What all goes into hardtailing?

[NewestOnTheBlock]

I've been gradually cleaning up this xs650 that I got not to long ago. It runs now, but it sure is ugly. It looks like most of the POs before me didn't do a good job storing it.

As I look at it more, I'm beginning to like the idea of hardtailing it. What i'm wondering though, is what all needs to change when you hardtail a bike (in terms of parts and what not)? The only thing that comes to the top of my mind is a longer chain, other than that I'm drawing a blank. I do like the look of forward controls, does that effect it much in terms of what you need to change? I would assume I could continue running my disc brakes....What all else would I need to do?

 

[xjwmx]

what all needs to change when you hardtail a bike?

You need to approach pot holes and railroad tracks very very slowly.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Based on your stature, choose a stretch length and seating style and peg position.
Everything currently under the seat, including fender, has to go somewhere.
Stock gas tank usually doesn't go well.
Exhaust system, quiet or loud, in your ears or theirs...

 

[jd750ace]

Have you ever ridden one hard tailed? "Looks" is among the last of my considerations when modifying a bike, but I'm not an attention whore, I'm a rider.
$0.02

 

[smokedyerstang]

Yeah you'd also have to make a battery box and electronics box(mentioned above "under your seat"). And a new seat. Forward controls won't really affect having to change anything,besides modifying the brake/shifter arms, but you'll want to plan ahead when mounting he seat. You'll also need to make a pivot for the rear brake. That's all I can think of now.

 

[smokedyerstang]

I've ridden mine thousands of miles over about 4yrs. I ride it daily rain or shine and in the freezing cold so it's deffinately a rider. It rides and handles great and hardtails are way more responsive IMO . But don't do it and expect it to be as cushy as a swingarm bike. And if you have an old lady she might hate you after the first ride....

 

[ogh11756]

Front to Back
Front tire (wider), front fender, front turn signals (if state required), forward controls, handlebars, solid riser bushings, a "David Bird" hardtail (the best in my opinion), gas tank, 2 to 1 intake manifold (just my preference), mid pegs, seat, electronics box, battery box (if using the starter), chain, chain tensioner, rear brake pivot, rear tire (wider), rear fender, rear fender struts, tail light, rear turn signals (if state required). Lots & lots & lots of time & money.
Good tools, welder, torch, & a shop manual
Most of all, make it the way you want it, not the way some will tell you you want it.
Have fun & take lots of pic's.
You will get lots of good help & advice on this forum.
Ignore the hardtail haters
Another option if you want rear shocks is a Brat kit.

 

[Johnt3]

Hey NewestOnTheBlock.Take a look at Paulrxs650's build thread, a very nice example. Plenty of guys have built or are building hard tails so there is plenty to read and idea's to use.
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22603

 

[lakeview]

If it is running on the street now and licensed in your name, good, if not get it running proper and inspected if needed so that once you cut it up, you don't have to explain your changes to a government official to get a license plate.

 

[livingdeadmc]

Keep your bike as stock as possible. Hardtails are sooooo last year. Also, from what I'm told on this forum they are dangerous. They are super uncomfortable and you can only go a couple miles before you destroy your back. Also, also....Please, please, please! do not remove your top motor mount....You will die if you do. I've never riden or built a rigid frame bike, so obviously I'm an expert.

Oh and for the love of God run front brakes!!! If you don't the universe will collapse and man kind will be destroyed.

 

[chopit25]

Keep your bike as stock as possible. Hardtails are sooooo last year. Also, from what I'm told on this forum they are dangerous. They are super uncomfortable and you can only go a couple miles before you destroy your back. Also, also....Please, please, please! do not remove your top motor mount....You will die if you do. I've never riden or built a rigid frame bike, so obviously I'm an expert.

Oh and for the love of God run front brakes!!! If you don't the universe will collapse and man kind will be destroyed.

Good lookin out! Lol

 

[XSLeo]

Basically you cut off all the parts that make it a good bike and make it look just like ten thousand other bikes.
I like mine mostly stock looking. It draws a lot of attention from people just the way it is.
Leo

 

[livingdeadmc]

Basically you cut off all the parts that make it a good bike and make it look just like ten thousand other bikes.
I like mine mostly stock looking. It draws a lot of attention from people just the way it is.
Leo

I agree with leo. Don't change a thing. How dare you devalue a mass produced bike from the 70s and 80s. Bike technology has not evolved at all. So obviously if your looking to keep it a good bike...Just leave it as is. Watch out though...all that attention you're gonna get on your stock xs650 could go to your head, and nobody likes anyone with a big head!

 

[smokedyerstang]

I'm lost , but does anyoe have opinions on hardtail/vs swingarm bikes?

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Keep your bike as stock as possible. Hardtails are sooooo last year. Also, from what I'm told on this forum they are dangerous. They are super uncomfortable and you can only go a couple miles before you destroy your back. Also, also....Please, please, please! do not remove your top motor mount....You will die if you do. I've never riden or built a rigid frame bike, so obviously I'm an expert.

Oh and for the love of God run front brakes!!! If you don't the universe will collapse and man kind will be destroyed.

And the handling! It becomes virtually non-existant. You will be constantly falling down.

Why, just look at the closing 'attempt-to-ride-in-a-circle' scene in Joe Namath's "C.C. Rider"...

 

[livingdeadmc]

And the handling! It becomes virtually non-existant. You will be constantly falling down.

Why, just look at the closing 'attempt-to-ride-in-a-circle' scene in Joe Namath's "C.C. Rider"...

Ugh! Thank you! I don't know what these kids are thinking when they hardtail their xs650s!

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

I'm lost , but does anyoe have opinions on hardtail/vs swingarm bikes?

This is a fun thread, kinda like the 'lubricant wars'.

More gaffing: http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22152

 

[smokedyerstang]

Agreed. Btw I'm a 15w40 guy myself. Oops, that might send this thread in a whole different direction..

 

[scabber]

How ugly is it a picture might help. It probably would be better to spend the money fixing the things that you consider ugly before changing the design. New seat, shocks or even a new paint job might help.

 

[scabber]

Full synthetic oil for me. Kids don't think, most let their dick do the thinking. Hard head hard dick hard tail.