We do it all because we can.
Rolling Thunder is the leading frame manufacturer in North America. Our reputation is built on our high quality custom motorcycle frames that inspire the imaginations of expert builders and beginners alike.
We know that a lot of choice can seem overwhelming at first glance, but we just cannot bear the thought of a customer not getting exactly what they want. We know that each motorcycle is unique and has to say something about its owner – so we make sure you have an opportunity to find your voice through your ride.
Rest assured that in addition to the standard features and options listed below, your frame arrives at your door ready to go. Our Quality Control department has inspected your frame with a CMM arm (Coordinate Measuring Machine) built by FARO Technologies to ensure your frame’s dimensions are perfect. We go the extra mile so you won’t have to.
Take a look at what we have to offer and if you have any questions or can’t find what you’re searching for, give us a call, our sales team is ready and willing to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Standard Features for Softail and Rigid Models
These features are standard because experience tells us most people prefer them, but if you want to change anything, just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
- Our frames easily accommodate up to a 124 cubic inch motor. We also accommodate up to a 160 cubic inch if you let us know in advance.
- Frame components are precision laser cut and/or C.N.C. machined in-house.
- All our frames are 100% Tig welded by certified welders.
- Our Hourglass-Style neck is setup for races and bearings so there’s no need for neck cups. An OEM style neck that requires neck cups is available for those who want to use their stock front-end on their Rolling Thunder frame.
- Internal Fork Stops come standard on all hourglass style necks. We supply the necessary fork stop plate.
- All 230mm and up rear tire frames come standard with a built-in one-piece transmission plate. The required offset is built in to the tranny plate.
- Flush mount swing arm pivot bolts.
- Frames are serialized with a 17-character serial number.
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin provided with each frame for easy registration.
- Custom hidden axle adjusters are included with every frame.
- Every frame is inspected to ensure it complies with industry standards and specifications.
Options
The beauty of building a custom bike is that it’s just that; custom to you. Rolling Thunder provides a tremendous amount of options and choices for your frame. Bottom line; if you can think of something you want that doesn’t seem to be here, give us a call and we’ll do our best to keep you satisfied.
- Choose any D.O.M. (Drawn Over Mandrill) steel tubing size between: 1 1/8″, 1 1/4″, 1 3/8″ and 1 1/2″. The thicker the diameter, the more strength it adds to your frame.
- We offer the following down tube styles: Straight Leg, Single Down Tube, Radius, Wishbone style and/or Gooseneck style. Go ahead and mix and match any of these options!
- Our frames are built to accommodate various solid mounted motors: Evolution, Twin Cam “A”, Twin Cam “B”, Sportsters, Shovels and Pans. We can also adjust to variations in your specific motor – just give us a call!
- Our left side drive frames accommodate rear tires ranging from 180mm to 250mm – all with a full-sized 1 1/2″ belt.
- We make right side drive frames that accommodate tire sizes ranging from 250mm to 360mm – all with a full-sized 1 1/2″ belt.
- Our 330mm Softail is a brand new frame that comes in any stretch and any rake but has in-board machined uprights that create a look unlike any other. This frame is currently only available with a drop seat – but we will be adding more variations so check back soon to see what’s coming out.
- Interested in a Drop Seat? We encourage you to add a drop seat to any of our existing models from a 200mm to a 300mm. Notice that our Drop Seat models are designed with a triangulated swing arm and a standard wrap-around oil tank.
- Choose between a 3/4″ or 1″ hidden or exposed rear axle. Flush mount axle covers are included with a hidden axle.
- Want to change the look of your 300mm frame? Try switching up our standard swing arm for an SLX tubular swing arm that is sure to turn heads. Dave Finn also distributes this option on a Rolling Thunder frame.
- For a clean, sleek look you can easily add a Custom Side Plate to your frame to fill the space between the oil tank and the starter. This plate will fit perfectly along the side of your custom Rolling Thunder frame.
- Choose any stretch and any rake for your frame at no additional cost.
Anything else?
We are always adding new items and options to our Product Line because we know you want something that sets you apart from everyone else…
SLX Series
If you’re looking for a unique frame that will make you look like a pro even if it’s the first bike you’ve ever built – this is the series for you. The SLX is a signature frame proudly released by Rolling Thunder in 2002. The first motorcycle produced by the Harley Davidson Motor Company in 1903 was built on a single loop frame. We’ve taken this classic idea and pushed it to the extreme. The potential for these frames is totally endless.
Using our precise science of bending we’ve created a 2″ diameter tube fully bent around the motor that keeps everything center-lined. They have unique, slick-looking Oil Tanks and 1″ hidden axles. All models are drop seat and the swing arms are fully tubular with custom axle covers. Our SLX frames are designed for easy installation of an air ride suspension system. On top of the frame’s radical styles we also ensure that all of our jigs were thoroughly analyzed with our CMM arm. These frames are available in Rigid and Softail styles with four distinct configurations each accepting varying tire sizes. Originally introduced as a builder’s class frame, the accessories for these customs are now readily available.
All the various options are listed below, but give us a call if you have any questions – we love the opportunity to brag about our frames.
SLX Slim Series
Looking for a frame with in-board uprights, radical bends, and a swing arm that allows you to change your rear tire size whenever inspiration strikes? You found it. The SLX Slim, so named because of its slim lines that explode into a massive tire, is the newest addition to the SLX series and is wreaking havoc wherever it goes.
- The SLX Slim can be purchased with any swing arm ranging from 250mm to 360mm.
- All Tire sizes accept a full-sized 1 1/2″ belt
- All Slim frames are available in Right Side Drive only
- All Slim models are drop seat
- The front motor mount for your Evolution motor spans out to support the forward controls and gives a look that is guaranteed to be noticed.
- A styling wrap-around oil tank that holds a battery in the standard position is available
- Frame is available in the following configurations:
- 0″ up – 0″ out – 35 degrees of rake
- Negative 2″ up – 6″ out – 44 degrees of rake
- 3″ up – 3″ out – 40 degrees of rake
- 6″ up – 3″ out – 40 degrees of rake
- For extreme customization, try adding a radius bend to your massive 2″ down tube.
Not available on the 0 up – 0 out – 35 degree configuration
SLX Rigid Frames
Looking for a frame with in-board uprights, radical bends, and a swing arm that allows you to change your rear tire size whenever inspiration strikes? You found it. The SLX Slim, so named because of its slim lines that explode into a massive tire, is the newest addition to the SLX series and is wreaking havoc wherever it goes.
- The SLX Slim can be purchased with any swing arm ranging from 250mm to 360mm.