How to: Install A Harley-Davidson Sportster Hardtail Frame 1982 - 2003

[@ludditeneaderthal]

Tip for square cutting the frame tubes: scribe those measurements as shown. Now grab one of those c clamp style tubing cutters plumbers use for water lines and mechanics use for hard lines. Set the cutting wheel on your scribe point, and run that bad boy around the frame tube a few times. Voila, nice square DEEP scribe line around the whole tube. Your blade or disc can be eyeballed "on the line" the whole way around, no muss, no fuss, and damn near perfect. Easiest way to insure your mark doesn't disappear, wander off, or get burnt back by grinder sparks, etc. like it can with tape, sharpee, or scratches in the paint.

[@charlesharper7292]

My wife has a 94 XL1200 I bought for her in 96. I just lost her to covid. I plan to do this as a tribute to her. Thanks for the video.

[@lowbrowcustoms]

So sorry to hear that… man… That bike will mean a lot for sure. Take care man.

[@troyfabrication]

Well done Guy's, this is the kind of video that could sway someone on the edge of installing a hardtail themselves to go for it. You make it look easy and stress free.

[@Changtent]

It IS that easy, and Tyler does a great job here. Remember, if you 'mess up' - it's only "time and money" nobody got hurt, lost their limbs, or life. Reminded me of a co-worker mechanic that forgot to torque the rod bearings on a Detroit Deisel engine. When he fired it up for the test run, a rod came out the side of the block and pieces flew everywhere. $40K gone right now. "It's only time and money. LOTS of time, and LOTS of money." lol

[@artvandelay9201]

That's their plan... that's why they don't show the part where they get the hardtail into the frame.

[@hardball107]

The people at Lowbrow are great and this product rocks. Bought one of these hardtail assembly's and this was the first time doing any frame work and literally completed the installation and mock up into a roller in 5 hours and I took my time. Measure 5 times and cut once. Tacked the tail in place with a mig, through the engine back in place and took it over to a friends house for final welding and a few oat sodas. Less than 8 hours work and we're a roller ready for the rest of construction, piece of cake. You could probably do it faster.

[@Changtent]

Great video thx. To mark the frame for cutting, I scribe it the way you do, then wrap masking tape around the frame tubes with the edge of the masking tape right on the scribed line. This helps me to keep my cuts straight because you can see if you are cutting off on an angle. Just follow the edge of the masking tape with your cutting tool. PS: I loved watching the rear frame section drop on the table, haha. Nice effect for the video.

[@curtlesniewski3843]

Tyler is the shit!!! Lowbrow is a one stop shop man, everything is top notch, quality is impressive, and tech's and customer service is kickass!!! Great people, and company!!!

[@lnhislmage]

Got an 89 1200 out in the barn that has been waiting for me to get serious about building a chopper and I do believe that day has arrived!7

[@gregr1672]

Really nice blue collar every day working stiff type installation!.The stuff that makes America Great .

[@deckerhand12]

Like how they go step by step even how to remove the motor. No others channel has gone into every little detail like this. One of the better diy videos I have seen

[@donaldpate1863]

Very therapeutic, please show the finished builds, and handling, of such projects when possible, Thanks for you professionalism as well, thats always a plus, your time spent learning proper shows, and makes for a better seating position for me, as you hold class!

[@conorpapineau2317]

When my current bike is built, this sporty chopper hardtail will be next. Nicely done

[@dirtyrottenchristos]

First video seen by this channel, I subscribed in the first 15 seconds for a plethora of reasons

[@Scottwhittysydney]

I don't even know what to say. If I had the confidence to take it apart and get it back together right I'd do it! SWEET Video man. Really.

[@Forbidden-po8ey]

Will be rewatching in the near future 🤘

[@rascalz4267]

Almost done paying off my sporty. Next one will be an older one and hardtailing it. This video made me feel way more comfortable going with a hardtail. Thought it was going to be a way longer process. Love the company and the videos y’all🤘🏼

[@TIICProductions]

Damn, definitely keep doing videos like this. You guys laid it out so easy to follow!

[@Directory1]

This was a life saver last minute.

[@anthonygiovannikarmawisera218]

Please show more of this build. I'm very interested. You all make it look so easy.. Awesome video..

[@samb2108]

Much better then the first video. Thank you for doing what you do. Keep it coming.

[@BearArms1972]

I DIG that disk rear wheel! Great video as usual.

[@trenton1]

Stunt double was a classy move lol, cant wait to do mine!

[@Seven.And.The.RaggedTiger]

Kool deal fellas,since getting my Road King I've wanted to hardtail my sporty since it's not my primary bike now I can make it my fun bad ass bike.. thanx 👍

[@jakobdavis93]

Just got an electra glide and this is my plan exactly lol

[@hddm3]

Hell yeah guys! Awsome man. I actually learned something. You didn’t cut out the most important parts. Great job

[@YogisCycleService]

Great work and fun to watch, thank you.

[@rawbertschoppershop3926]

Just bought one! I’ve used others in the past looking forward to using your hardtail and horseshoe style oil tank on the most current build.

[@jesusccccccc5941]

Great video. Seems pretty simple to do.. wish you guys would do a "How to rake a sportster frame" for those of us who cant afford a chopper

[@lifeofky4037]

did you ever find anything on this?

[@gregorystark1217]

Well, just found my next project. great work guys.

[@Liveharley1]

Great video, Like how you go step by step.

[@mikeruthantisdel5679]

I want to see the finished bike. Looks good so far but I want to see what they do with the front end.

[@googleybear25]

Great instructional video. i really like how it was all laid out for a complete newbie like me. Keep up the great work.

[@blwnova4155]

Tyler explains things very well

[@critterwatene8073]

Great video. Thankyou sir!! All the way from New Zealand.

[@donaldpate1863]

I didn't check how old the video was, before I spoke, but it makes no difference to me, I'll subscribe and check it all out.

[@darrenpulleng2789]

Super informative,cant wait for 2022 and I actually own a decent bike . This channel is awesome 👌

[@builtnotboughtbybruce]

Really appreciate you guys taking time to share information and knowledge. Keep the videos coming.

[@captgraybush2890]

I feel like the price of the section of hard tail and the cost of having a machine shop hack and weld this very sketchy job would be just as much as ordering a full hardtail frame?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

It depends! If you go to a reputable shop, it wouldn't be sketchy or a hack job! If you are more comfortable with just getting a full frame, that is the way to go!

[@snaggletooth9784]

Say if you did this in the UK to a 82 sportster the bike could keep its VIN number and wouldn't need new plates.. and a 40 year old bike in the UK is tax and MOT exempt..

[@cycleish]

Why did I sell my Sportster? Great video! Not that I would do this but still cool to watch.

[@benwinter2420]

Hardtail Sportsters are pretty clean

[@mrdrivebytrucker]

Question. You mentioned leaving an eighth of an inch gap where the tubes meet but I thought I heard you measure the distance and then cut the frame at the same measurement instead of cutting an eighth of an inch more off. Can you address that please? Thank you

[@corneilcorneil]

Nice result! 👍🏼👍🏼 I use a central rope for the alignment, just to be sure.

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

DID HE GET A STUNT DOUBLE TO STAND IN FOR THE FRAME CUTTING AT 5.00

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Ahaha yeah it was a joke

[@chappledesign]

Great vid. Extremely helpful in determining if I want to do this in the future. Curious to know what amp setting and rod size you are using on the welds (@240v) ?

[@jeremybecker847]

Best part is that it's the same year as mine. Haha. Going to pick myself up one here soon.

[@jayn8392]

Been wanting tondonthis for years to my sporty.i just don't know about my welder being up to the task. It's a nice hobart but we only have 110v in the garage. It should be able to handle the tube thickness in theory, eapecially using a few tricks, but I just can't bring myself to risk it.

[@LNSPLTBLVD]

Great video!

[@78ruff]

Just received mine yesterday (fast shipping!) and I am using a hose clamp after initial little scribe mark.. so paranoid to cut it haha

[@brolly2479]

Video was a big help thanks.

[@vagabond3045]

Nice I see sk tools I use them to also could MiG welding the frame be ok

[@Terry_Baker]

Another great video as usual!!

[@sinfulcustomcycles5938]

Nice work from lowbrow

[@joetheman357]

After you get it all welded up, how do yall measure for the battery box and other stuff? Got a video on that by chance? Great vids guys keep it up

[@lowbrowcustoms]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6uzeaGthMqhp7c

[@joetheman357]

@@lowbrowcustoms yall are the best, appreciate it!

[@jamesbedford6642]

Brill easy to follow video well done lads

[@rickbilbrey3235]

You advised to install the engine to check the fit before welding as if it likely might not fit. Does that same fitment concern occur when doing a full frame replacement with a full hardtail frame? Thx

[@paulc858]

Awesome video. Where can I get a hard tail frame like the one you used. I can already see the finished bike. It’s going to look awesome. Thanks again for the post.

[@patrickrooney5735]

Great video love you guys however I just don't understand where all my wiring was go sneaky sneaky like I am such an amateur however I am going to attempt this on 2 iron heads and I am not by no stretch of the imagination a motorcycle electrician the welding I'm okay pretty good it's the wiring that holds me back I don't know how you can help me if you can if you have a video that I am not aware of this is my dilemma

[@pebear]

I got a 73 XLCH Motor in a Pre 1970 frame. HD didn't put any numbers on their frames before 1970. I know I had a hell of a time finding swing arm bearings for this thing. My cousin had a set for a 50's frame that worked. So do you have a hard tail for the Pre 70's frames?

[@wedowhatwewant6850]

What’s the penetration depth needed for that to be a good weld? Wondering what machine would be good enough.

[@charlesharper7292]

Will the stock rear caliper mount fit the frame? I like the stock caliper. Are the stock midship controls and pegs usable/ practical for this build? Thanks.

[@lowbrowcustoms]

You can use it you just have to fab a slide / mounting bracket to use it.

[@charlesharper7292]

@@lowbrowcustoms Man! That was fast! Your on it this morning. I think I can manage the slide for the OEM caliper mount. I'm 5'8, would the OEM mid pegs and controls be practical? I've had other hard tails, and the advantage of being able to unload the seat a bit in rough terrain is better than with forwards. I work for a Harley dealership and this will be a daily rider. Thanks.

[@cosmiccharlie8294]

That hardtail gives a real jump in the clean looks of a build. I need to ride one to see how much you give up in terms of handling.

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Cosmic Charlie gives nothing up on handling, but gives up a long if comfort. Bumps hit harder is all

[@RandyMoe]

Dang good! I will do this. But may never ride it. Going blind. I will never sell my last Sporty. I had an old crippled friend. I moved his chop on my trailer many times. RIP Rick!

[@timhudson1846]

I almost did this... then i fell in love with my memories as a teenager in the 70s.. remember the old skool swing arm choppers. ? Yea, at this age ill appreciate some rear shocks..

[@robertrattray5640]

Great video mate.

[@dfcvda]

Atlast i have found the video !! oh and we use a saws all in Medicine for amputations, honest, I`m a Surgeon, in England.

[@josephmartin4904]

Hello I want to do this to my bike and I am going to order all my parts from you. Question Can I re use my belt going with your weld on hard tail ? Thanx

[@drmrjon]

I looked through your online sight and didn't see a hardtail version for my 2006 883 low. Do you not offer one?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Not yet, 04-up is rubber mounted Sportster frame. We are coming out with a version soon, we will also offer solid mounts to convert the frame after Hardtailing it.

[@drmrjon]

@@lowbrowcustoms Well, I guess I'll keep looking.

[@justindusek3557]

So Im doing the same thing on my 97 1200 c but I was wondering do they make a neck that is stretched with a 40° rake? I want better handling when I chop it

[@jillc7984]

I might be interested in your hardtail setup. It looks like I can save some money by using the original brake. How are you going to make that work? Will it lock in on the tube? Thanks

[@bhower02]

I know it has been awhile ago you filmed this.. Is their and difference for a 1980 ironhead sportster ?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

different frame, we have a couple bolt on options for ironhead frames. nothing weld on at the moment from us, but Voodoo vintage who we carry does make a weld on. www.lowbrowcustoms.com/collections/motorcycle-hardtail

[@Timmmaaa]

Is the kit capable of running a 200 rear tire?

[@sailingwiththeerros9139]

Great video. thank you. I noticed ur out of stock on the frames...will you be doing more?

[@firebreathinggarage2117]

Hand in Hammer makes a hard tail like this which comes with a bolt on jig which eliminates putting engine in twice. I know you have probably seen theirs, what makes your better?

[@isaac2152]

Youre just paying a premium cause you get a jig and its from one of those artsy-fartsy hipster looking shops. And looking at the photos, Lowbrows hardtail has beefier construction. Look at the rear motor mounts, LBs has gussets, HIH doesnt.

[@seaeff6428]

Because if something happens to it or it is out of spec lowbrow has a 100% track record of taking care of their customers. I mean if taking the motor out twice is your biggest concern then go for it, but when your building a bike the added 20 minutes in the grand scheme of things isn’t shit. My .02

[@AdaMoto83]

That’s awesome guys. Very inspiring. 👌🏾

[@brolly2479]

Great video

[@RedBeardSyndicate]

You guys make some great stuff! Do you make a hard tail for an 05 sportster 1200?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

we haven't developed anything for 04- up at the moment, but are in the process of design etc. if you are in a pinch and looking to do something now, our friends at Led Sled Customs do nice hardtail kit. www.ledsledcustoms.com/product/hartail-2004-and-up Note if you are going to do this job you have to convert your motor to solid mount or your chain will always keep popping off. We sell a Solid mount conversion kit thats made in the US you would want to make sure and grab this too. www.lowbrowcustoms.com/lowbrow-customs-complete-solid-motor-mount-kit-for-2004-up-harley-davidson-sportster-xl.html hope that helps. Cheers.

[@tubedude54]

I really want to do this to my sportster... but I like my kidneys and back... Never ridden a hard tail... do seats with springs really afford cushioning?

[@Egadirov]

WOW! Thank you for great tutorial!

[@EleiserBarrantesMéndez-m1t]

Quiero una para mi sporster 98 883 Los direccionales o luces de pocision siguen funcionando?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

its a chopper, you are going to have to rewire it after doing this, we have seen people put turn signals on but most dont. Tail light ya must have so you will have to wire that up.

[@joegrima6852]

Hey guys love your work, Ive been running rigid shocks on my 2010 48, but would love to hard tail the frame, my big problem is Im in Australia!! do you guys have any idea what the freight cost to Australia would be? cheers

[@lowbrowcustoms]

you can go on the site and put your address in the shopping cart after adding the product and it will calculate it for you. www.lowbrowcustoms.com/collections/motorcycle-hardtail/products/weld-on-hardtail-rear-frame-section-for-1982-2003-harley-sportster-in-stock

[@hjorvarkristjansson8688]

Why is it so hard to find a hard tail kit for a sportster 2004? It is always just up to 2003.

[@lowbrowcustoms]

we haven't developed anything for 04- up at the moment, but are in the process of design etc. if you are in need now and looking to do something, our friends at Led Sled Customs do nice hardtail kit. www.ledsledcustoms.com/product/hartail-2004-and-up Note if you are going to do this job you have to convert your motor to solid mount or your chain will always keep popping off. We sell a Solid mount conversion kit thats made in the US you would want to make sure and grab this too. www.lowbrowcustoms.com/lowbrow-customs-complete-solid-motor-mount-kit-for-2004-up-harley-davidson-sportster-xl.html hope that helps. Cheers.

[@golkor9879]

I want to get started making my own but is there a discord or somewhere I can go to get started talking with people. Only thing is I don't weld. My dad does tho.

[@lowbrowcustoms]

take a welding class or sit down with your dad a few hours a week and practice, and there are tons of videos on line like this one that can teach you steps on how to build one. go to a swap meet, go to a bike meet up or party. make friends in what you are interested in and be a sponge. learn everything you can and retain the knowledge. :)

[@thomascollier4913]

Thanks Bro this really helps,,,, great video.

[@lukealvarez530]

Excellent video. :)

[@chrisl.7345]

Great video..very informative, thank you guys !

[@willtopower2158]

Why would you want to change to a hardtail frame? I have an Electra Glide, is this something I should do?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

#becausechopper - Hardtail frame is the essence of cool when it comes to choppers. These in this video are made for sportsters and would not work for your electra glide.

[@goatman5475]

Does these hard tails make the wheel base longer?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Yes 4” stretch. Hence why you have to run chain

[@goatman5475]

@@lowbrowcustoms I'm doing a 87....but I prefer a 4 speed chain drive motorsickle any way so all good there..I'll order one..thank you for the reply

[@goatman5475]

@@lowbrowcustoms belts and 5 speeds suck!!!!!!!

[@seaeff6428]

Wish I would’ve seen the update where it’s no longer 9/16th. My slug is only maybe 1/4-1/2 inch in and I have about a 7/8ths gap. I’ll make it work though.

[@arturoolivas467]

Hola que tal LOWBROW CUSTOMS solo para mencionarles que hace unos meses atrás Ordene una hartail para mí 1975 Harley Sporter 1000cc y las medidas no dan quedó corta en dónde ensambla atrás del asiento por la base de los Amortiguadores me quedaron mal LOWBROW CUSTOMS en fin gracias y saludos

[@lancestone4409]

Link to the finish hard tail project,

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Not complete yet!

[@randerson4124]

so why do these kits only work up to 2003? was there a radical change in the frame after that year that prevents hardtailing?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Yup, 2004-up went to rubber mount frame. Completely different set up.

[@randerson4124]

@@lowbrowcustoms Thanks for the reply guys!

[@loudpockets90]

I got a 03 1200 just made it 😅😅

[@troy7978]

I apologize if this is a silly question, but I'm new to working on motorcycles and have a Sportster. What's the point of removing the back shocks from the original to go hardtail? I don't think it looks so bad as-is. Thanks

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Just personal preference!

[@burbman56]

To feel like you are old skool cool. It makes the bike unsafe in corners with rough pavement and will generally ride really rough... but hey, personal preference. People do what they want to their bikes.

[@loudpockets90]

I think it looks badass

[@rickcummings6903]

What is the cost for hard tail

[@lowbrowcustoms]

$375 -www.lowbrowcustoms.com/products/weld-on-hardtail-rear-frame-section-for-1982-2003-harley-sportster-in-stock

[@RedsSpeedShop]

What did you guys do to convert it to chain drive? Is it a special kit?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Tyler James this bike is a 1988 so it was already a chain drive. However we make kits to convert belt drive Sportsters to chain drive, you can find them here: www.lowbrowcustoms.com/motorcycle-parts/drivetrain-transmission/chain-conversion-kits.html

[@cdmxxxx4094]

Can you make one for a 2012 sportster 🙏🏻🙏🏻 ... great video!!

[@lowbrowcustoms]

we haven't developed anything for 04- up at the moment, but are in the process of design etc. if you are in a pinch and looking to do something now, our friends at Led Sled Customs do nice hardtail kit. www.ledsledcustoms.com/product/hartail-2004-and-up Note if you are going to do this job you have to convert your motor to solid mount or your chain will always keep popping off. We sell a Solid mount conversion kit thats made in the US you would want to make sure and grab this too. www.lowbrowcustoms.com/lowbrow-customs-complete-solid-motor-mount-kit-for-2004-up-harley-davidson-sportster-xl.html hope that helps. Cheers.

[@nathanlocke2185]

Wish yall would make one for a 1980 ironhead

[@robsmith2936]

Trenches Icon HYDRO was engineered with a hydrophobic technology on the crown panels designed to bead away water and prevent absorption. Constructed with durable materials, the hats are water repellant, floatable, and breathable.[copy]

[@Johnny_Dregs]

Why no rigid frames post 2003? I am having a hard time finding anything for a 2014.

[@seaeff6428]

John in 2004 Harley went to a different motor mount system using rubber motor mounts for sportsters. If you dig through the comments on here lowbrow listed that led sled customs has an 04 and up kit and lowbrow also sells solid mounts to help with chain staying in place. Also you have to convert to chain drive on 04 up sportsters if you hardtail with the ledsled kit. In my opinion the 04 and ups look absolutely awesome hardtail Ed but aren’t to common. 82-03 is probably a little easier to achieve though.

[@Johnny_Dregs]

@@seaeff6428 Thanks a lot for the reply, much appreciated.

[@joesiahgrimes8714]

Can you do this on a 2011 !!!?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Different frame. its rubber mount, they are in R&D right now and hopefully will be releasing next year.

[@MotoDUDEabides]

That frame cut scene.... 😂😂😂.... clever.

[@onesweet52]

To bad LowBrow don’t make a hard tail kit for twin cam softails

[@lowbrowcustoms]

Not YET! sometime in the future...

[@scottdennis6000]

I just lifted my motor out of the frame. Phuk sake! - you are stronger than you look ;)

[@jjforeal2]

Dude! You aren’t kidding. I watched him do it, so I bought an engine mount from lowbrow, with plans to put the engine on my workbench. Long story short, it’s still on the floor.

[@yinyanglovebomb]

What amperage did you use?