What about this 1984 FXE?
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I called a guy about what turned out to be a basket case bike and he assured me that a VIN was on a plate on the frame and you could take this plate off and put it on a new bike. I never believed this to be true since I have had to have my day in court to get a title for a bike I bought with no title. And yes I understand title services are faster and cheaper for these instances.
And yes a bobber is nothing more than a stripped down bike. There is a certain look and kind of bike I have been wanting to build for years. I have really been wanting a hardtail for some time now so that's the road I'm headed down but bolt-on make me a little uneasy. Anyone ever have any luck with bolt-on/weld-on hardtails?
I am reconsidering parting out the rest of the bike though. It seemed like a good idea at the time but it also seems stupid just to throw it away when I know one day I will want it back. Bike is on hold until the 2' of snow clears up a bit.
And yes a bobber is nothing more than a stripped down bike. There is a certain look and kind of bike I have been wanting to build for years. I have really been wanting a hardtail for some time now so that's the road I'm headed down but bolt-on make me a little uneasy. Anyone ever have any luck with bolt-on/weld-on hardtails?
I am reconsidering parting out the rest of the bike though. It seemed like a good idea at the time but it also seems stupid just to throw it away when I know one day I will want it back. Bike is on hold until the 2' of snow clears up a bit.
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From: S.W. Wisconsin
The V.I.N. is stamped on the neck of the frame so people can't transfer it to a different frame.
As far as the hardtail is concerned, don't bolt it on. Have it welded by someone who's done it before and has the jig to keep it straight or it'll end up going down the road sideways.
Better yet, take the frame to a swap meet and you can probably make an even swap for an aftermarket (not original) rigid, or sel it on eBay and buy another frame. That way, you won't be tearing up a perfect 4-speed swingarm. You might not believe it, but there are people who'd sell their kids for that frame.
As far as the hardtail is concerned, don't bolt it on. Have it welded by someone who's done it before and has the jig to keep it straight or it'll end up going down the road sideways.
Better yet, take the frame to a swap meet and you can probably make an even swap for an aftermarket (not original) rigid, or sel it on eBay and buy another frame. That way, you won't be tearing up a perfect 4-speed swingarm. You might not believe it, but there are people who'd sell their kids for that frame.
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Haha I believe it. I think the frame would be more of an investment at this point than it would be some extra cash to get this build going. Much to everyone's dismay, I may still take the motor and trans but keep the frame instead.
I still need to figure out the legality of this whole deal but having the title will make life easy. Thank you for your help.
I still need to figure out the legality of this whole deal but having the title will make life easy. Thank you for your help.
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OK, If you get the bike, you'll have the original title. When you buy a frame, it should come with a "Origin of Manufacturer" paper, which simply means that you didn't steal it. Then you're on your way. Titling the bike should be no problem with those two papers in your hand.
Now I have to ask you...are you building this bike to ride, to sell, or to have a really cool knick-knack in your garage?
If the bike is running, put a set of solid struts on it and spend a day riding. You might change your mind about the rigid. Go around a few bumpy curves...hit a pothole or two. Remember that unless you really know what you're doing, a bump on a curve will send that rear tire outside the radius of your turn. Not good when going right in traffic or left in the canyons.
If you're selling, build whatever you want, but sell the original frame with it.
If you just want something to ride around the block on, something that gets started twice as often as it gets moved...later.
Now I have to ask you...are you building this bike to ride, to sell, or to have a really cool knick-knack in your garage?
If the bike is running, put a set of solid struts on it and spend a day riding. You might change your mind about the rigid. Go around a few bumpy curves...hit a pothole or two. Remember that unless you really know what you're doing, a bump on a curve will send that rear tire outside the radius of your turn. Not good when going right in traffic or left in the canyons.
If you're selling, build whatever you want, but sell the original frame with it.
If you just want something to ride around the block on, something that gets started twice as often as it gets moved...later.
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I've got to be totally honest...I'mm very biased about 4-speed swingarm Harleys. I hate seeing them butchered.
When a started looking for my first bike, I was looking for an original rigid Pan, but there was nothing around that anyone would part with. Three years after I built my bike I thought seriously about rebuilding it with a rigid frame (even had a Paucho straightleg in the garage), but a friend loaned me the struts, and after three days, I decided I liked riding more than looking cool, although it isn't too cool to not be able to stand up straight every time you get off your bike.
When a started looking for my first bike, I was looking for an original rigid Pan, but there was nothing around that anyone would part with. Three years after I built my bike I thought seriously about rebuilding it with a rigid frame (even had a Paucho straightleg in the garage), but a friend loaned me the struts, and after three days, I decided I liked riding more than looking cool, although it isn't too cool to not be able to stand up straight every time you get off your bike.
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At this point I have no reason to butcher the 4-speed swingarm frame. I just think all questions are worth asking and maybe a weld-on hardtail was a good plan even though the idea scares me a bit.
I have considered the hardtail question for a while and I'm pretty positive it's what I want. The reason I want the bike is to ride it. I don't want to sell it or show it, I want it for my own purposes. This will be my 3rd bike. I have a sportbike but for when I don't want to dare 150 I oddly enough have a vintage scooter. Make whatever jokes you'd like. Now I'm looking to build a bike. It might be obvious that I don't seek practicality but all I want is my next ride. Whatever day of the week I have a bike to suit it. If I don't like a hardtail, fine, I dream of working on bikes it wouldn't bother me for a second to take it apart and build up the original bike.
This may not have answered your question but its the best answer I got. This also might be the wildest thought I ever typed out.
I have considered the hardtail question for a while and I'm pretty positive it's what I want. The reason I want the bike is to ride it. I don't want to sell it or show it, I want it for my own purposes. This will be my 3rd bike. I have a sportbike but for when I don't want to dare 150 I oddly enough have a vintage scooter. Make whatever jokes you'd like. Now I'm looking to build a bike. It might be obvious that I don't seek practicality but all I want is my next ride. Whatever day of the week I have a bike to suit it. If I don't like a hardtail, fine, I dream of working on bikes it wouldn't bother me for a second to take it apart and build up the original bike.
This may not have answered your question but its the best answer I got. This also might be the wildest thought I ever typed out.
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I hope you don't take my previous thread as arrogance. I'm just trying to describe what makes me tick. Could also explain why I'm so stubborn even when you are giving me very good advice. Thank you again for all of your help.
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From: S.W. Wisconsin
If we all were seeking practicality, we wouldn't be riding bikes. I for one don't care what someone rides, so long as they ride. I have my preferences, as does everyone else. I wouldn't make "scooter" jokes either. I'd probably give you more **** about the 150 MPH thing, and that has nothing to do with the bike.
I've been there, is all. Building a rigid is perfectly fine in my opinion, just ride one first if you can. Building a rigid out of an original swingarm and a weld-on hardtail is (in my eyes) wrong.
I've been there, is all. Building a rigid is perfectly fine in my opinion, just ride one first if you can. Building a rigid out of an original swingarm and a weld-on hardtail is (in my eyes) wrong.
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I just want to say I will not touch the swingarm frame. Too many people who know far more than I do about this bike have advised me not to sell it, so it stays. And wouldn't a weld-on hardtail mess with the geometry of the bike? And a bolt-on seems like it would add an element of flex to the tail. The idea of riding something like that scares me.
Heres that scooter
Enjoy
Heres that scooter
Enjoy