83 xs400 owner looking for shock>solid strut conversion

[eXpreSs]

hello everyone!!! this is my first post. i have an 83 xs400 with mono shock swing arm frame and have seen elsewhere where people have replaced the shock with square tubing to hardtail the frame. i was wondering if anybody else here has the 83 or has done the same thing. i have done alot of changes since the picture i have and the next step i want to go in is lowering the bike and making the frame rigid. i dont want to weld it because i may change the look to a mare cafe inspired bike if/when i hopefully get an xs650 chopper going. if anyone could help me with some ideas/measurements, plans or parts to make this idea come to light i would greatly appreciate it. ty.

 

[drewpy]

welcome express, sell Jim your tank will you and put him out of his misery

 

[Travis]

Have you thought about just removing the shock and making a strut to replace it that is just a little bit shorter than the shock? You probably wouldn't want to run that long term unless you beef up the shock mounts a little bit do the increased shock they'll see with bumps and things from being mounted solid.