Jocky shift [Archive] - Honda Rebel Motorcycle Forum

GearJammer

02-27-2006, 01:51 AM

Both of these are lookin' good!

Have seen that red & black bobber before & it sure is one sweet ride! Solo seat goes perfectly with the rest of the aesthetic, losing the airbox really enhances the look & draws the eye to the motor, something that I always find appealling (being able to see the powerplant without it being surrounded by other parts) Lots of very nice details on that one!

Seriously aiming at selling off some of the parts stash to put some $$$ in the bike fund, finishing up the project Trumpet, then keep my eyes open for another 450 Rebel. Two Rebs, two Trumpets....and go for a total bobber look on the next Rebel.

cTc

02-27-2006, 08:44 AM

I need to get rid of some parts myself, I think I could build 2 rebels if I took the time. I have a guy wanting to buy the bulk of the items left, I just havent sat down to figure up what the price would be.

GearJammer

02-27-2006, 11:09 AM

Parts is parts & it's always good to keep a few spares for the runners. But after awhile, we take a look & see that we've acquired a lot of excess that'll just collect dust.

Makes sense to sell some off & put the bread towards another runner. Recently told the OL that if I sold the 450, 2 Trumpets & all the spare parts, I'd probably be able to buy a Harley, especially with the H-D prices coming down. But I won't do that. Rather aim for 4 runners vs. owning one bike that says "Harley Davidson" on the gas tank, LMAO!

One guy locally traded 2 running Triumphs, one Triumph chopper project, 2 650cc motors, 6 wheels...for a running '01 883. His stuff, his choice, but he actually lost on that deal, The guy he traded with probably broke even on ONE of the running Triumphs, DOH!

cTc

02-27-2006, 11:23 AM

Even though there is a wide glide in garage, I still dont think much of HD, no doubt they have some nice looking rides, but their price is enough to scare anyone off.

I like the honda's and other imports, like the brit bikes, so I'll stick to buying and selling those for now.

GearJammer

02-27-2006, 07:41 PM

I still like the pre-EVO H-D's, but buying used parts (when you can even find 'em, LOL!) would drain the bank account & it'd be the same amount of wrenching required as on the old Brit stuff :oops:

Snorebaby

02-27-2006, 09:57 PM

I have a cousin who swears by the H-D logo. He won't have anything else. I agree with GJ on the older ones. I think they look better than what they have to offer now. The imports have always been a fav of mine. I really want a GoldWing for my driveway!!! One day I will have it!! Maybe when my daughter goes to college. It won't be brand new (just new to me). They have always been a sparkle in my eye.

My oldest brother and his wife had GW's, he rode an '83 1100 (I think) and she rode an '82 900 (might have been a Silver Wing). They lived in Mass. at the time and they rode all year round. They used to make trips down here on them once or twice a year. Then they moved down to Lugoff, S.C. (just north of Columbia) around '93 and sold them cuz they couldn't find anyone who rode all year. He said even today he didn't see as many on the road in the winter here as he did up there. He is really waiting for me to get mine on the road so he can "borrow" it LMAO!!

GearJammer

03-01-2006, 11:08 AM

No offense to your cousin, Snorey, but those "Harley ONLY" guys make me cringe, LMAO! Even when I rode 'em, I never bought into that tunnel vision.

You should be able to attain your goal of owning a GoldWing, even if used, it'll probably STILL be an excellent machine! Saw one being offerred locally on the bulletin board, 1978 ? for $1100. One local here has a fairly new one & that bike just keeps on going & going & going with minimal maintainence.

Chopper Rick

03-03-2006, 03:30 PM

"Dang! Just when I thought I was done modifying this 450, this kind of temptation just HAD to come along! LMAO!"

I hear you GJ, just when i think i'm finish with the mods on my bike along comes another picture with some kind of mod on it that i want. I've wanted to put a jockey shift on my 450 for sometime now but didn't know how to go about it, but after seeing the picture of the yellow 450 that uneasyrider sent i know it can be done. It would be cool if someone who's done that on a 450 or knows how to do it would post some step by step pictures & infor on how it's done.

Chopper Rick

03-03-2006, 03:42 PM

Done's anyone know who the owner is & the email addy of the second bike (the black one) that ctc posted. I've got a question about his rear trailer fender.

Chopper Rick

03-03-2006, 04:02 PM

Hey guys, I just emailed a picture of a jocky shift on a 450 Rebel at Jack's, it's a nice and easy mod. I emailed it to cTc, I don't know how to post pics. on the website. I have some Very good pics. if anyone is interested I can email them and maybe they can be posted for all to enjoy.

Howard

Uneasyrider, thanks for the pictures. What website did you find that picture of the bike with the jockey shift?

GearJammer

03-03-2006, 10:53 PM

Chopper Rick wrote: "I've wanted to put a jockey shift on my 450 for sometime now but didn't know how to go about it, but after seeing the picture of the yellow 450 that uneasyrider sent i know it can be done. It would be cool if someone who's done that on a 450 or knows how to do it would post some step by step pictures & infor on how it's done."....

Agreed, some step by step info would sure be helpful, but it looks like the shift lever is a direct mount to the stock shifter ratchet. Can't tell how they grafted the handlebar to the shift lever & wondering if that's a stock length clutch cable. If so, that'd make life even easier.

Chopper Rick wrote: "I've got a question about his rear trailer fender"....

Maybe we can help ? (or not ?) LMAO! Fire away.....

Chopper Rick wrote: : "Uneasyrider, thanks for the pictures. What website did you find that picture of the bike with the jockey shift?"

Pretty sure he got it from Jack's in Florida. cTc might have the site addy ? "UneasyRider" is currently dealing with some serious family business (Please see "Mexico" thread on General Chat board)

Chopper Rick

03-04-2006, 02:43 PM

"Chopper Rick wrote: "I've got a question about his rear trailer fender"....

Gearjammer said 'Maybe we can help ? (or not ?) LMAO! Fire away....."

Well the question i have on that rear trailer fender is whats holding it up? I don't see any type of rear fender support brace.

GearJammer

03-05-2006, 12:38 AM

It IS hard to see, but if you look closely, there looks to be 2 cross-braces on that hardtail section, one right where the solo seat springs are located & one between the bottom rails j-u-s-t in front of the bottom of the fender. One or two fender/rail clamps on those (each cross-brace) would do the trick.

If a p-pad for a passenger was to be installed, a sissy bar with a fender brace beneath the fender or simply a fender brace (w/o sissy bar) below the fender & attached to the axle perch plates on either side could be used. This would primarily be to prevent bottoming out.

Chopper Rick

03-05-2006, 03:11 AM

GearJammer

03-05-2006, 11:10 AM

Ubetcha, Chopper Rick. Some guys will also weld the rear fender to those braces instead of using clamps, but I'd guess clamps (most common way) were used on this one.

Chopper Rick

03-10-2006, 01:35 AM

Here's the question GJ that i have that pertains to the rear fender. I'm going to be changing the stock fender on my 87 Honda 450 with a trailer fender just like these two bikes.

http://www.hondarebelforum.com/phpBB2/album_pic.php?pic_id=42

http://www.hondarebelforum.com/phpBB2/album_pic.php?pic_id=41

and you had written in a post to me that the fender is being held up with 2 cross-braces on the hardtail secton, one right where the solo seat springs are located & the other between the bottom rails just in front of the fender. Than one or two fender/ rail clamps on those (each cross-brace). If you can are you able to draw a sketch of the 450 rear end showing how the fender is attach with the cross braces & clamps? It's kind of hard for me to see in those pictures how the braces & clamps are attached to the fender. Also do you know of any websites that show pictures of the cross-braces & clamps that you speak of?

GearJammer

03-10-2006, 04:20 AM

If I'm not mistaken, it looks like they used the stock rear fender on the red & black bobber & just cut (bobbed) it. You can see what looks to be the one remaining stock fender bolt, giving it one on each side & that might be sufficient to hold it in place. It's possible that they added an additional bracket of whatever type to keep the fender from pivoting, but I pretty much think that the 2 stock fender bolts would hold it in place. So essentially, they probably just cut the stock fender strut to it's shortened length & then bobbed the stock rear fender.

On the hardtailed chop, they most likely used U-shaped clamps that rest on the cross-brace & then the ends of the U-clamp extend & lay flat against the fender itself. On the flat ends, there's holes pre-drilled for the mounting hardware.

Hope these drawing marks stay in place, LOL!

...._ _
.....U

If the lines were solid, this would be what the clamp looks like from a sideview of the clamp, with the clamp being held upside down. Turn it rightside up & place on the cross-brace & bingo! Flat ends rest on fender, hardware bolts thru flat ends. These clamps are a standard aftermarket item. It's late, but tomorrow I'll try to find a pic of some on a parts site & then post a link to the pic.

Edit: The friggin' lines won't stay in place, LMAO! Ignore the "periods" that were used to try to keep the "U" from moving after posting. It'd be the "U" with the 2 solid lines touching at each top of the "U'. Sorry about that, will get some for real pics linked here tomorrow....Picasso I ain't, ROTFLMAO!

Edit: Alllllrighty then! Found 'em on the first search, first search result listed, LOL! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34284&item=4612308548

Please keep in mind that these clamps are for cross-braces/rails, etc. Another thing I do to try to help minimize vibration as well as to protect the paint is to cut a piece of scrap tire inner tube to the shape of the clamp, place the "rubber mount" between clamp & cross-brace/rail & fender.

(Edit: I think my drawing looks better than the pic, but the pic was able to show the fancy chrome accents, LMAO! Teasin' of course.... :lol: )

Chopper Rick

03-10-2006, 03:44 PM

Thanks Bro for the reply. I think i now know how those clamps work. The hint i got was when you said the U-shape clamps rest on the cross-brace. Unfortunately the 450 reb doesn't have a cross brace to rest the clamps on. I would have to have a cross brace welded on to make it work if i was going to use the clamp method. Now, as for the red & black bike that would work using the two bolts to hold the fender up if you don't mind cutting the fender that short & you like dirt & water splashed all over your back, but it does look good with the springer seat. Again GJ, thanks for the education & suggestions, i'm sure there will be more questions from me to you, so i just want you to know that i truely appreciate your valuable time & help.

Chopper Rick

GearJammer

03-10-2006, 10:52 PM

You're thinking ahead & that's good to see, Brother! Once those wheels start turning, the possiblities become endless.

Very good point on the shortness of the fender on the red & black bobber! If caught in the rain, the "rooster-tails" would be incredible! LMAO! But I've got to admit, that red & black one is my personal favorite & I'd pick the weather carefully.

Just thought of two possible options on the red & black one as far as rear fenders. The stock fender could be bobbed, but less radically, leaving more tin towards the rear to cut down on the rooster tail effect. Maybe leaving another stock mounting bolt hole on the fender strut & cutting both fender strut & stock fender, leaving them shorter than stock, but longer than pictured on that bobber.

Another option, if I can describe this clearly, is to use a flat fender (as pictured on the hardtailed Rebel), but fabricate your own brackets from flat plate that would attach to the stock mounting bolts of the stock fender struts. You could shape the fabbed brackets to run under the flat fender. Brackets secured to stock fender struts, holes drilled thru flat fender & bracket(s?) beneath, then mounting hardware thru both (no need for U-clamps). Stock fender struts & flat fender could be cut to your desired length. Flat fenders also come in various widths, 5", 6", some maybe even 7" ?

uneasyrider

03-11-2006, 10:05 AM

Chopper Rick

03-11-2006, 02:32 PM

Thanks Uneasyrider.

Chopper Rick

Chopper Rick

03-11-2006, 03:29 PM

Gear Jammer said..."Just thought of two possible options on the red & black one as far as rear fenders. The stock fender could be bobbed, but less radically, leaving more tin towards the rear to cut down on the rooster tail effect. Maybe leaving another stock mounting bolt hole on the fender strut & cutting both fender strut & stock fender, leaving them shorter than stock, but longer than pictured on that bobber.

GJ, when you say "leaving another stock mounting bolt hole on the fender strut & cutting both fender strut & stock fender" are you speaking of the two chrome rails that hold up the fender that would need to be cut?

Chopper Rick

GearJammer

03-11-2006, 10:59 PM

Exactly, Chopper Rick...

The schematic at www.bikebandit.com for the 450 Rebel "rear fender" calls them "left & right tail plates", but they're commonly known as fender struts. Each has 4 bolt-holes, 1 for the upper shock mounting bolt, 3 for mounting the fender. If you left the 2 forward-most fender mounting bolts & then cut the rest off the end of the fender strut, it would allow for a longer bobbed fender than on the red & black one, plus 2 mounting bolts per side to definitely hold that fender securely.

Chopper Rick

03-12-2006, 11:03 AM

Gear Jammer said..."If you left the 2 forward-most fender mounting bolts & then cut the rest off the end of the fender strut, it would allow for a longer bobbed fender than on the red & black one, plus 2 mounting bolts per side to definitely hold that fender securely."

Also by cutting off the end of the struts you would have to weld an end piece to each strut to give it a finished look so it doesn't look cut.

Chopper Rick

GearJammer

03-12-2006, 11:26 AM

a-ha....you're thinking ahead again & that's not a bad thing, LOL!

There might be various options to address the end-cut:

1) Grind & shape the contour of the end-cut & run it as is
2) Cut the already shaped end from the now cut-off & un-used section of the fender strut & see if it'll graft onto the end-cut by using JB Weld (some minor grinding might be required after the JB Weld hardens to dress it up)
3) Cut a rounded piece of tubing that'll fit in the end-cut to provide a "shaped" end & then cover it with JB Weld to build up the outside edges to match the rest of the fender strut in that area (clean-up grind as above, if necessary)
4) Find a tight-fitting rubber or possibly a colored neoprene end-cap to simply slide over the end-cut to hide the cut

Personally, I'd probably go with #1 & then black out the entire fender strut, but I absolutely agree that SMALL DETAILING goes a LONG ways in providing a very clean overall aesthetic. As mentioned with the blacking-out with rattle-can, the original chrome of the fender strut is bound to be altered to whatever degree. Possiilities to address that:

1) "When in doubt, black it out"
2) Rechrome the entire finished fender strut
3) Powdercoat

GearJammer

03-12-2006, 12:05 PM

Chopper Rick, When I mentioned "shaping" above, I'd been thinking that the cut was going to be a rounded cut, similar to the shape of the end of the stock strut. But can see that you might be thinking of a straight-edged vertical cut, which would work, too.

If it was a vertical cut, one could cut a square piece of metal sheet & adhere it to the end with JB Weld (that stuff is strong) :wink:

You know what might look trick, but would require more patience & careful cutting ? If the cut was made so's the very end of the remaining strut came to a point, kinda like two 45 degree angles going backwards & ending in a sharp point. They sell "chrome" paint & the edges might be touched up by hand with chrome paint to dress it up. The concern here would be whether or not the pointed end would match the rest of the bobber's aesthetic or not.

GearJammer

03-12-2006, 12:21 PM

On the subject of ponted ends, it made me remember something that may or may not apply to a bobber, but wanted to share it while I'm thinking of it.

Bought some spare parts & one item was a flat fender (like on the hardailed chop pic in this thread). This was no doubt run on a chopper in the standard way, curving down around the back of the rear wheel. But someone had cut the flat fender so that the tip of the fender at the end was pointed. So simple, yet so friggin' cool lookin'! :wink:

Chopper Rick

03-12-2006, 03:10 PM

You mean something like this GJ?

http://hondachopper.com/choppers100.html

I don't see that rear fender working on a bobber but a chopper, that's another story.

Chopper Rick

Chopper Rick

03-12-2006, 03:14 PM

Those are all great suggestions GJ. It definitely gives me something to chew on. Thanks Bro.

Chopper Rick

GearJammer

03-12-2006, 07:39 PM

Whoa! That 750/4 is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! Thanx for sharing that one with us, Chopper Rick. There's so many one-off details on that chop that it's astounding! SWEET!!!

Was thinking about the fender struts while I was over at my place & it really boils down to just how meticulous one wants to go with it. (I'm saying this as I still reel from checking out all of the ultra-fine detailing on the 750/4, ROTFLMAO!!!)

Seriously, the ultimate call will be your's & I always respect that. But from my primitive home-building standpoint & liking to keep 'em low-budget, yet functional, I'd go with whatever cut looked right, de-burr the rough edges with either a file or a buffing wheel to make the edges smooth & then shoot the whole piece with a few coats of Rustoleum or one of the various colors offerred by Ace Hardware for spray-painting outdoor items such as bbq grills, etc. But like I said, that's just me & you're the one who is doing the build, so it's gotta be something that suits your own aesthetic.

Edit: What I'm getting at is...yes, it might look like it was cut, but that's also part of what bobbing is about. If the cut edges were smoothed out for both looks & safety, my thought is that it would probably still look just fine as is. Bottom line for me is that I don't care what people say, I go with what makes me happy. If I can live with it, they don't have to, LMAO! (And I honestly don't think it would look "wrong")

Another example of how I view critics: The cobra seat on my chopped Trumpet is a vintage piece that I had re-upholstered by a Mexican leather worker for $40. Great job, good quality leather, etc. When I took it in, I asked the guy if he could stitch a diamond pattern running up the middle of the seat. He did, but there's ONE line that he got crooked. A couple of guys were checking out the chop, one was cool & respectful, the other was more of the "upscale" variety, if you get my drift ? He asked me if I did the seat myself, told him that I'd used a vintage seat but had it re-upholstered. He said discreetly "Yeah, I can tell". No doubt he was referring to the crooked stitch line. The way I see it, the crooked stitch never bothered me really & besides that, it's not visible when my a** is in the saddle! ROTFLMAO!!! Heck, I BUILT the chop & this guy is nit-picking over ONE crooked stitch ? I'd lose sleep over it, but I haven't found the time to do so yet, LMAO!

Snorebaby

03-12-2006, 10:49 PM

I have been kinda following this post to learn stuff and maybe get some ideas and GJ you make a good point about "critics".

When you build a bike or customize it, it is for you to love and you do it to please you. If someone else like it, then that is great. But the ultimate critic is yourself, and if you are pleased then that is all that matters. I even have some friends that are a little critical on some things. I don't have the money to do something that they can have done so I usually do it myself and I probably don't have the expertise but it looks good to me. And I have the satisfaction of that I DID IT!

I have learned that opinions are like a**holes -- everyones got one and most of them stink!!LOL

I have seen plenty of bikes that I don't really care for but hell, they didn't do it for me!! So I am usually gracious and overlook the "flaws" because sometimes that is what makes a bike unique!! You can nitpick anything to death and not see the real beauty of the piece. Remember Johnny Cash's song about the Cadillac?! It was one of a kind and he loved it even though most everyone else did'nt.

So I guess what I am getting at is that you build for you, not them!!
Sorry for the rant, but it has been a sore spot with me for a long time. Ever since I started to build things, no matter what it was!!

That is why I enjoy this board so much. Y'all have ideas to share but don't criticize if it is not the way you would do it. Y'all accept the project for what it is -- personal pride and devotion -- not what is wrong with it!!!

I was talking to a friend about a paint scheme that I have in mind for my bike and it wasn't up to his liking. I just shrugged him off because I think it is great and fits the theme that I am going for. And I know when I post the pics that y'all will accept it for what it is -- my bike theme and customization-- and produce an opinion on that. I had better stop ranting -- I could go on all night!!

Chopper Rick

03-13-2006, 02:56 AM

Boy do i know what you mean GJ & Snorebaby, i've seen these guys who row into town on there expensive bikes who i call the discovery channel bikers who know nothing about what it takes to build a bike with blood, sweat, very little money & whatever parts you can drum up or build on your own. They tend to snob anyone who rides a Jap bike, there'll criticize your bike because you don't have all the latest accessories & shiny chrome parts. I say the hell with them, your the one who as to live & ride with what you built & if what you built suits you & makes you happy that's good enough for me. This is why i respect the underground builder, he knows what it means & what it takes to be a biker.

Chopper Rick

GearJammer

03-13-2006, 03:00 AM

hehehe.....I kind of strayed off topic a bit, but it seems like it helped you to vent in regards to similar situations, Snorey. Feel better now ? ROTFLMAO! Teasing, Brother, & we're DEFINITELY on the same page. As you said, it's a matter of "personal pride and devotion" "no matter what it was/is". Amen to that. And (speaking for myself) it's particularly true when it comes to bikes. "Take Pride In Your Ride", stock, chopped or custom....

Didn't see it as a rant at all. I actually enjoyed your post. Helps us to remember what things matter & what things can & should be easily shrugged off. Good perspectives, Snorey. We gots to keep our priorities straight, LMAO!

GearJammer

03-13-2006, 03:15 AM

ut-oh...thought I was going to hit the hay, but I see you joined the fray, Chopper Rick, ROTFLMAO!!!

Another enjoyable post! You nailed it! There's lots of "insta-bikers" out there with all the latest flash & doo-dads that $$$ can buy, but most of 'em don't have a clue about the dedication involved in real owner involvement. I don't have a problem with folks who own & ride & maybe they even have the dealership do most, if not all of the maintainence. That's their choice & there's times when they might not have any choice. But where I draw the line is when those same folks start with the criticisms. As "Indian Larry" said, "If you're not building or riding, then shut the **** up!" It was one of the few times I saw him speak so bluntly, but it REALLY summed it up for me, ROTFLMAO!!!!

Crash time here.........Later, All....

Chopper Rick

03-13-2006, 03:22 AM

Don't get me wrong, i don't mind constructive criticism because there's always room to learn especially from guys who have built before, but to criticize just for the sake of it i don't care for. Me personally i don't care if you ride a sports, Jap, HD or home built bike, if it's what you like more power to you. No one should tell you what to ride or what to build.

Chopper Rick

GearJammer

03-13-2006, 11:16 AM

Chopper Rick wrote: "No one should tell you what to ride or what to build."

EXACTLY, Brother!

I'll admire ALL bikes & even if it doesn't appeal to my own visual aesthetic, if I comment at all, it'll be about something positive. Remember seeing on another board some time ago, this guy had built what I thought was a very sweet chopper from an XS650, hardtailed, Old School, lots of personalizations. He was obviously proud of his sled (and rightfully so) which is why he posted the pic in the first place. All I saw were slams against the bike..."You should have done this" "You should have done that" "Too bad it's a Yamaha" on & on. Good grief! Realistically, the only thing the builder did "wrong" was to post the pic on the "wrong" board! LMAO!

If someone asks for input, I'll make respectful SUGGESTIONS, but only if asked & without any expectations that the guy is going to go that way, either they will or won't & it's all good with me.

Another thing that I'm much more casual with are on the "definitions". For example, many will say that a "chopper HAS to be rigid or hardtailed" or a "chopper HAS to have a raked out front-end", they offer a long list of MUST HAVES. By their "standards", I'm not riding a chop 'cause I've kept a stock rake, but what they're forgetting is that "Indian Larry" ran stock rakes & only a fool would say that "Indian Larry" didn't build choppers.

Hell, if I see some kid who has a bone-stock bike & the only mod he did was change the handlebars & if he asks me "How do you like my chopper" ? He won't get any argument from me, he'll get a "Looks great, man!" It's a personal Journey, encouragement rather than discouragement can serve us all well on the collective road of personal expression. I mean, isn't that a good part of what this is all about ?

GearJammer

03-18-2006, 07:44 PM

http://www.hondarebelforum.com/phpBB2/album_pic.php?pic_id=42

Do the struts on this bobber look like they were fabbed from aluminum ? If so, is the tensile strength good enough to keep 'em from cracking under stress ?

If one drilled the strut mounting holes, a metal sleeve and/or rubber bushing placed between mounting bolts & struts (that the mounting hardware would run thru) would help to minimize the possibility of cracking, yes ? Anyone ?

Snorebaby

03-18-2006, 07:57 PM

They may be aluminum but I think they could be stainless just because of the stress factor you mention. (At least that is what I would go with cuz it is readily available for me to use IMHO).

I would think that having a semi-rigid bushing would be ideal to reduce stress at the bolt holes, being that it is the weakest part of the strut.

But these are just my opinions--taken with a grain of salt. I like the way it was done. They fit the look of the bike and don't stand out real prominent (ooooo, big word :shock: !!!)

GearJammer

03-18-2006, 08:08 PM

Thanx very much, Snorey! You're probably right about the stainless, I've got a fabbed aluminum plate that goes over a side-plate (motor mounting plate on a Trumpet) where the ignition switch was installed, the aluminum plate is probably 1/4" thick & even that has a few very small stress cracks threatening.

As you've pointed out, the two ends where the mounting hardware would go on this bobber would really be susceptible to some MAJOR stress in the normal course of riding & there wouldn't be much excess metal around the edges to boost the strength level. So stainless it may well be or as "Yoda" would say, "it may stainless well be so", ROTFLMAO!

Thanx again! :wink:

Chopper Rick

03-18-2006, 08:35 PM

Here's a pix of some rear struts GJ from Jammer's Handbook. They deal in old school parts.

http://www.jammerclub.com/catalogs/jammer/0099.html

And here's another type of strut that actually flexes under stress.

http://www.soetengadesign.com/images/Sportster-hard-tail-spec-full.jpg

http://www.soetengadesign.com/images/Sport-flex-struts-spec-full.jpg

Snorebaby

03-18-2006, 09:38 PM

Those look awesome Chopper Rick!! I could not get the first link to show anything :( .

Pesonally I like the looks of hard tails, but hate riding them unless it is a smooth road. I really like the lowered look of them. Just wouldn't own one. Same goes with the crotch rockets. I like the design but don't care to own one.

I am a Cruiser/GoldWing/Electraglide type. Built for comfort!! LOL

GearJammer

03-18-2006, 11:26 PM

Great links, Chopper Rick & thanx! Aside from the billet aluminum, the struts themselves are steel, as Snorey mentioned. The pointed end-caps do look pretty trick tho' :wink:

The flex-type are interesting, but my concern would be that when under "flex", the rear fender might bottom out against the rear wheel ?

Sure seems as tho' tubular steel pieces could be used, cut to the desired length, holes drilled on each end to accommodate the stock shock bushings & stock mounting hardware & that'd be that, eh ?

I really like the look of the stainless pieces used on the red & black bobber, but I'd have to borrow use of some more modern power tools that I don't have, DOH! LOL!

Snorey, the 1st link that you couldn't see showed chromed steel struts without end-caps as in the 2nd link. Nothing wrong with Cruiser/Goldwing/Electraglide built for comfort sleds. It's always a personal choice & yep, you guessed it....."it's all good"! LMAO!

Chopper Rick

03-19-2006, 02:38 AM

Try this link Snorey.

http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx?GID=49B814DB-F608-4840-9F19-8184DD5A1BBF&search=rear%20struts&store=All&page=1

Snorebaby

03-19-2006, 08:14 AM

Thanks Chopper Rick. That one worked for me.

Chopper Rick

03-19-2006, 04:48 PM

GJ wrote..."Just thought of two possible options on the red & black one as far as rear fenders. The stock fender could be bobbed, but less radically, leaving more tin towards the rear to cut down on the rooster tail effect. Maybe leaving another stock mounting bolt hole on the fender strut & cutting both fender strut & stock fender, leaving them shorter than stock, but longer than pictured on that bobber."

Another thing that could be done if you decide to not cut the fender struts & still stay with the stock rear fender would be to cut off the ducktail portion on the rear part of the fender only which gives it a staight bobber look & than shape the cut end to your own taste.

Chopper Rick