Custom Softail
Can a Harley Sportster engine fit in a Big Twin Softail Frame?
I have always been toying with the idea of building my own custom bike. The problem is both money and time. I have a sportster. What I always wanted was a softail, with a big cc (like S&S engine). The most expensive part of a custom bike is the engine, and one of the pitfalls of building it yourself is that you will not get to ride until it is done. What I wanted to do is to get a nice aftermarket, wide tire, softail frame for a big twin engine. Could I swap in the Sportster engine (with frame mounting mods) to fit the frame? This would be temporary, and just to get the bike up and running until I can save up for an S&S or an Ultima El Bruto? And also, so I could work slolwy on customizing while still having a running bike. So will the sportster engine fit in a big twin frame? I know the sportster frame is much smaller, so I would think it would work with the bigger space. Thanks!
The main problem between swapping between a big twin and a sportster is the drive side. BT’s have the drive belt on the left and Sportsters on the right. If you look at a softail frame, the swingarm and its mount have a relief for the drive belt to clear. The mounts are not really a huge issue, you can always custom build mounts to allow for the different engine. You have a couple options:
1. Get a softail frame that is built to hold a sportster engine. Try www.spchoppers.com. They will custom build to your specs. This will work with your motor but you’d need to create different mounts and use a right side drive tanny to run a BT.
2. Get a right side drive BT frame and make mounts to fit your sportster engine.
3. Get a left side drive BT frame, make mounts for your sportster engine and fabricate some kind of jackshaft to move the drive to the left side.
Keep in mind that frames for an evo will have the seatpost in the way on a sportster. On a BT, the seatpost will be between the motor and tranny. This won’t work with a sportster. You’ll either have to cut the seat post or look for a frame made for a TC88. The TC88/96 have the motor and tranny bolted together.
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Big Bear Choppers: Build Your Own Softail Kit Bike Let Kevin Alsop and his crew at Big Bear Choppers show you how it’s done. With hundreds of Kit Bikes passing through his shop each year, no one knows more of the tips and tricks involved in “Kit Bike” construction then Kevin Alsop and his crew…. |
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Harley-Davidson Softail Chrome Swingarm Axle Covers 47596-91B Open Box item. Unique styling includes recessed brushed aluminum trim discs. These covers are hand-polished and include copper, nickel, and chrome finishing processes. Includes a pair of axle mounting brackets, cotter pin, muffler spacers (required on FLSTN models only), and installation instructions. Fits ’87-’07 Softail® models (except FLSTS). (Will not fit with Saddlebags P/Ns 91190-97, 90835-… |
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Testors Harley-Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail 1/9 Model Kit $24.49 … |
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7205 1/9 1995 FXSTC Softail Custom H-D $28.88 Testors Harley Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom Motorcycle Model in ultra detail plastic. Requires assembly, paint and glue NOT included. This is a kit for the experienced modeler, skill level 3…. |
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Softail Stretched Gas Tank $314.99 Biker’s Choice Softail Stretched Gas Tank Fits standard flatside mounts Stretched 1-1/2″ 1-piece Smooth, with no dash Includes hardware and rubber grommets Must use vented gas caps Fits 85-99 Softail H-D models and custom frames |
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Softail $81.25 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The term softail refers to motorcycles and bicycles that feature a rear suspension system with springs or shock absorbers to absorb bumps. On Softail motorcycles, the shock absorbers or springs are hidden underneath out of view to give the appearance of a hardtail or rigid frame. The word softail is a registered trademark of HarleyDavidson motorcycles, coined with the release of the FXST Softail in 1984. Since then, the word has expanded to include other motorcycles with hidden rear suspensions as well as bicycles incorporating a rear suspension. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 104 Publication Date: 2010/09/19 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.25 inches |
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Softail Blue-Grey Bike Art Sweatshirt by CafePress $39.5 Warm up in our stylin’ Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you’re working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester Art Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin’ Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you’re working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester |
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Softail Black Bike Art Golf Shirt by CafePress $20 Tee off in casual style. Our pique knit golf t-shirt is a comfortable, lightweight way to play 18-holes and beat the heat. Features, stylish white pearl buttons, yet it feels like wearing your favorite t-shirt. Dress it up or down. Throw a blazer over lat Art Golf Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Tee off in casual style. Our pique knit golf t-shirt is a comfortable, lightweight way to play 18-holes and beat the heat. Features, stylish white pearl buttons, yet it feels like wearing your favorite t-shirt. Dress it up or down. Throw a blazer over lat |
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Accel 201124C 00 SOFTAIL REGULATOR CHRO $112.99 Accel 201124C 201124C 00 SOFTAIL REGULATOR CHRO |
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How to Draw Harley-Davidson Motorcycles: A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing the Steel, Rubber, Leather, and Chrome of America’s Hottest Motorcycle $7.61 There’s nothing in the world to match taking a thrilling ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle–except maybe learning to draw one of these steel, rubber, leather, and chrome beauties! From a power-packed 1954 Model KH and 2009 CVO Softail Springer to custom bikes for police officers and firefighters, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and apsiring artists alike will enjoy the diverse range of featured motorcycle drawing subjects. Full-color images, professional art tips, and fun facts, as well as a brief history about this American icon will keep young artists revved up and ready to go for miles. Go ahead–enjoy the ride! |
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How to Draw Harley-Davidson Motorcycles: A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing the Steel, Rubber, Leather, and Chrome of America’s Hottest Motorcycle $5.78 New – There’s nothing in the world to match taking a thrilling ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle–except maybe learning to draw one of these steel, rubber, leather, and chrome beauties! From a power-packed 1954 Model KH and 2009 CVO Softail Springer to custom bikes for police officers and firefighters, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and apsiring artists alike will enjoy the diverse range of featured motorcycle drawing subjects. Full-color images, professional art tips, and fun facts, as well as |
