| Above almost all else, motorcycle frames | | | | Sportster softail frames that have no |
| shape the overall look and feel of your | | | | stretch. |
| custom chopper. If you're mulling over the | | | | |
| idea of building your own custom chopper from | | | | Rigid Frames: In most cases, rigid motorcycle |
| scratch or from a custom bike kit, motorcycle | | | | frames are stretch frames that are angled |
| frames are the piece around which you'll want | | | | upward. Where other motorcycle frames have |
| to build your design concept. There are | | | | both wheels connected to the motorcycle frame |
| several styles of motorcycle frames to | | | | through a suspension arrangement, rigid |
| consider depending on the look you're going | | | | motorcycle frames often forgo the rear |
| for and how you'll be using your custom | | | | suspension. |
| chopper. | | | | |
| | | | FRX Frames: If you're building a racing bike |
| Measuring Custom Frames: When comparing | | | | or dirt bike or are going to be riding on |
| custom frames, you'll notice that they are | | | | rugged terrain and need durability and extra |
| described in terms of "stretch." The amount | | | | suspension, FRX motorcycle frames may be your |
| of stretch in the downtubes refers to how | | | | best bet. |
| much higher the custom frame is than the | | | | |
| stock frame. The stretch in the backbone | | | | The Weight Factor: Make sure to consider the |
| refers to how much longer the custom frame is | | | | weight of the motorcycle frame before you |
| than the stock model frame. | | | | buy. The weight of the motorcycle frame |
| | | | makes a big difference in how smooth of a |
| Sportster Style Motorcycle Frames: There are | | | | ride your custom chopper will have; generally |
| different styles of Sportster motorcycle | | | | the heavier the frame, the smoother the ride. |
| frames designed for the Sportster engine. | | | | However, if you're going to be drag racing, |
| Sportster motorcycle frames needs to be extra | | | | you might favor a lighter weight. |
| tough to withstand the weight and rumble of | | | | |
| the big Sportster engine. If you're going to | | | | Motorcycle frames are literally the backbone |
| have oversized tires on your custom chopper, | | | | of the chopper. You'll want to be selective |
| you'll probably want to choose a Sportster | | | | with all of the parts for your custom |
| motorcycle frame like the Hardtail Chassis | | | | chopper, but when it comes to the motorcycle |
| that is built for larger tires. | | | | frame be sure to devote a little more time to |
| | | | research, asking questions, and getting |
| Rolling Chassis Frames: Rolling chassis | | | | opinions. The motorcycle frame is what holds |
| frames are any type of rigid, swingarm, or | | | | the entire bike together and choosing a |
| softail motorcycle frame with front and rear | | | | quality, heavy duty motorcycle frame is well |
| wheel assembly and a stretched backbone or | | | | worth the time spent shopping around. |
| front downtubes. These are different from | | | | |