Throw shocks away,Hard Tail Struts!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,478
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
I agree, but I also see the same mentality for or against the use of windshields. The supposed tough guys bragging about never using them.
In either case, I'd love to see the hardtail and shieldless tough guys try to keep up with the rest of us in the backroads of where I live. If the bugs and birds don't take them out, the roads will.
Myself, I prefer handling and suspension over the "look". Having that, I love having a bit more power, something that the "looks only" crowd wouldn't have the bike to take advantage of.
By the way, the real hardtails are built with a bit of flex into the frame. The swingarm bikes don't have this allowance and aren't intended to be solidly connected.
In either case, I'd love to see the hardtail and shieldless tough guys try to keep up with the rest of us in the backroads of where I live. If the bugs and birds don't take them out, the roads will.
Myself, I prefer handling and suspension over the "look". Having that, I love having a bit more power, something that the "looks only" crowd wouldn't have the bike to take advantage of.
By the way, the real hardtails are built with a bit of flex into the frame. The swingarm bikes don't have this allowance and aren't intended to be solidly connected.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City, OK
i wouldn't personally wouldn't do it on my Dyna. but i look at my '99 bike as nice. i might try some of that tomfoolery on one of the old Honda's i have stacked up in the garage.
as far as personal taste, i would say i would prefer a rigid frame to shocks. just depends.
but someone might call me crazy for konging the frame on my CB550 (probably my next project)
as far as personal taste, i would say i would prefer a rigid frame to shocks. just depends.
but someone might call me crazy for konging the frame on my CB550 (probably my next project)
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Grand Blanc, MI
Personally I think it looks killer. But if you plan on doin this long term, kiss your back goodbye. I run 11" Progressives on my bike and was riding on the rough roads of Michigan for several years. Recently had x-rays/CT scans done on my back and docs found several old vertebre fractures. The only thing I can think that would have caused this is hitting nasty bumps/pot holes on the slammed Dyna. Just food for thought. I'll post a new thread soon with pics(wrecked bike, broke back/pelvis) but due to my back injuries I'll probably be going to a Touring bike next.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 854
Likes: 45
From: Ohio
Go for it ed. I've been ridin rigid for quite awhile, and it's not as bad as people make it seem, especially on the freeways. Follow your heart man. Don't NOT do it because of what others say.....give it a shot and if you don't like it, take'em off! I've done several 1400 mile trips and my *** was just as sore as the others ridin their baggers! HAHAHA
I dunno, I like my struts. I have a shitty back and the sprung seat feels worlds better than any shock that I have ever had.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,543
Likes: 57,089
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Ed .... I'm guessing you're a young man .... you won't stay that way long ridin' around on a rigid ... just some advice from an Old man with a rigid back form way back!