those that have put hardtail struts on ur sporties
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: San Diego,CA
After my Meztler rear tire wore out back In January I put on an Avon Speedmaster Mark II 5.00x16 with inner tube which has a taller sidewall. With the 11.5" Progressive 412s set on stiff and 1" lowering blocks I had the new Avon still rubbed the underside of the fender on every bump, so I put on a set of Biltwell struts I had laying around. After reducing the tire pressure to 22 psi the ride isn't too bad at all! I have ridden 2-up and the ride is pretty comfy at 30 psi according to my lady passenger (we took a small +12V air compressor on that trip to dial it in.) Yes, I do have to be a little more alert on bumpy roads, but it isn't as downright godawful horrible as I feared it would be. I have a set of throwover bags on my bike so the struts are hidden behind them.
The Bottom Line: struts aren't too bad if you have a taller sidewall tire that can give.
The Bottom Line: struts aren't too bad if you have a taller sidewall tire that can give.
To each their own.
Honesty it's not bad at all. I wa totally shocked how comfortable the springer seat really was. Don't get me wrong it's a rough ride, but def not that bad. Worst thing is a pothole on the hwy... That will really get you to clench hahah. But it looks badass so I'm living with it
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,790
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From: Texas
You can slam your fender with shocks on but you have to mount your fender to the swingarm.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 39
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From: N Illi-Noise
I have biltwell struts and a licks slimline seat mounted w/out the springs just rubber stoppers... not horrible, but not comfy by any means. You pretty much just get good at noticing pot holes in the road.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 440
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From: San Diego,CA
thanks for the replies and excuste my noob innocence. But what exactly does it feel like to run over a pothole at speed w/ rigid struts? do you automatically eat **** and crash? or is it just you bounce off the seat and lose traction?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
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From: D.C.
I want to know what exhaust that is :-)
You won't crash if you are going straight.... It just hurts your back and you get thrown up out of your seat about 6-7inches... Feel like a foot lol. If you are in the middle of leaning through a turn, the *** end will jump a bit.... You get very aware of the road and sometimes you can dodge it and sometimes you just clench and pray for the best lol
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Stage I
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: weatherford, tx
I've been running 10" solid struts on my 01' for over a year and would never put my shocks back on! They look sweet, they feel awful. It doesn't handle any worse than before, only if your cornering and the road is extremely rough. It will jump sideways a little, but not uncontrollable.
I also run a solo spring seat with 2" springs (which doesn't help much).
I also run a solo spring seat with 2" springs (which doesn't help much).
Last edited by Hardtail01; Apr 13, 2012 at 01:04 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 97
From: Corona, Ca
damn, I am thinking of doing this as well, but I can barely handle the ride with the shocks! I am running a lepara barebones seat, with no intention of getting seat springs... Pdogg, let me know how it goes!