, you'll probably want to | | | | Motorcycle frames are literally the backbone |
| choose a Sportster motorcycle frame like the | | | | of the chopper. You'll want to be selective |
| Hardtail Chassis that is built for larger | | | | with all of the parts for your custom |
| tires. | | | | chopper, but when it comes to the motorcycle |
| | | | frame be sure to devote a little more time to |
| Rolling Chassis Frames: | | | | research, asking questions, and getting |
| | | | opinions. The motorcycle frame is what holds |
| Rolling chassis frames are any type of rigid, | | | | the entire bike together and choosing a |
| swingarm, or softail motorcycle frame with | | | | quality, heavy duty motorcycle frame is well |
| front and rear wheel assembly and a stretched | | | | worth the time spent shopping around. |