Hardtail

threeballtony · Full Member Joined: Apr 13, 2006 Posts: 20

I am new to xs's I currently ride a Harley RoadKing but I am in the process of building a 650 bobber I have a good 83 engine a set of harley forks ,with a xs triple tree, will be running a 19 inch sporty wheel up front with a 16 in the rear will probally change the sprocket as it is a 51 tooth unit and it probally wont be to comfortable to run with,I am open to suggestions on this issue as for the frame I have 1975 frame in good condition that I want to have hardtailed I do not have access toa welder so I need to have someone assemble it for me or I have a guy who will weld it on for me. I am looking reputable person /shop to supply the hardtail I have heard good & evil about Blackwidow choppers and I also have heard the name bill duling any and all help will be accepted I am in the west georgia area ( Bremen) thanks in advance Karl

mo650chopper · Posted: April 15, 2006, 7:12 am Post subject: Re: Hardtail

The sprocket may have to be made or have an adapter made. The stock rear sprocket on an XS is 34 teeth. If my memory is right the smallest available HD rear sprocket is 48 which is still way too big. Keep us posted on that, If you come up with a workable solution I'd love to see the details, It would open up a lot more rim selections for my project.

I'm sure if you ask around your local area their is a qualified welder / builder who can get your frame hardtailed.

threeballtony · Full Member Joined: Apr 13, 2006 Posts: 20

I may just have to get a smaller sprocket and have the bolt pattern offset and redrilled, I may just buy a hardtail from Kansas Kustoms and have it welded up locally, question do you knoew if the black/white wire coming off the ignitor when pluged into the harness is for the speedo? I have an 83 engine and harness that I have stripped to the essentials but this one wire eludes me Karl

mo650chopper · Posted: April 15, 2006, 12:52 pm Post subject: Re: Hardtail

The diagram I have shows two Black/Wh don't show the internal operation of the relay, ignitorite wires going to it. One to the pickup coil, and one to the "Side Stand Relay". Again they don't show the internal workings of the device. I think it's a common but that's just a guess. My 80 only has one B/W and it goes to the pick up coil.

Phred · Posted: April 15, 2006, 3:26 pm Post subject: Re: Hardtail

A couple of options for the sprocket issue.

First is to install a jackshaft between the transmission and rear wheel. Since I'll be adding some rear stretch when I hardtail my frame, there should be plenty of room. I'm looking at the jackshaft sprockets being about 10:17 ratio; that, coupled with 17 tranny and 51 wheel sprockets should give a final drive ratio of 1.76, which should result in a bit more top-end and take the "buzz" out at 70-80 mph cruise.

The second, and simpler, method would be to weld the holes up in your stock 650 wheel sprocket and redrill for Harley's hole pattern. You may also need a spacer to offset the sprocket properly to get the chain away from the tire. This would be the cleanest installation, and would probably be the best way to go.

Just my $0.02.....

threeballtony · Full Member Joined: Apr 13, 2006 Posts: 20

Good Idea Phred ,the only problem is I weigh 275 lb thats one reason I ride a RoadKing I dont think a 34 took rear would haul my fat ass around too efficently I was wondering if Yamaha made any other size sprockets with a higher tooth count then I could have it welded up and redrilled. I am aiming for a town rider with a comfortable 70 mph cruise I will use the RK for my 80-100mph highway running, yes I added cams good duals and improved the FI so it cruises sweetly allday at 95-100 with plenty of throttle left makes 82 hp with 91 ftlb torque which is pretty good out of the stock 88ci with unmodified heads thanks for all the help I really like the jackshaft idea but I dont have a torch or welder or a smithy so I have to rely on the kindness of others Karl

mo650chopper · Posted: April 16, 2006, 7:23 am Post subject: Re: Hardtail

Stock gearing, 17 front / 34 rear, should be sufficent. I can't remember the RPM as my tach has been gone from scoot for awhile but it's screaming at 70 MPH on the XS compared to the RPM on a Harley big twin. I'm still trying to get used to it.

Phred · Posted: April 16, 2006, 10:05 am Post subject: Re: Hardtail

Mike's sells a variety of sprockets, and their catalog has a nice chart that shows final gearing using the different combos-just pick what works for you.

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