bolt on hardtail question
The 79 to 81 Sportsters share the cafe racer frame. You do have to ensure that the hardtail that you choose matches this frame. I do not know which brands myself. The ones i have heard of recently are Paughco and HIH - Hammer In Hand. If you do not get an answer here you could try a Google search of these two and go from there.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 1
From: se ohio
have you thought of doing a hard tail frame? i have seen a few pop up for sale, i myself had a paughco for years, the bolt on hard tails to me just dont look right, i would feel better with a weld on ( but then you ruin a original frame)
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
thanks for the info.i guess this would be a matter of opinion,but is it wise to cut up an original frame?that was my reason for the bolt on,but i was considering going with a different frame altogether.once again,any opinions are greatly appreciated.
I do not have any direct experience, just what i have learned from these forums over the years. Generally, guys do not like the look of the bolt-ons, frown seriously at cutting up an original frame, and much prefer an aftermarket hardtail frame. You can find many more experienced opinions at other forums like jockeyjournal.com, XLForum.net, etc.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
my original frame had a weld on and yes it looked like ****, got a paugcho and after straightening it it was fine, try another brand though
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I stuck with the bolt on hardtail option. The Hammer in Hand Straight Back is a fine piece of work in itself. I think I paid like 220 for it also...which is a really good deal considering how well made it is.
I thought about a frame also, but ended up keeping the frame I have and I'm glad I did it. Just didn't want to spend the cash to buy another frame, and I have something that looks just as well in my opinion.
I thought about a frame also, but ended up keeping the frame I have and I'm glad I did it. Just didn't want to spend the cash to buy another frame, and I have something that looks just as well in my opinion.
Novice
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
I second what IHone says. I have the HIH. Didnt want to spend the money on a new frame and thanks to the guys on here I didnt want to chop up yet another original frame. The lines of the HIH stay very nice unlike most other bolt ons.