Hardtail

[XS11Newbie]

Does anybody know of any kits or prefabricated hardtails for a 78 xs11E? The frame was already cut when I bought it so I'm just finishing it the rest of the way. I found a TC Bros Universal DIY Hardtail Kit, would this be acceptable for my xs11E? Thank you for your input!!

[natemoen]

If you have a welder and some steel all you need to do is make some bars that run from the lower shock mount to wherever you want them to on the upper end of the frame.

[XS11Newbie]

Nathan- thanks. I look forward to getting this welded and will post pics!!

[fredintoon]

Does anybody know of any kits or prefabricated hardtails for a 78 xs11E? The frame was already cut when I bought it so I'm just finishing it the rest of the way. I found a TC Bros Universal DIY Hardtail Kit, would this be acceptable for my xs11E? Thank you for your input!!

Hi Newbie,
first, before you put money into the job, be sure the bike has it's papers.
If the guy who vandalized your bike left the swingarm in place there should be enough frame left for a person with a welding machine and some tube to put the shocks back on, right?
If you simply MUST have a hardtail here's what to do.
Don't simply solid strut the swingarm, although Nate is correct in that it's easy to do it looks totally half-arsed.
Remove the swingarm & pivot bearings and the rear end of the frame.
Weld on a steel tube hardtail.
Salvage the swingarm's rear attachment plates and integrate them into the new rear frame to mount the rear drive pumpkin and rear axle and brake anchor onto.
Run the drive shaft open. Get it chromed, even.
Note that with the swingarm not there you can mount the fatter rear tire that most hardtailers lust after.

[jetmechmarty]

Are you losing your edge, Fred? The title of the post is "Hardtail" and it took you over nine hours to respond. You seem awfully helpful as well. Strange.

[fredintoon]

Are you losing your edge, Fred? The title of the post is "Hardtail" and it took you over nine hours to respond. You seem awfully helpful as well. Strange.

Hi Marty,
FWIW, Newbie's first post was a little after 4AM and I didn't log on until after lunch.
Helpful? It's that circumstances have bitten me in the arse.
The XS650 that Eric & I salvaged from Inland Steel last year has a FUBAR rear frame and MY OWN SON wants to build it into a hardtail.
If, like my Eric, Newbie has an unfixably fritzed-up frame his other options are to part the bike out or pay hard cash for a good registerable frame.
And if hardtailing has to be done, best that it's done right.

[Gallaecus]

pic



google or youtube for some other ideas.