RSD Vintage/tracker question
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
From: Portland
I'm quickly wanting to jump on the Shadetree kit... The only question is, even with the struts(which claim I can ride with passenger) isn't it swing arm mounted meaning--ouch for passenger, is that safe? I mean I don't imagine her riding with me any further than ~20 miles, for some around town bar hopping, so maybe that would be fine. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into.
Also, I read some questionable posts regarding shadetree, and granted they seem to be from around 08-09, maybe when they were still ironing out their XBones stuff. I take it they have proven a reputable company to deal with?
Thanks again!
Zack
Also, I read some questionable posts regarding shadetree, and granted they seem to be from around 08-09, maybe when they were still ironing out their XBones stuff. I take it they have proven a reputable company to deal with?
Thanks again!
Zack
Banned
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Sorry you are correct you can't have a passenger on that lol. Ya I gve up a lot for this look but it's worth it. It sucks I can't give my gf a ride but it comes down to how badly you want that look. Even putting bags will be challenging (just a swingarm bag, but if you get a sissy bar maybe you can tied a bag or sleeping bag roll to it?)
As for shadetree, you're lucky because you're talking to someone who literally just finished his project just days ago. Here's my point of view on them:
- nice people but a one-man shop. You'll need to be patient, I waited 2 months
- if you live on or close to his location, and you aren't very mechanically savvy, GO TO HIM AND HAVE HIM DO IT. It's a VERY precise fit and he knows how to get it to fit right
- if you are doing this by mail, again get it undrilled so you can work in-person to get the for just right. My holes were off and my struts didn't fit (which is why I went strutless)
- summary? A lot of trouble but once in, worth it all. It's a very unique fender that will make your bike one of a kind. Kyle and Diedra are nice people.
As for shadetree, you're lucky because you're talking to someone who literally just finished his project just days ago. Here's my point of view on them:
- nice people but a one-man shop. You'll need to be patient, I waited 2 months
- if you live on or close to his location, and you aren't very mechanically savvy, GO TO HIM AND HAVE HIM DO IT. It's a VERY precise fit and he knows how to get it to fit right
- if you are doing this by mail, again get it undrilled so you can work in-person to get the for just right. My holes were off and my struts didn't fit (which is why I went strutless)
- summary? A lot of trouble but once in, worth it all. It's a very unique fender that will make your bike one of a kind. Kyle and Diedra are nice people.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I never much cared for the look of the RSD kit. Looks much more modern to me than vintage.
I used the stock spring seat set up with an Anvil Customs seat, a Shadetree battery cover and a hinge from Lucid Customs I believe.
I also went with the rear fender from Shadetree and got everything predrilled, however I didn't want or order struts. Which possibly saved me some headache of things not lining up perfectly. It is a little tricky to install but I am the definition of a novice and I did it on my own. The wait time was right around 2 months or so, but it really does look killer.
I used the stock spring seat set up with an Anvil Customs seat, a Shadetree battery cover and a hinge from Lucid Customs I believe.
I also went with the rear fender from Shadetree and got everything predrilled, however I didn't want or order struts. Which possibly saved me some headache of things not lining up perfectly. It is a little tricky to install but I am the definition of a novice and I did it on my own. The wait time was right around 2 months or so, but it really does look killer.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
In my opinion the swing arm mounted fender gives it more of a rigid look (vintage) as opposed to the struts on the RSD kit. I'm not ragging on the RSD kit at all, and if I was more concerned with having a passenger I probably would have went that route.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Google 1940s harley and you'll see. The rear fender doesnt attach to the frame like with those rsd struts.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
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