70 definitions listed
Axle: The axle runs through the rear tire and holds it to your frame. Rolling Thunder offers hidden or non-hidden axles in both 3/4" and 1" sizes. Hidden axles come with flush mount axle covers.
Backbone: Depending on the configuration of your frame, Rolling Thunder will install one of 4 backbone configurations: Straight, Single Bend, Double Bend, or Double/Single Bend (only used if you're going negative in your down tubes). A radius bend can also be added to your backbone. A Double Bend is required if you're going to run Flat Bob gas tanks. A straight backbone is generally used on chopper style configurations. A single bend backbone is often used on Pro-Street configurations that don't have a negative in the down tubes. We will recommend the right backbone configuration for you.
Belt Guard Tab: This tab holds the belt guard which protects the rear belt from debris. If you're running your belt in the stock location we can put these mounts on for you. If you're not, or don't know yet, we can easily ship them loose with your frame.
Bobber: This is a style of frame generally associated with stock-configuration rigid 200mm frames. A wishbone bend is often placed in the down tubes. These are classic-style frames that are starting to turn heads again in today's market.
Brake Tab: We supply two types of brake tabs, stock or custom. If you're running stock application brakes then we can mount this stock brake tab for you. If you're using a custom brake mounting bracket use our custom brake tab - usually, this setup has an adjustable linkage. If you don't know - we can ship these tabs loose for you to install yourself.
Chopper: A Chopper used to refer to a motorcycle that had been chopped to adjust the rake and stretch of a frame and change the look - basically another term for a custom. Chopper is now used to describe a style of frame that is generally very tall in the down tubes and long in the backbone with a large rake that kicks the front tire way out.
CNC Machine: A Computer Numerically Controlled machine that produces consistent parts every time.
Coil Mounts: We offer a stock replacement softail-type coil mount for your ignition coil. Whether or not you take one is a question of style and depends on whether you're running your ignition coil in the stock location.
Country Bar: This anti-vibration tube provides triangulated support to the area where the neck meets the backbone and the down tubes on a frame - a critical support area. Depending on the configuration of your frame, you'll get the necessary country bar to ensure integrity in your backbone. Unless specified, this comes standard on a Rolling Thunder frame.
Custom Side Plate: This plate is designed to fit perfectly along the side of your custom Rolling Thunder frame, filling the space between the oil tank and the starter for a clean, sleek look.
Disc Brake If you are using disc brakes we need the details in order to add the correct mounting tabs in advance. Please indicate whether you have your disc brake on the right side, the left side, or on both sides. Right or left should be observed from the rider’s view when sitting on the bike.
Drop Seat: A drop seat option can be added to any Rolling Thunder frame. We adjust your seat side rails so the seat area is considerably lower to the ground and allows you to create a ride that molds your body to the gas tank while you're cruising.
Evolution (Evo): A standard V-Twin engine, most commonly used, produced from 1984 -2000. Our frames are generally setup for Evo engines unless otherwise specified.
Fender Struts: These hold your rear fender to your frame. They're available in hidden or non-hidden styles. If you're using a strutless fender you don't require fender struts.
Fender Tabs If you’re running an OEM-style fender we can mount the fender tabs to your Springer. If you’re not sure, speak to our Sales representatives.
Finish You can have your Springer chromed or raw. It’s all about personal choice.
Frame Type We need to know whether you have a Rolling Thunder frame or not so we can ensure your Springer will be a good match to your frame.
Front Motor Mount: A mount welded to the bottom of your down tubes that holds the motor in the front location.
Front Wheel Size This size should be for the front rim and tire to enable us to accurately calculate trail.
Gas Tank Mounts: We only supply gas tank mounts for flatside or Flat Bob gas tanks. You need them if your frame has a double bend backbone. Given the variety of gas tanks available, you'll have to fashion your own mounts if not using stock-type tanks.
Gooseneck: This is a bend we can add to your down tubes that is located at the top of your down tubes close to the neck giving it a, you got it, goose neck type look. No longer as popular in today's market, it was used in earlier days of motorcycling.
Internal Brake Lines Rolling Thunder can setup your Springer so you can run your brake lines through the rear legs of your Springer and keep them hidden. Note that our fittings are for 3/8-24 Banjo brake lines which are the standard. Just give us a call if you still have questions about this option.
Internal Fork Stop: An internal fork stop ensures that your front fork won't come into the gas tank. We machine an internal fork stop tab into our hourglass style necks and also supply an internal fork stop plate that allows you to have hidden internal fork stops so you don't compromise the esthetic of your ride.
Internal Throttle Kit: This kit allows you to run your throttle cable inside your handlebars, giving a cleaner look to your bike.
Jig: A jig is a tool that we use to ensure all aspects of your frame are perfect. It holds parts together as we weld so there is no distortion in the frame.
MSO: Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. Rolling Thunder supplies an MSO with every frame so you can easily register your bike when the time comes to put it on the road.
Neck Gusset: A neck gusset is a piece of metal we fit in the area where the neck meets the backbone and down tubes to provide extra support to this critical area. The country bar provides adequate support but we add this piece to ensure the strength of your frame. Unless specified, this piece comes standard on our frames.
Neck Height This measurement should ideally be taken on a built motorcycle with the rider sitting on it so we know where the bike will actually sit. If this is not possible, the measurement can be taken with frame/roller setup at ride height. Once the bike is setup, measure from the bottom most point of neck straight down to the ground. We need to know if your rider was sitting on the bike at the time the measurement was taken so we can compensate for suspension sag.
Neck Rake The neck rake of your frame is all we need to accurately calculate proper trail.
Neck Style Your frame will come with either an OEM style neck that has a bearing cup that is pressed into it, or an hourglass style neck that has built-in Internal Fork Stops and uses integral neck races. Please note that all Rolling Thunder frames come with an hourglass-style neck unless otherwise specified. This is information we need to properly calculate the specifications of your Springer.
Neck: Our necks come in 2 different styles: OEM and Hourglass, the Hourglass has three different sizes, 2 1/8", 2 3/8", and 2 1/2". Our hourglass necks are CNC machined in house and have an internal fork stop tab machined into them.
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. At Rolling Thunder, OEM generally refers to original stock style.
Offset: This refers to the amount you have to adjust the location of your motor and/or transmission to accommodate a wider tire. To find out what offset your frame requires, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Oil Tank Mounts: These mounts install the oil tank to the frame. If you're using a Rolling Thunder oil tank we can supply a set of mounts that allow for easy installation. We can also supply mounts for a stock oil tank. If you're not sure what you need we can easily ship these mounts loose.
Oil Tank: This tank holds the oil and battery for your frame. Our oil tanks are intended for Rolling Thunder Softail and Rigid frames but they can be used in other frames as well. They have a top center fill and are top rubber mounted. Tank capacity varies by model. Notice that our drop seat oil tanks accommodate the lowered seat area with a wrap-around tank that accepts a battery.
Pivot Tube: Also known as an Axis tube. Supplied tube and hardware that provides the axis for your swing arm to pivot on.
Pro Street: Also know as Dragster-Style, this is a type of frame configuration that generally has either no stretch or negative stretch in the down tubes while giving a long stretch in the backbone to create a long and low style to your bike.
Radius: This is a bend we can add to your down tubes or backbone to gently curve them inward or upward. This process adds flowing lines and curves to your frame.
Rake: Rake, measured in degrees, is the angle you choose for your neck that determines how far out your front wheel will sit. Generally Rake runs from about 32 degrees to 50 degrees.
Rear Motor Mount: A mount welded to the frame under the seat area to hold the motor in the rear location.
Regulator Mounts: If you want to mount your regulator in the stock position, we can install this mount across the down tubes of your frame just above the top motor mount.
Right Side Drive: This refers to a transmission that runs its tranny pulley on the right side so your bike is more balanced when using a wide tire. Rolling Thunder makes frames for Right Side Drive transmissions for 250mm - 360mm rear tires.
Rigid: Also know as a hardtail. This type of frame that has no swing arm, it is one piece from the neck to the rear axle. There is no rear suspension system on these frames.
Rubbermount Any rubbermounted frame.
Seat Clip: This is a U-Shaped clip that mounts on the end of your backbone and clips into your seat. Whether or not you take one depends on the kind of seat you're using, but most seats will require you to have one.
Seat Plate: A gusset that connects the Backbone and the Seat Side Rails and gives extra support on a frame. No Seat Plate is supplied on drop seat frames, but it is recommended on regular Softails and Rigids.
Seat Post: This support bar runs under your seat area and provides extra rigidity in a frame. Depending on the configuration of your frame, you may or not have a seat post - we'll clarify those details when you're finalizing your frame choice. Note that all of our drop seat frames have no seat post.
Seat Side Rails: Two tubes connecting the backbone to the frame uprights on a softail frame. On a Drop Seat these rails are bent down to meet the lowered frame uprights.
Sheet-Metal Chassis: Once you have chosen the specs for your wide tire custom Softail, we will fabricate sheet metal to suit your creative needs. These chassis come in two different tank styles: 2-piece flatside tanks or a one-piece tank. These chassis' are delivered molded, primed and ready for paint. Whichever of the two kits you choose, you will save time and eliminate fabrication nightmares.
Shovelhead: A V-Twin engine produced from 1966 - 1984.
Single Down Tube: Instead of running dual down tubes, we can weld this 2" piece of tubing to your neck and integrate it seamlessly with your lower rails providing a unique look. Combine it with a radius to give your frame that extra edge.
SLX Slim: The SLX Slim is a specific type of model in the SLX series. It's a Softail frame with tubular in-board uprights that can take a rear tire ranging from 250mm to 360mm. For more information, check out our product overview page.
SLX: This exclusive Rolling Thunder frame is available in Softail or Rigid models and comes in various configurations. Our Rigid line accepts any tire from 200mm to 330mm while our Softail line accommodates a 250mm to 360mm rear tire. These frames are crafted with a single loop that forms the seat post, backbone, and down tubes. This frame has been used by experienced builders like Dave Perewitz and Eddie Trotta and will undoubtedly raise your bike to a new level.
Softail: This style of frame resembles a Rigid, but gives the added comfort of rear suspension. The shock absorbers are positioned along the axis of the motorcycle, tucked away under the transmission.
Splash Guard: This component protects your motor and transmission from debris spin-off caused by your rear tire.
Sportster: This is a V-Twin engine that has been around since 1957. Rolling Thunder currently only offers Sportster frames for 200mm tires although we are working on a wide tire Sportster frame design.
Springer A Springer is a particular Harley-Davidson model in the Softail family. It is characterized by a front fork that uses springs and a shock instead of a telescopic fork. Nowdays, a Springer generally refers to a front-fork that uses springs to absorb shocks. Springers have historically been more for show than actually for performance - that is until now. The Rolling Thunder Springer has been professionally engineered and tested to ensure it will deliver an unbelievable performance.
Stock: At Rolling Thunder, Stock refers to anything that is done in the original V-Twin style. We also use it to refer to frame configurations that generally have little or no rake or stretch and resemble a stock V-Twin bike.
Straight Leg: A term used to describe a frame that has dual down tubes which is the standard.
Stretch: Stretch refers to the length of your down tubes and backbone. Basically, we adjust the length of your backbone and down tubes to achieve your desired steering position. We move the frame neck up or out depending on your needs. At Rolling Thunder we allow you to choose any stretch or rake without changing the cost of the frame.
Swing Arm: The rear section of your Softail frame, used to hold the tire in place. Our swing arms come in two types, the standard triangulated style and our SLX fully tubular style. Our swing arm is attached to the frame using the pivot tube.
Tire Radius When finding the tire radius make sure your tire has been mounted to the rim and then measure from centre of front wheel axle to ground.
Top Motor Mount: This mount braces the top of the engine to both heads of the motor and minimizes vibration.