| If you are considering building a custom bike, you'll need | | | | frames. |
| to determine whether to select a hard tail frame (also | | | | Hard tail frames provide a somewhat rougher ride; |
| called a rigid frame), or a swing arm frame. Deciding on | | | | people that experience back pain during long rides |
| a frame is not to be taken lightly because there are | | | | almost always avoid this frame style. Kidney-jarring |
| some significant differences in the frame styles. | | | | jolts can result from hitting bumps. Yet in this modern |
| The hard tail frame is a single piece frame. The rear | | | | day, most roads are relatively smooth. |
| motorcycle wheel assembly attaches directly to the | | | | Some people simply love the ride provided by the rigid |
| frame, as opposed to a soft tail frame which is made | | | | hard tail frame. Others really hate the differences in |
| of two pieces of tubing connected at a pivot joint. | | | | ride. The bottom line is that you want to select the right |
| That is the source of the nomenclature; the frame | | | | frame for your motorcycle based on your personal |
| really does have a hard tail. The result is that there is | | | | needs, expectations, and planned use. |
| no rear suspension to give that 'floating' feel to the ride. | | | | If you want a cross-country touring cycle, a hard tail |
| Initially, all motorcycles were hard tails. The bent tubing | | | | may not the right choice be for you. If you want to |
| frames allowed the rear hub to be attached through | | | | build the ultimate custom show chopper, this frame |
| the one piece frame. That is still the way hard tails are | | | | style could be perfect for you. If you are young, have |
| put together today. | | | | lots of stamina, are in great physical condition and don't |
| The Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide, released in 1958, gave | | | | mind a bit of kidney jolting, the hard frame is a viable |
| riders the first option of purchasing a bike with rear | | | | option. However, if you want to ride from New York |
| suspension. Purists, however, still love the ride and feel | | | | to California when you retire, most likely you'll be much |
| of the hard tail frame. | | | | happier riding a soft tail. |
| Jesse James custom bike builder and owner of West | | | | The choice of hard tail frame or soft tail frame is |
| Coast Chopper, in a recent documentary about the | | | | entirely a personal choice. Just remember, it takes a lot |
| history or motorcycles, stated that he loves the hard | | | | of work to change frames, so think through exactly |
| tail ride because it allows the rider to truly become part | | | | what you expect from your motorcycle before |
| of the road. There is no 'bounce' and the road | | | | making a decision about whether a hard tail frame is |
| vibrations are not absorbed by shocks, providing a | | | | the best solution for your custom motorcycle. |
| hardcore sensation unlike the swing arm motorcycle | | | | |