| If you are considering building a custom | | | | hardcore sensation unlike the swing arm |
| bike, you'll need to determine whether to | | | | motorcycle frames.Hard tail frames provide a |
| select a hard tail frame (also called a rigid | | | | somewhat rougher ride; people that experience |
| frame), or a swing arm frame. Deciding on a | | | | back pain during long rides almost always |
| frame is not to be taken lightly because | | | | avoid this frame style. Kidney-jarring jolts |
| there are some significant differences in the | | | | can result from hitting bumps. Yet in this |
| frame styles.The hard tail frame is a single | | | | modern day, most roads are relatively |
| piece frame. The rear motorcycle wheel | | | | smooth.Some people simply love the ride |
| assembly attaches directly to the frame, as | | | | provided by the rigid hard tail frame. Others |
| opposed to a soft tail frame which is made of | | | | really hate the differences in ride. The |
| two pieces of tubing connected at a pivot | | | | bottom line is that you want to select the |
| joint. That is the source of the | | | | right frame for your motorcycle based on your |
| nomenclature; the frame really does have a | | | | personal needs, expectations, and planned |
| hard tail. The result is that there is no | | | | use.If you want a cross-country touring |
| rear suspension to give that 'floating' feel | | | | cycle, a hard tail may not the right choice |
| to the ride.Initially, all motorcycles were | | | | be for you. If you want to build the ultimate |
| hard tails. The bent tubing frames allowed | | | | custom show chopper, this frame style could |
| the rear hub to be attached through the one | | | | be perfect for you. If you are young, have |
| piece frame. That is still the way hard tails | | | | lots of stamina, are in great physical |
| are put together today.The Harley-Davidson | | | | condition and don't mind a bit of kidney |
| Duo-Glide, released in 1958, gave riders the | | | | jolting, the hard frame is a viable option. |
| first option of purchasing a bike with rear | | | | However, if you want to ride from New York to |
| suspension. Purists, however, still love the | | | | California when you retire, most likely |
| ride and feel of the hard tail frame.Jesse | | | | you'll be much happier riding a soft tail.The |
| James custom bike builder and owner of West | | | | choice of hard tail frame or soft tail frame |
| Coast Chopper, in a recent documentary about | | | | is entirely a personal choice. Just remember, |
| the history or motorcycles, stated that he | | | | it takes a lot of work to change frames, so |
| loves the hard tail ride because it allows | | | | think through exactly what you expect from |
| the rider to truly become part of the road. | | | | your motorcycle before making a decision |
| There is no 'bounce' and the road vibrations | | | | about whether a hard tail frame is the best |
| are not absorbed by shocks, providing a | | | | solution for your custom motorcycle. |