how to hard tail a xs400. any ideas?

[volcomskater77]

im planning on hardtailing my 400 and since its got that double backbone, i cant use a normal universal kit, and PSW is expensive. so who has pictures and explanations of ways to do it? whether it be a plate or going right to the to tubes where the swing arm mounts, im open to anything and even after i hardtail it, lets keep this going so future members can see all the examples.

 

[danno]

Check out ebay item # 140477658438. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_rdc=1&item=140477658438

 

[volcomskater77]

I was thinking along the lines of a weld on hardtail kit. Or a home fabbed and bent set-up. But that bolt on seems pretty legit, and a great price

 

[Travis]

^ That "bolt on" kit is the same as a "weld on" kit.. It just comes with some extra plates for the bolts. You could just not use them and weld it to your bike.

 

[howiejdog]

Here's what I did recently... sleeved top tube, plus used thicker steel, its held up great so far- with no signs of stress or wear.

 

[volcomskater77]

very nice thats a good idea. i like how its cleaned up a bit as opposed to the three top tubes

 

[Ebola Monkey]

http://www.freewebs.com/pswcustoms/partswebstore.htm

Haven't used one, but they're the only ones I've seen that make an xs400 hard tail kit.

Edit: sorry didn't notice you mentioned psw in your first post.

 

[Ebola Monkey]

This one's not hard tailed, but it's the cleanest xs400 bobber I've seen. You could definitely use some of the stuff he did and make it a hard tail.

http://www.thechopperunderground.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=50144&hl=xs400

 

[hardtailed77]

00000000

 

[volcomskater77]

saw this. love the angle and design of the hardtail just needs a chain tensioner. yikes

 

[Travis]

^ and a rear fender!

 

[hardtailed77]

^ and a rear fender!

Guess I may get a little heat when I post my build thread next week.....NO REAR FENDER!! haha

 

[Travis]

Yeah maybe! I would just personally want something to save my ass from the rear tire if I were to slide back.. Let me guess, you're running without a front brake too?

 

[hardtailed77]

Yeah maybe! I would just personally want something to save my ass from the rear tire if I were to slide back.. Let me guess, you're running without a front brake too?

No, I actually have a front brake, although its a drum, as is the rear. I used to run a rear fender, until a drunk buddy fell into my drill press, which then in turn fell onto the rear of the bike. Only damage was to the fender, and I just never got around to fixing it and re-installing. I actually started to dig the look without one, so motivation to fix it was hard to come by. lol I am considering on running a rear fender when I rebuild the bike this winter, just so I can match the paint on the tank, and give a more "balanced" look to it. I guess we'll see! haha

 

[volcomskater77]

= Let me guess, you're running without a front brake too?

haha very funny

 

[volcomskater77]

any ideas on the axle plates? how did you guys go about making them

 

[01ps]

Heres what I did for a hardtail.

http://www.xs400.com/forum/showpost.php?p=47229&postcount=9

Here are some pics of my re-build. I had this on the road all last summer in an unfinished state. Frame held up just fine, even with a 5" stretch and my 230lb arse.

http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4545

 

[01ps]

Mine started without a rear fender and I rode it for a few weeks that way. The thought of the ultimate wedgie finally won out. I still love the look of no fender.

 

[SheSpeedTrippin]

Hehe, no rear fenders do look cool, until it rains and you rooster tail mud for 300 miles. Then, you're that guys at the bar with what looks like a questionable mud trail up your rear end

 

[hardtailed77]

Hehe, no rear fenders do look cool, until it rains and you rooster tail mud for 300 miles. Then, you're that guys at the bar with what looks like a questionable mud trail up your rear end

I know what you mean.....from personal experience!!! lol