| Above almost all else, motorcycle frames shape the | | | | backbone or front downtubes. These are different |
| overall look and feel of your custom chopper. If | | | | from Sportster softail frames that have no stretch. |
| you're mulling over the idea of building your own | | | | Rigid Frames: In most cases, rigid motorcycle frames |
| custom chopper from scratch or from a custom bike | | | | are stretch frames that are angled upward. Where |
| kit, motorcycle frames are the piece around which | | | | other motorcycle frames have both wheels |
| you'll want to build your design concept. There are | | | | connected to the motorcycle frame through a |
| several styles of motorcycle frames to consider | | | | suspension arrangement, rigid motorcycle frames |
| depending on the look you're going for and how you'll | | | | often forgo the rear suspension. |
| be using your custom chopper. | | | | FRX Frames: If you're building a racing bike or dirt |
| Measuring Custom Frames: When comparing custom | | | | bike or are going to be riding on rugged terrain and |
| frames, you'll notice that they are described in terms | | | | need durability and extra suspension, FRX motorcycle |
| of "stretch." The amount of stretch in the | | | | frames may be your best bet. |
| downtubes refers to how much higher the custom | | | | The Weight Factor: Make sure to consider the weight |
| frame is than the stock frame. The stretch in the | | | | of the motorcycle frame before you buy. The |
| backbone refers to how much longer the custom | | | | weight of the motorcycle frame makes a big |
| frame is than the stock model frame. | | | | difference in how smooth of a ride your custom |
| Sportster Style Motorcycle Frames: There are | | | | chopper will have; generally the heavier the frame, |
| different styles of Sportster motorcycle frames | | | | the smoother the ride. However, if you're going to |
| designed for the Sportster engine. Sportster | | | | be drag racing, you might favor a lighter weight. |
| motorcycle frames needs to be extra tough to | | | | Motorcycle frames are literally the backbone of the |
| withstand the weight and rumble of the big Sportster | | | | chopper. You'll want to be selective with all of the |
| engine. If you're going to have oversized tires on | | | | parts for your custom chopper, but when it comes |
| your custom chopper, you'll probably want to choose | | | | to the motorcycle frame be sure to devote a little |
| a Sportster motorcycle frame like the Hardtail Chassis | | | | more time to research, asking questions, and getting |
| that is built for larger tires. | | | | opinions. The motorcycle frame is what holds the |
| Rolling Chassis Frames: Rolling chassis frames are any | | | | entire bike together and choosing a quality, heavy |
| type of rigid, swingarm, or softail motorcycle frame | | | | duty motorcycle frame is well worth the time spent |
| with front and rear wheel assembly and a stretched | | | | shopping around. |