Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Hardtail

[Ironmotoco]

Have always wanted to do a hardtail build, so I decided to seek out a new project for the build. Wanted to do a genuine hard tail not just a springer seat.

Bout this vulcan from Byron Bay....was a long drive but totally worth it. Bike was relatively original but had the rear spring chipped down so it had virtually no suspension travel

Definitely not the easiest model to choose as it runs a frame that has removal sections in the main supports to remove the motor

When I first got home with it


This is once I had chopped the suspension/engine mount assembly out......so much weight in it


Frame tacked together and engine mocked up




Currently how it is sitting as of lastnight. Still very much in mock up stage

[Ironmotoco]

[StevieMac]

Really nice work man! Please keep the pics coming. I've considered doing this but thus far my VN800 still has it's swing arm.

Cheers!

[Ironmotoco]

[Ironmotoco]

[Thiery]

Are there any updates on this project? The fit looks awesome!

[ChopRJim]

Nice. I have the same bike and want to do the same. Still rockin the swingarm right now though. Any updated pics?

[Ironmotoco]

Sorry for the lack of posting. Have had a lot of bikes in the build. Making progress. Nearly finished for the most part

[Ironmotoco]

Will keep you all updated

[Hatchet54]

VN800 is one of my favorite motorcycles - I effing love that engine and the bikes they come with. I'm working on a Drifter right now.

You are doing a stellar job with this build my friend. A true hardtail is the way to go with a project like this. Lots of folks bobberize the 800s but IMO they almost never look right because the swingarm/battery box area is just so hard to disguise properly with a small seat. It almost always looks like an afterthought and I've learned to focus on it when looking at 800 builds over the years. StevieMac's seems to be the exception - that looks really good man. Effort paid off clearly.

Keep up the pics, this beast is looking good

[Ironmotoco]

VN800 is one of my favorite motorcycles - I effing love that engine and the bikes they come with. I'm working on a Drifter right now.

You are doing a stellar job with this build my friend. A true hardtail is the way to go with a project like this. Lots of folks bobberize the 800s but IMO they almost never look right because the swingarm/battery box area is just so hard to disguise properly with a small seat. It almost always looks like an afterthought and I've learned to focus on it when looking at 800 builds over the years. StevieMac's seems to be the exception - that looks really good man. Effort paid off clearly.

Keep up the pics, this beast is looking good

Thanks mate, much appreciated. I definitely agree

[NomadMullen]

Man what a awesome idea .Ive got a 1996 vn800a that i wanna chopper out might be stealing some of your ideas

[Ironmotoco]

Bit of an update on the build. Added a downdraft and still mucking around with handlebars

[Ironmotoco]

Really nice work man! Please keep the pics coming. I've considered doing this but thus far my VN800 still has it's swing arm.

Cheers!

I love this by the way

[Ironmotoco]

I liked the look of the rear wheel so much I put it on the front.

A lot of machining to make it work