I remember back in the 80s and 90s the local Harley dealer smelled like gas, oil, tires, sweet and sometimes worse things, but when you went in you knew you were among brothers. Now you walk into a Harley dealer and its like a Chevy show room. The people who work there know more about annual percentage rates and credit scores than bikes.

I have to agree with you. If I was not 78 years old, I would be building a hardtail. I started out when I was 14 back in 55 on a 1942 "45" flat head. There is something elemental about a hardtail that you do not get on the others. I do love my 99 Softail Custom, and it is a great machine. But, there is something about a hard tail that you built yourself that can not be matched. My oldest son built his bike from the ground up. But He did use a softail frame. S&S 113 motor. I started my love affair with two wheelers when I was about 8 years old and a friend let me ride his Whizzer Pacemaker motor bike. I have not been the same since. 64 years ago I took a girl on a ride on my 42. We just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. Really enjoy your video's and commentary. Keep them coming.

I rode hardtails throughout the 70's . One BSA and a 51 Pan (that got stolen) and a 49 Pan. We rode all the time and went on runs to Smokies NC from Dayton Ohio. Nearly all the bikes (12) were rigids. No one complained. One good secret to comfort is to have a sleeping bag or a chick to lay your lower back against. The freeways were somewhat of a threat, because at higher speeds a rider may not have time to maneuver away from a pot hole, but the first rider always signaled for the rest to watch out. Fast forward to 2020 and I find comments like 'it's a bar hopper' almost offensive. I stopped riding rigids after a collision with a station wagon in 1979. My back will hurt on one. Then again if I ride long enough it will hurt on just about anybike. Mostly because I'm older now and prefer a Geezer Glide. I dig your bike

That's all they road back in the sixtys and seventys. That's just how it was. To many princesses today.

I'm 66, bad back and neck. Recently bought a 2012 N sporty, hardtail and love it. I cant agree with you more. I own 12 other harleys, stock suspensions , but love riding my hardtail.thanks. good vid.

Thank you for sharing this, i have two custom rigid choppers im very proud of and enjoy riding em almost eveyday, i constantly hear others preach about "oh you can go far on that thing its just a bar hopper". I say ride what you ride and watch how far i can go! I could of bought a touring bike but im no a "me too" kinda guy. Thanks again for this video! Keep em comin!

Everybody now wants Road Glide with AM/FM/satellite with Bluetooth, heated seats and grips, AC, navigation system, 20 square feet of storage, and then a covered trailer to haul it in.

I LOVE the rake on that bike. It looks so badass. You're also right about being tough. "My insistence on getting to where I'm going outweighs my desire to go 'waaah'." Man, I can't agree more about that and what you said about building with your hands!! Great video, brother!

I'm a pretty young dude, About to be 27 in August, I Baught a old honda, spent my money and time making it somthing different for myself to enjoy and I love it, Learned a lot about cars working on it all the damn time, Always wanted a oldschool 80s style chopper build, Wanted a ironhead motor really bad but there not cheap anymore at least where I'm from so I'm goin for a late 90s early 2000s honda shadow 600, And it's going to be awsome, I honestly can't wait to make one. Love working with my hands and making somthing my own no other feeling in the world like it, Plan on doing that next year's tax return. Then when I'm finished with that I want to start on a rat rod build. Honestly I could do without all the fancy ass shit people waste money on all the time and just live in a garage full of custom bikes and cars I work on and build and be the happiest man alive.

Agreed, riders these days truly are paper dolls who need big baggers with windshields, infotainment systems, big motors and Barcalounger seats... all the things that make a bike less a motorcycle and more a two-wheeled car.

Always seeing folks criticize rigid frame, or apehangers etc, I’m also seeing many of these people have never ridden....or rode the proverbial “dirt bikes when they were a kid- which really means they road a bicycle with knobby tires, not a motorcycle). Ride your own ride. You are a grown ass adult who has obviously ridden both modern suspension bikes and rigid frames. As long as you are out there on 2 wheels is all that matters! Great channel, btw!

Wow man, I really like the comparison of how we ride now vs when people had to cross great distances on horseback. That makes me think about each bump along the road a different way. And it really captures why I love riding a motorcycle. It’s not about it being a comfortable or convenient mode of transportation…it’s about the freedom you feel when it’s just you and that two wheeled machine rollin’ down the road. I love your insights Tramp. Take care.

Hardtailed my bike about 3 months ago . And I love riding it now it’s great fun and I’m 60 . I know it ain’t everybody’s thing . But modern life seems to “ insulate “ people from real life and the pleasure it can bring . Seems a shame really they miss out on so much , that’s just my perspective tho ! I guess the new found “ comfort zone “ does encourage more people to own bikes

My everyday rider is a Harley bagger, however I just recently found and bought a 1980 FXB Sturgis. I know it's not a rigid but I have to admit the way it vibrates and the feeling I get from riding it reminds me of why I started riding Harley's in the first place.

I appreciate your perspective with this video as I’ve wondered why people choose to do this mod. Just something for others to keep in mind if you’re thinking about doing this is that the primary function of suspension is to keep your tires in contact with the imperfections of the road. Good suspension gives you better traction which means higher performance and safety. Comfort is a secondary goal. At the end of the day, just be sure you enjoy your ride.

Choppers rule! None of my friends understand. I say ride what fits your personality. If everyone understood... it wouldn't be as cool! Great video. Take care brothers!

Just starting out as a biker myself. 57th birthday coming up and after a few years of shit I treated myself to a '94 S&S Sportster to learn to ride on before I got too old. Swingarm/softail for now, but I'll get my rigid one day. Keep the shiny side up man....

I am total newb, and just staring my adventure with motorcycles. For me, to ride anything! ... is an adventure and excitement. When I took my first test ride on Sportster 48 3 years ago I couldn’t stop laughing while riding, just like a little child. I will never forget that . From looking at your videos, and how you build your Trump i can honestly agree with what you’ve said. It must be much much more in riding machine build with your bear hands. Keep up good work. Stay Blessed !!!

I like this guy!!! He reminds me of myself, I build something with my mind and soul and I know it’s the greatest thing in the world to build something from the ground up. We are a rare few that building making something from the ground up is very satisfying. There is no pot hole or railroad track is gonna stop my happiness that’s a straight fact Jack!!!

Yes my man! I built a hardtail bobber and a chopper and nothing feels better than sitting on those iron horses... Going to help one of my close friends chopper up his sporty too. Live on!

Got a 15 Road King and I can promise you that even that has days where I can't wait to get out of the seat. It's the stock seat but some days it's fine, other days it aint. It's been said before but it's true, it's the journey that keeps you in it. Love my road king but I can't wait to get my shovel!!

I like this perspective. I can especially agree with the statement about society demasculating men. My great grandfather plowed his land with just a home made plow and a single horse. Much respect brother and I love the bike.

Brother, right on, right on, ride on! That’s what I call, “living the dream”!

I've always rode hardtails I've built, I feel every inch of the road and will continue, I really dig your KZfaq videos, thanks bro ✌️

Paper dolls, love it bro. We sometimes call them something else. But Im a Christian so I tame the language down. The roads are rough, not the bike. I've ridden several rigid bikes and I'm still alive. God bless you always.

I'm old ( 67 ) so I have old Values a man doesn't bitch if it rains or the road is bumpy , I rode with a Jockey Shift for years and loved it, and I'm sorry I sold that bike , you can fix a set of points on the side of the road but not a computer , I still ride and with a carby and a set of points . And I like the way you think .

It seems young people think they need a new $27K bagger with all the gadgets to do a road trip..I talked to a young salesman at my local Harley dealership, a big strong young guy, he told me he road his New Fat Boy to Sturges with his friends from Chicago.. and said he had to have it trailered back because he said it was to hard on him and uncomfortable! I wanted to slap the shit out of him! Some of these young kids are just mentally weak and confused and sissified period! Let me draw a comparison, when I was 21 I packed my 750 Honda super sport with all I owned and bungee corded it to my tall sissy bar and left Chicago on a solo journey in early April in 37 degree weather wearing only a Black motorcycle jacket with no insulation liner and a wool sweater, a $19 dollar K mart open face helmet, no windshield, and pair of jeans and my leather boots and leather military gloves. No credit card, no cell phone, just $500 bucks in cash. No camping gear, no nothing! I rested on the concrete ground alongside my bike at the rest stops along the way even in the rain, just gas and go until I reached Jacksonville Florida and down to the Florida Keys about 1500 miles AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! Stayed in the keys for 3 months and rode back the same way...with $14 dollars left in my pocket! I reserved money for fuel only and ate next to nothing! I was given a paper plate with pork and beans by a young couple at a rest stop in Florida, and that’s all I had to eat on my journey back to Chicago over 1500 miles. I actually met a young guy about my age in a rest stop from Ohio doing the same trip on a old beat up CB 350 Honda loaded to the gills with all his gear. He tagged along with me for about 200 miles until we reached Daytona Beach. And you mean to tell me a big strong young guy riding a new 2019 fat boy had to have his new shiny bike shipped back from Sturges!!! If he could only read my mind!

I like your message and think it's awesome you built your own bike with your own sweat and brains.

I agree 100%. I've built and ridden many choppers and recently bought another sportster.. Told myself not to chop it but...I just wasn't as happy riding it somewhat stock.. I hated the way the seat area did not flow with the backbone...I resisted temptation to chop it for a few months.. And now I am currently putting it back together as a chopper... I'm so happy with how it turned out ...can't wait to finish her up for the last few weeks of good October weather here in Northern California!

Rigid is great when you're young, not so much when you get a little older.

Man I’m just about done with my sporty chop and I plan on doing a lot of road trips this summer on it. It’s good to hear your perspective on doing long road trips on ridged frame. Thank you for the inspiration 🙏🏼

My hat is off to you bruh, just got an 04 Victory and it’s my first big scoot and if I had built it with my own hands I’d be where you are Lost for Words!! You are an inspiration dude really!! Ride on!! I love to ride and hope to build myself a bike one day before daisies!!!

Interesting going back and watching this. Your a wise man my friend. Wish there were more like you out there.

cackling at paper dolls for men🤣 thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for being polite to your server!!!

I love greasy old garages with dim lights and full of parts. Love the bikes dude👍🇺🇸

This is exactly why I love you and scotty's channel. Real men doing real men stuff and you nailed it it is waaaaaayyyy more rewarding to ride something you built opposed to store bought. I heve been doing it my whole life never owned a brand new car or bike I always build em and ride them at the very,very least you know how to fix them when they break. Please keep your content coming we all love it!

All bikes can be cool. I love both of my bikes. One is a 2003 883xlh, and the other is a custom built 1988 883 that is currently being rebuilt. It's on a 35°raked pauchgo rigid frame with no stretch, in the classic bobber style. It's extremely low slung, and the engine has been converted to a 1200cc buell xb12 with the xb9 pistons. The spoked wheels have been swapped for a solid dish rear, and a 9 spoke mag on the front. And both of these bikes are riders. Yes the 03 is more comfortable, but the 88 is so much more fun to ride. I love the bike, and it is fairly comfortable the way it is, because the setup is a good riding position for me. But what really makes this little bike so fun is the cornering. Most people don't believe me, but that rigid frame corners absolutely amazing. I've several bikes, and none of them could corner with this thing. On a bike with suspension, the bike tends to have some give, and will want to walk in the tight curves and the twisties. The rigid frame doesn't have the give, and is much more capable of holding tighter lines. As long as you have the guts to hold the line, the bike is gonna go exactly where you aim it to go, without walking out from under you. I've taken turns at some pretty scary speeds on that bike... things I'd never do on my others. They're not for everyone, but nothing rides like a rigid. And I love mine.

Amen. The wussification of America smh. Take me back...

The problem with Social Media, is the spreading of opinion, or commentary, very quickly. Add the opinions of others to that mix, and such opinion, hearsay, and truth, will travel far and fast. Know yourself, listen to what others have to say, but decide what feels right for you, and only you, That is all that really matters anyway. TY Saddle Tramp! Aloha, from Honolulu! 🤙

Right on brother! I agree! Let men be men!

Love this. Riding something you built with your bare hands must be exhilarating for you. Wish I was just a bit more handy so I could build one myself. Well done video!

The farthest I ever rode in one day was 950 miles (22 hours) from Brooklyn NY to Rome GA for my great aunt Hattie's 90th birthday. My bike was a rigid Shovelchop--- 1951 HD wishbone frame, 1982 Shovel with a 93" S&S Sidewinder kit, Morris M-5 magneto, kick only, of course, 4 speed, 4" over narrow glide forks, apehangers on 4" risers. I cheated though--- I used the stock HD tractor seat on a seat post. The most comfortable motorcycle seat ever invented-- it was like riding on a cloud or a merry go round. For riding in NYC, I'd unbolt the tractor seat, seat post and apes and install drag bars and a frame mounted Scorpion seat (the swap would take about 15 minutes)--- the better to split lanes through New York traffic.These bikes were designed, from 1903 onward, to go cross country. You'll quit before they do....

I was watching a rally the other day and when he panned over the parking lot, as far as the eye could see, where baggers. It was kind of sad to see, big fairing even on their legs, huge seats, top of the line suspension etc… I am no longer young, but I’m going to die with the wind in my beard! Cheers Tramp

Your video has solidified my decision to build a hard tail, thank you sir!

I remember when I saw my first motorcycle in person. When I was 5 years old (1955), my dad's friend came over on his old BIG HARLEY (I'm guessing mid-40's model?) and my first impression was the smell of gas, oil and leather. The seat was gigantic suspended on giant springs with a chrome rail around the back half. When the friend kick-started it, he landed in the seat which bounced him back up in the air with each kick until it started. It was blue, white and chrome. It was loud. It stunk. I was in love. I can still smell the memory and I smell every time I think of it. I started riding in 1964 and haven't stopped yet.

Brother I am so glad I found your Channel that little pep talk of yours was very inspirational and you're right nowadays most young men are soft and entitled to stuff that they haven't earned themselves but you know they should be good. rock on brother love the channel

I know this is old video but i’m glad i came across it as it’s just the situation i’m in here in the UK. Roads are full of potholes and folk telling me the rigid i’m building will be unbearable. I’m using a similarmindset to prove them wrong.

Well said mate and good on you. You are right about the roads being rough. I'm from New Zealand and the roads here are crap.

i cant drive at all due to disability but its MEN like you who inspire me to push my limits i have built ground up and LOVED it but at the same time saddened me to not be able to ride but i ride chopper bicycles that still being legally blind is a feat for me you rock kerp the inspiration flowing

I like your perspective here and makes a lot of good points. I added some rigid struts on my sportster just to get an idea if I ever try to chip it as a hardtail. I'm not a big fan of the springer seat so stayed with my bare bones seat. Its exactly as you said, it's not the bike that's rough it's the road. Granted you do have to keep a more watchful eye on the road but I think that makes the experience more enjoyable. I'll continue to see and try the struts, maybe eventually I do cut the bike and make it a true hardtail.

Thank you brother. I trust your word over some of the other people I have spoken to on this matter. I have a 1998 1200 sportster s I am contemplating doing a hard tail conversion on. I think I really will now after getting your feedback on this video. Thank you and stay in the wind brother.

I had a 1953 Pan Head Rigid frame raked and extended 18 inches over stock. I rode it for years and started thinking about a better seat but sold it before I got that spoiled. Loved it.

I agree! Most anything is more rewarding if your hands and mind played a part in achieving your goal. It’s similar to harvesting game with a gun you built.

In the early 70's a guy with an Ironhead Sportster Chopper, moved in across the street. My Dad had recently purchased 3 Cop Bikes at auction. He fixed all of them up and sold two, taking the best one for himself. Free pretty much, minus his hours. So here's this guy kicking and kicking the chopper, while it's doing it's best to launch him off. Dad rolls the bike out and the guy looks up... Dad holds his finger up for effect and presses the starter button, while sipping his Coors. Blam! Putt, putt, putt! So of course Gary flips him off. Ha! Poor ol' Chopper Gary had his magneto 180 deg. off. And so began a legendary friendship and permanent debate about: "Cool over Comfortable" In my book, Cool will always win. Especially if you build your own.

Cool video I was looking at a hard tail chopper and was wondering about the ride, now that i have seen your video Iam going to buy it. It is home made, low , loud, fast with just the right amount a skank.

Thanks for the input man. My first bike I ever owned was a rigid framed 350cc Hunter/Johnny Pag Spyder. I've been eyeing out on the last of a new 2021 FXLRS and my dream has been to customize it less clubstyle and more chopper/bobber. One mod is to change the rear fender to make it more of a hardtail setup because it looks cooler. But I've been worried about comfort for me and the girlfriend if we plan on long distance 2-up rides. After this video, you knocked some sense back into me. Everyone talks about rigids but unless they've actually hopped into one, their words don't count for much at all. We're both young and a little character never hurt noone. Great video mate.

I don't get around nearly as well these days as should, from all the days of playing tough guy, and being a wild card, doing things like flipping vehicles, and jumping off motorcycles at 85mph, and flying over top of cars that pulled in front of me, never broke any bones amazingly, but seems like I shifted my bones around, a time or two, I got air ride on my street glide, and the roads still rattle my old bones, Rigid frames look cool 😎 but after all the accidents I miraculously walked away from, I'll take all the cushion and gel pads I can get 😀 I don't need to punish my body to make others think I'm tough, rolling 250ft. down a blacktop road wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and walking away, I figure I'm either tough or Blessed ")

Loved it Brother...getting caught up on some of your content and I will continue to do that. I’m enjoying your honest and genuine take on your perspective and not force feeding anything to us.....Thanks again Brother....I always say ride your ride and it’s nice to have a unique view point like yours.

Excellent perspective! I'm glad you took the time to make this video! Can't wait to see that Sporty Chop!

How ya feeling today, Good I hope. Going to the garage to look at mine. , can't do much, I've got a dang cancer screwing me up. But, God is battling it with me. No fun at all. Well take care bud.

Hey man, just stumbled across your video. My brother and I just took a 97 sportster and finished up our first hardtail build, with no real clue as to what we where doing as well. Just got it blown back apart and over to the powder coater today. Can't want to start putting the miles down it. Never been a fan of the fuel injected stuff, my other daily rider is my 73 shovel. But can't wait to get the chopper put back together, and get rolling. Good vids, keep up the content.

Man I just want to say thank you for making your videos. You are a very salt of the earth ,all around good person and I get alot of enjoyment out of your videos. Far more than people who put on a front to be a fake youtube star. Keep on doing what you do brother. God bless.

It’s funny my wife was listening to you and said “he sounds like you “. I have a 2008 road king and a 1975 FXE that spent 45yrs on the beach in CA. I have removed the starter replaced the stock frontend with a 6” over springer frontend. Made it a foot clutch, jockey shift and open belt. I would rather ride my old shovel then my road king. My old shovel is just fun to ride. I’m in my mid 50’s.

Thanks for this video. I have a hardtail chopper and I have osteoarthritis in my right hip. Trying to get up the nerve to ride it. You have inspired me to do so!

Man I really like like your philosophy on riding a bike that you built. There is nothing better! I ride my bike all day long and my ass and my back hurts really bad. But when I pull in to home, I still don't want to get off of it.

First bike I built was a 1975 stock sporty.....Put that engine in a Paughco rigid frame...9" over front end..put thousands of miles on that thing.. only suspension was the flex in the forks....wasn't that bad when you didn't know any better...sure do miss it though...

That's my plan to do with my 90 "PART's" bike that you did with yours. I can not express enuff the inspiration I get watching tis channel and Tramp's progress. My 2 Sportster's just fell in my lap these last few month's. My 93 run's but it was a Hack Job Bobber project I got. I've always drifted to the Chopper style. Even as a kid. I'm 53 now. The desire to have a chopper is sill there. Both Sportster's are Paid For. So why not. Paper Doll's?? YOU BET THEY ARE!!!! My 93 and 90 model's are both 883's. The 90 Part's bike didn't have a trans. From the primary Inward is gone. May be on the look for a 91 to newer 1200 for the Motor and trans?

I know exactly what you're saying. Years back I had a shovelhead chopper, hard tail, kick only. And it was the most all around fun bike to have on the road. Wish I still had it.

I ride rigid frame (hardtail) British bikes. It's the sprung saddle that makes all the difference. Along with 25psi tyre pressures on the old style tyres and it's not uncomfortable to ride for 2 hours or more. Rough road surfaces slow you down or get you standing on the pegs, but it's never a pain in the back.

Recently stopped at a local ma and pa bike shop who caters to Harleys looking for wheel balance. Old guy hang - around followed us outside to show us his bagger. When it fired the engine bounced like a pin ball in a pinball machine! The pipes and the bars shook! I'd love to be a straddle of a harley just to feel it alive! Tramp I get what your saying and by your views many here do too. 5/3/2020

Much love and respect I’m fairly new to riding and didn’t know there was a such thing as no suspension. God Bless brother

Man, I cracked up when you said you felt inclined to go against the opposite of what folks were saying to dissuade you from going with the hardtail. I'm in the middle of chopping out my 97 sportster and this vid is the push i need to follow through w the rest of the project!

You are so right man. We have become so soft it is sad. Inspiring to me that I don’t have to go 80 mph to go somewhere. I love taking my time and riding the back roads.

Building your own bike is a skill so few have, and just as few even are able to fix their own bike

I agree, Brother, too many have succumbed to all of the luxuries and conveniences.

Right on brother. It takes all kinds to be riders. Diversity. Stay safe

interesting perspective and I guess the attitude you display can be applied to many thing in life. Thanks for posting

Couple Harley's ago I had and 81 Ironhead Roadster that I chopped. I removed the rear shocks and lowered it 3" and put in solid struts. Although I did have a bobber seat with coil springs, it definitely was a solid ride. You really feel the road with having a hard tail, I like it ✌️

Great video. I totally agree with you about rigid bikes. With my rigid hand made shovel I ride about 7000miles a year. Often long trips from 1300 miles and more. I love this bike, and what you said, nothing more exiting than riding your hand build thing. Yours looks great, but I'm missing a kickstarter... Keep on sharing

I always was a fan of hardtail choppers, kick start only. My first one was a bsa 650 never had any breaks and I rode the crap out of it on back dirt roads with street tires. I sold it for the money I needed for my sporty chop.. The good old days.. Looking to get another one soon.

Years a go i got rid of my 2005 RR Fire Blade 1000 cc. I thought to my self that i need to get my hands on traditional Harley-Davidson motorcycle. And started to customize it to my own liking. That has been done now. Next i need to get rigid long fork Chopper in to my life. My first Harley i am going to keep the rest of my life. I have newer really missed that 1000 cc Fire Blade. those things just wont do it for me any more.

I had a 74 sportster, rigid frame Springer Forks, gear shift on the right brake on the left no front brake, I miss that bike

Mines a hardtail . Get alot of "beautiful bar hopper " . Bar hopper my ass We go everywhere and anywhere ! Keep up the good work .

Saddletramp---love your shop. It just looks nostalgic. Love your stuff.

If I want ultimate Comfort I'll just get in my car if I want freedom I'll start my bike up. Pretty awesome to be able to build a bike. I like the minimalist approach to a motorcycle but appreciate all the different styles I see on the road. Safe travels

Great comments brother. While I give respect to anyone, whatever they ride, the biker world has evolved into a cushy soft generation. With all the bells and whistle luxuries available, you might as well ride in a cage. The idea of riding is to allow all the senses to experience the moment. The wind, the smells, the vibration and the roar of the pipes are the raw basics of the biker adventure. With all the accessories added, those elements are lost.

A lot of times the experience and nostalgia of something FAR out weighs the discomfort and pain. Here's to the Tramp!

Again hell ya I've just started watching this guy and I like what hes says I rode my old 96 sporty 1200 that I got in a box of parts pretty much from vagas to Wyoming into colarado then south Dakota back Wyoming still going strong lots haters on there 2019 baggers giving me shit saying I'm on a girls bike what ever dude

Everything you're talking about is what I'm chasing with the pile of parts I call an Ironhead sitting in my garage. One day it'll be road-worthy and I'll ride it as far as people have told me I can't.

Good on you for doing what you want to do.

Ugly bro Moto club, solo, just me. No patch, no dues, no fees, no rules. Ride what you want, Wear what you like. Rench on sat. Ride on Sunday. If you're to angry to wave just go home.

Other peoples disbelieve in myself can push me further than my own belief in myself. I'm stubborn. And it taught me so much. Whent from mechenic noobie to first call on my friends phones just because people said i could not work on my own bike with no background. Learned by cursing and falling. But glad i did it. Just too bad the day i was done building my sportster i got cut of in a corner. Haha time to do it all over again with my 02 Dyna.

Yup that'll sort out the men from the boys. I ride a hard tail as well though I haven't taken very far yet. Hopefully some day. Love the vids. Ride safe and God bless. ✌

Been riding mostly HD since 1968....and I agree totally...and feeling rather nostalgic for the 70's....sheesh, I moved from the West Coast to live in Saskatchewan Canada, in a small village in the SW of the province.....population about 250 or so, and the closest thing I have found to those better days. Government regulations and laws have wussified us too, I pursued my provincial motorcycle regulations and found that my fingerless gloves for the Summer were illegal.....as well as any welding modifications to the frame. Of course most of us ignore the sillier rules as do the cops.

I'll ride anything, but in the UK our roads are awful. Even with suspension some roads will put your back out.

Great video. My first hardtail is on its way to me. Wanted one for almost 30 odd years. Those that know, understand. Those that never will. Don't.

Great video , I ride a hardtail with 141 rwhp 300 tire on some shitty roads , u gotta learn the roads and got find the sweet spot in ur saddle and body position ,air down a little ,lots loctite and bike bolt checkups , but nothing like a hardtail sure is fun , had a 66 bsa lighting hard tail before this and went with another ridged, and it’s great to hear people u can’t ride that and then ride the balls off it , thanks for video ride ON!

Very well put!...impressed with your logic and opinions. Convinced me to start my own build!...awesome vid!

Had to watch your video again. Yep!

Great topic, I also have a Softail but have always thought about putting together a rigid chopper as a second bike but always worried about everything you mentioned. Great content, look forward to more.