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.
Stripping a Harley – www.garagebuiltchoppers.com
|
|
Wagner BP9003BL BriteLite Headlamp, Blister Pack $8.92 LAZER BLUE… |
|
|
Wagner BP9003TV TruView Headlight Bulb $12.13 Bulbs: Tru View Bulbs… |
|
|
21 x 7 Wall Vinyl Sticker US Custom Choppers Iron Cross Hat and Engine $23.97 Product Number: 030-556331591 Wall peels are printed on a reusable vinyl with a special adhesive that sticks to walls without harming them. No tape. No tacks. No marks. * Measures 21″ x 7″ * Won’t hurt walls * Can be moved and reused… |
|
|
Philips 9003 XPS2 X-treme Power Headlight Bulb, Pack of 2 $28.98 Philips X-treme Power performance headlamp deliver up to an astounding 80% more light than standard halogens. Simply stated, they’re the brightest DOT approved halogen available. X-treme Power Bulbs deliver superior nighttime visibility with a powerful beam that enhances driver performance and driving safety. Ideal for those who want their cars to stand out in the crowd. X-treme Power’s aggressive… |
|
|
Classic Accessories MotoGear 73707 Motorcycle Saddle Bags $59.54 The Classic Accessories® motorcycle saddle bags attach quickly to your bike with adjustable rubberized straps and quick-release buckles. Foam panels provide structure and protect your gear, while heat shield bottom and side panels guard against hot exhaust…. |
|
|
GE Nighthawk Platinum Replacement Bulb, Pack of 2 … |
|
|
Bikers Choice Helmet Lock 74937S2 $23.72 Chrome-plated, universal mount lockFits 7/8 to 1-1/4 tubingTamper proof 1-way screws included… |