

Even the young riders who have experienced sports or other injury may have this same problem. Over the years, injuries have left me with a less than perfect spine. In fact, this is the case with many people as minor injuries, arthritis, and simple wear and tear from life result in minor physical problems which can become aggravated by riding a hard tail. The downside, however, is that each and every pot hole and bump in the road causes the shock to be transmitted through the frame, into the seat, into the rider's butt, hips, spine, shoulders, and neck. I've ridden for many years, and as a younger person with a healthier back, I had fun with hard tails. Powder coating requires a very clean and properly sanded frame to stick properly, but with the right preparation, will result in a coating that is incredibly durable and resistant to chipping or fading.This is not to say that hard tail cycles and choppers aren't great. Powder coat for bike frames is another option, but this requires a professional.

Be sure to allow plenty of time for drying between applications. For a more professional-looking job, you can also buy or rent a paint sprayer. You can apply the paint with a brush, or use spray-paint for an easy and fast application. Either an oil-based or petroleum-based enamel paint may be used in whichever color you choose. Paint is easy to apply and may be done by bike owners in their own garage. There are options for what kind of paint or coating to use and each has their advantages. Steel frames are susceptible to rust and require some kind of coating to protect them from moisture and oxidation. Do you need to paint the motorcycle frame? The rigid Hardtail frame benefits from slightly better cornering and a simpler construction, and the Softail frame imparts comfort and easier handling. This hidden suspension retains some of the clean aesthetics of a solid frame with the benefit of a softer ride. The Harley Davidson Softtail frame is comprised of two pieces connected by a pivot joint with room for the suspension to be hidden under the engine. Although this results in a bumpier ride, some riders prefer the clean lines of this frame, especially when using them as a base for their custom motorcycle. These Harley frames are one solid piece with the rear axle attached right to the frame itself. What is the difference between a Hardtail and Softtail frame?Īs the name would imply, a Harley Davidson Hardtail has no rear suspension and provides a ride that imparts all of the bumps on the road directly through the tires to the rider.

The idea of the chopper, as well as modifying motorcycles in this manner, was first introduced by the bobber, so called because stock motorcycles were relieved of parts, or bobbed, to make them lighter and faster. Solid, one-piece frames without pivot joints are the most common for the chopper aesthetic. Many choppers use Harley Davidson frames as a base and use an iconic V-twin motor. What is a chopper?Ī chopper is a custom motorcycle that is either built from scratch with parts from other bikes or handmade parts, or it is a drastically modified (chopped) factory-manufactured motorcycle. There are different frame types to accommodate the different engine sizes, seat placement, and wheel spacing on the different Harley Davidson models. Early motorcycle frames consisted mainly of steel tubing, but frames have evolved to include stronger and lighter materials. The motorcycle frame functions like a skeleton, providing the basic and essential structure and support for all of the other parts of the motorcycle.
