softtail or rigid???

rayzuki · 07-04-2008, 12:51 PM

Well I know I am going to ruffle a bunch of feathers here but I think a good debate here will give me more info.

What are the differences/advantages to converting the softtail to a rigid. I know that any "bump" in the road will be felt and possibly jump the rear tire becasue of no suspension but I have been noticing alot of harley/choppers around here that have removed the rear shocks and installed a solid bar in its place. I have seen a pic of dupos spirit and he has done this also. Hoping he may comment here.

Not sure if I want to do this, just looking for more info as to why some people have done this before I think about it.

**jonathan180iq** · 07-04-2008, 01:12 PM

Sometimes, on a rough patch of road, I am already getting some tail hop though certain turns with the stock suspension.

I would stay away from it. That's just me.

Sarris · 07-04-2008, 02:00 PM

Man if you think your ass hurts with that lousy GZ seat now...... If you go rigid, you ain't seen nothin' yet! Most rigid Harley Sportsters I see have an old style sprung seat to absorb some road shock.

As the old saying goes; "It's your ass, you can do with it what you please."

Let us know what you decide.

:rawk:

Easy Rider · 07-04-2008, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayzuki

Not sure if I want to do this, just looking for more info as to why some people have done this before I think about it.

Need to do a +/- comparison chart.....to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages.

So, start with the advantages: NONE.....so why go any farther ??? :roll:

As for why others have done it: They are stupid, IMHO!

2FIDY · 07-04-2008, 04:31 PM

O.K., I'm new here, but I've been riding for about 20 years and I can't stand a feather ruffling that I'm not a part of! That being said.....I can think of no good reason to put solid struts in place of shocks. Suspensions are there for a reason. It is not only for comfort, but for performance also. Unless you are so heavy that the suspension can't support you, which probably isn't the case, there is no reason. And , if that is the case, you need a larger bike, not struts. O_o :neener: Some people like the looks though, and that is reason enough if you like that.

Dupo · 07-05-2008, 12:36 AM

+1 for looks (see sig)
+1 for feeling part of the road

I have solid struts on my shadow. They are NOT much different from riding with stiff shocks. Smooth road is smooth road no matter how you ride on it. Bumps, yea you feel them a bit more but really, its not that bad. Pot holes and large bumps .... MOST of them the bike drops in them and your butt and the seat meet as the bike levels out. You kinda 'float' over most of them. There are a few that put your nuts into your throat, mostly the ones you dont see before you hit them. You DO become more aware of the road surface by default though lol. Struts are pretty dam cool to ride on. Been on them for a year now with my bike.

NOW, that being said .... i dont think i could do struts on the stock seat of the shadow, let alone the stock seat of the GZ. You need to have a seat that conforms your butt. Thats why i have the custom made 1" thick solo seat on my bike. You would think 1" is uncomfortable, but since it is so low it makes more of a "U" shape that fits my butt much better than the stock seat. If not for that, solid struts wouldnt feel all that great over the long run.

This is also up to the end user. Everyone is different. Using the stock seat might be great for others and using a more conforming lowered solo seat might be best for the rest.

I say go for it. Making them is almost cost free (2 bars with holes drilled into them). If you dont like it .. you can always change back.

rusty rider · 07-05-2008, 07:18 AM

I'm pretty sure that is where the term "Hard Ass" came from. :lol:

bigfour · 07-09-2008, 10:08 PM

A lot of custom bikes are rigid so the rear fender can be dropped right over the rear tire... aesthetics.

Sarris · 07-09-2008, 10:11 PM

You mean ass-thetics ?

LOL
Sarris

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

07-04-2008, 12:51 PM	#1
rayzuki Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: portland, or Posts: 154	softtail or rigid??? Well I know I am going to ruffle a bunch of feathers here but I think a good debate here will give me more info. What are the differences/advantages to converting the softtail to a rigid. I know that any "bump" in the road will be felt and possibly jump the rear tire becasue of no suspension but I have been noticing alot of harley/choppers around here that have removed the rear shocks and installed a solid bar in its place. I have seen a pic of dupos spirit and he has done this also. Hoping he may comment here. Not sure if I want to do this, just looking for more info as to why some people have done this before I think about it. __________________ Yeah, I'm about as useful as a condom dispenser in the vatican. -- Jonathan Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-04-2008, 02:00 PM	#3
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Softail or Rigid Man if you think your ass hurts with that lousy GZ seat now...... If you go rigid, you ain't seen nothin' yet! Most rigid Harley Sportsters I see have an old style sprung seat to absorb some road shock. As the old saying goes; "It's your ass, you can do with it what you please." Let us know what you decide. :rawk: __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-04-2008, 04:31 PM	#5
2FIDY Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 17	O.K., I'm new here, but I've been riding for about 20 years and I can't stand a feather ruffling that I'm not a part of! That being said.....I can think of no good reason to put solid struts in place of shocks. Suspensions are there for a reason. It is not only for comfort, but for performance also. Unless you are so heavy that the suspension can't support you, which probably isn't the case, there is no reason. And , if that is the case, you need a larger bike, not struts. O_o :neener: Some people like the looks though, and that is reason enough if you like that. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-05-2008, 12:36 AM	#6
Dupo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Allentown, Pa Posts: 1,255	+1 for looks (see sig) +1 for feeling part of the road I have solid struts on my shadow. They are NOT much different from riding with stiff shocks. Smooth road is smooth road no matter how you ride on it. Bumps, yea you feel them a bit more but really, its not that bad. Pot holes and large bumps .... MOST of them the bike drops in them and your butt and the seat meet as the bike levels out. You kinda 'float' over most of them. There are a few that put your nuts into your throat, mostly the ones you dont see before you hit them. You DO become more aware of the road surface by default though lol. Struts are pretty dam cool to ride on. Been on them for a year now with my bike. NOW, that being said .... i dont think i could do struts on the stock seat of the shadow, let alone the stock seat of the GZ. You need to have a seat that conforms your butt. Thats why i have the custom made 1" thick solo seat on my bike. You would think 1" is uncomfortable, but since it is so low it makes more of a "U" shape that fits my butt much better than the stock seat. If not for that, solid struts wouldnt feel all that great over the long run. This is also up to the end user. Everyone is different. Using the stock seat might be great for others and using a more conforming lowered solo seat might be best for the rest. I say go for it. Making them is almost cost free (2 bars with holes drilled into them). If you dont like it .. you can always change back. __________________ Photography Gallery *updated url - new site! Motorcycle Blog Facebook
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07-05-2008, 07:18 AM	#7
rusty rider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: terre haute Posts: 142	I'm pretty sure that is where the term "Hard Ass" came from. :lol: __________________ Live life simple, so that others can simply live.
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07-04-2008, 01:12 PM	#2
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,995	Sometimes, on a rough patch of road, I am already getting some tail hop though certain turns with the stock suspension. I would stay away from it. That's just me.
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07-09-2008, 10:08 PM	#8
bigfour Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CT, Norwalk Posts: 51	A lot of custom bikes are rigid so the rear fender can be dropped right over the rear tire... aesthetics. __________________
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07-09-2008, 10:11 PM	#9
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Rigid You mean ass-thetics ? LOL Sarris :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders.
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