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Help! Ground up softail build

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Old Sep 27, 2015 | 09:54 PM
  #11  
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I might also "cheat" if I build one too an buy the wrecked donor an take the frames to a custom frame shop an have the HD vin neck used on the after market frame to make titling easy, it'd just be a rebuilt title.
 
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Old Sep 27, 2015 | 11:13 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by langwilliams
I'd like to build a bike too some day. If/when I do I plan on buying a wrecked softail for a donor. Maybe use the motor/trans an wiring harness an anything else. little stuff nickle an dimes you to death. look at the swing arm an see what size axle it uses or check with the manual if one came with it. once you get a wheel an rear brake you can measure for spacers. You can also buy a spacer kit of various sizes off ebay. if you want the deluxe or heritage look do you want to go 21" up front? if so I'd go with a 3.5" wide wheel an a 120/130 wide front 21" tire.
I was thinking of going with a 3.5" vs a 2.15" I read somewhere that it offers better handling. I've ridden only one harley but plenty of sportbikes but they're meant purely for handling so it's pure research for me. A lot more involved than I originally thought...
 
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Old Sep 27, 2015 | 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by langwilliams
I'd like to build a bike too some day. If/when I do I plan on buying a wrecked softail for a donor. Maybe use the motor/trans an wiring harness an anything else. little stuff nickle an dimes you to death. look at the swing arm an see what size axle it uses or check with the manual if one came with it. once you get a wheel an rear brake you can measure for spacers. You can also buy a spacer kit of various sizes off ebay. if you want the deluxe or heritage look do you want to go 21" up front? if so I'd go with a 3.5" wide wheel an a 120/130 wide front 21" tire.

A wrecked donor has actually crossed my mind it would simplify the whole process so much
I was thinking of going with a 3.5" vs a 2.15" I read somewhere that it offers better handling. I've ridden only one harley but plenty of sportbikes but they're meant purely for handling so it's pure research for me. A lot more involved than I originally thought...
 
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Old Sep 28, 2015 | 06:44 PM
  #14  
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Build it right the first time,don't put the neck off something else just to get by a 15 minute inspection.i put the 3.25 tire on my second bike and it seems to give it a heavier steering feel but does look good.
 
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Old Sep 28, 2015 | 07:24 PM
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I meant a donor bike for parts I would never hack my brand new frame the 3.25 gives a heavier feel vs which size?
 
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Old Sep 28, 2015 | 08:36 PM
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I've had the 21" skinny an on grooved pavement it goes where it wants. I've also had the rim hit on the transition for parking lots an stuff. I think he's referring to a 3.25 compared to a 2.15". the 21x3.25 look good IMO but I've never ridden one. I have a 19" on my V rod an a 16 on my fatboy. I had a 19" enforcer wheel on my 05 electra glide before I sold it. Might look good on a softy.
 
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Old Sep 28, 2015 | 08:49 PM
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Ok that makes sensei think it would feel better riding and look better at least to me
 
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