Hi all, just wanted to know if anyone has had much expirence on a rigid frame. Still looking for the right frame, and I can find what I want in a rigid, but not as easy to find in strutless softail. So I wanted to hear about everyones hardtail stories,

Thanks
Jeff

 

I've had all sorts of experiences on a hardtail....oh wait....you mean motorcycle.....not woman.

In all seriousness, I loved riding a hardtail when I did a lot of in town riding. The long hauls aren't too fun though, and after years and years....you'll be hurting real bad. Also, you see a lot more hardtails in the southern states...b/c their road conditions aren't as shitty as us here in the North. Imagine taking a pothole at 65 on a hardtail....it hurts like hell even on a softail sometimes.

I used to ride an old triumph, while I loved the hell outta that thing, you would catch me riding it more than 5 miles now a days. I'm not old guy, but I went softail and never looked back.

Think about the kind of riding you want to do on this puppy and make your decision based on that. While style can still be a major part in it....the bike can look sweet as hell...but if your back is bent out of place...who's gonna ride it? (BTW: the answer to that question is me - just gimme a call and I'll spin the wheels for ya...LOL).

Take it easy.

 

I'm building a rigid chopper now and am predicting no problems with long days on it. This is based on the fact that I can ride a bicycle with 1/2" wide tires pumped to 135psi, and next to nothing for a seat for over a hundred miles, so my rigid chop is going to feel like a cadillac in comparison. I have buds that ride 300 mile days (not my idea of a long day but still not too shabby) on rigids, two of them are in their late 50's. You know what they say about choppers, "if you want all the comforts of home, stay there".
:-) Let us know what you end up choosing for a rigid.

 

Hey all, thanks for replying, and telling your tales, they were both very inspiring. I think I've decided on my frame, and yes it's a rigid. Been looking all over the web at what's out there, and I think I like the lines, and looks best on the Cyril Huze 230/250 Stray Kat rigid. Getting ready to order the frame, but its going to be about a year before I get her on the road. Saving up little by little.

Thanks Again.
Jeff

 

I only know what's on TV, but Indian Larry had a hardtail with airbags under the seat, so you could ride it either way. Like a regular hardtail, or with the seat bags inflated.

I don't think the bicycle comparison works, since riding a chopper, your legs aren't under you to act as suspension.

 

Rigids are fine, long as ya have a big fat tire to soak up the road

 

trust me, 80 miles (4 hours) on a racing bicycle is way more painful than 400 on a motorcycle. even a rigid. my nut sack knows that my legs aren't doing much "suspending".

 

The less of a grasp you have on your own masculinity , the more macho the bike!!! Foot clutch, no suspension, springer front end,open belt drive werent all those things built when they didn't know any better? If you are looking for someone to tell you you won't bite your tongue off when you hit a bump ok rigids are great for the ultimate macho fun, dont forget to leave off the front brake and 16 over forks are great for exciting handling. Happy Chiropracting!!! Trent

 

All the "Cool" bikes are just that...cool! I wouldn't go 50 ft on one. I switched to the Beemer because I am "Over" being cool. As was stated before..."If ya want all the comforts of home...stay there" I don't agree with that. I believe I have paid my dues and I am worth takin care of myself and enjoying the finer things in life today. Comfort is to the individual and my comfort level has been elevated. No need to beat myself any longer. I just enjoy riding and since this is the 21st century...I might as well take advantage of all the creature comforts available! I am worth it and choose to take care of myself today.

Enjoy the ride...no matter what you choose to ride. When it become drudgery...get something you can enjoy again!

 

You couldn't give me a hardtail...well you could...but I would sell the damn thing as soon as possible !

Some people enjoy pain & suffering.......I don't

To each his own though....

FBR

 

i found this guy a while ago on ebay. this is a rolling chassis he has but i'm not sure if he will sell just a frame. i bought my frame from him. he gave me a hell of a deal. I also got my motor, tranny, and primary from him. check it out. if your still looking.

rigid chassis

 

I am from the south, and i have ridden a rigid and we do have potholes and they are not fun!
Though they arent so comfortable, and no you have no suspension, they do look cool.
My husband still rides his rigid(hes 42) and ive driven it several times. I could tell the difference. you can feel all the bumps and holes. He swears he'll never get rid of it, he may never get rid of his bike, but in the future i bet he will go soft tail because of long rides his back will hurt for a few days.

Ive ridden passenger over 600 miles on his, i got used to it, but his is stroked so much and with all the vibration, my butt went numb.

Ive driven his over 300 miles, and i will say my *** was very sore. to ride a hard tail, i hope you have a hard ***, it is not for the weak.
you can add the air bags, but why? if your choice is a rigid, then i feel you should go rigid!
One secret no one has mentioned. you can let the air out of the back tire a little, that will help a tad.
Good luck
Kelly