Anyone installed a weld on hardtail. I have a 70 Ironhead and am looking at a Santee. Would I be better off buying a rigid frame?

 

I have a weld on hardtail on my 78. The look will be similar to a rigid frame for less cash. With the extra length and the fact it sits lower that stock it looks good. My bike handles great just rides a little rough!

 

With a weld on you get to keep the original frame VIN and the registration stays the same. New frames create a DMV nightmare sometimes.

 

That is a good point, I had not thought about the vin. Thanks, Looking foward to getting it going it is a basket case right now.

 

Ive got both a Santee frame,and Santee weld on.The complete frame looks a little better and flexes a bit more going down the road..and came with a S.O.A. (title) and sits level,Plus You can pull the oil pump without pulling the engine..33 degree rake,its handy.
If You need a title,spend the 1K...if not just get the weld-on..about 200.00
its the bolt on tails that just doesn't look right seems to me.
One thing to consider,if You ever decide to go back stock,the bolt on or complete frames the way.

 

What about insurance? Is one higher than the other? Did you have any problem getting insurance? Thanks for the help.

 

There are any number of builders that would be able to cut and custom build a rigid rear end to your bike. The weld on types don't look so good IMO and certainly won't be as strong. The custom builds cost less than $800+- and you can have them done with nice curves and angles.

 

Thanks Horse I didn't think of that. I bet Fab Kevin has something. I will have to look around. Thanks again.

 

My custom built was the same price as the rest,and My Ins. co. didnt care one way or the other about hard/soft tails.

 

would those santee weld on hardtails be compatable with a 75 xlh even though it doesnt have it listed as it fitting? i mean its a sporster frame. i have a 75 xlh i picked up for cheap and am working on it (first bike) and was just wondering. thanks!