Why hardtail your Sportster
Hardtailing your Harley-Davidson Sportster is a great way to build an affordable chopper with thousands of aftermarket parts available for endless customization. It’s also a great option if you want to put the emphasis on riding over wrenching. Using a kit makes hardtailing simple. Additionally, by hardtailing your Sporty’s frame instead of buying a full custom frame, you keep your donor bike’s VIN and dodge pesky custom vehicle inspections.
Chopping a Sportster has never been easier
Hardtailing your Harley-Davidson Sportster is a great way to build an affordable chopper with thousands of aftermarket parts available for endless customization. It’s also a great option if you want to put the emphasis on riding over wrenching. Using the Throttle Addiction Deluxe kit is the best way to turn your Sportster into a chopper. In this video Seth answers some frequently asked questions about the kit. We also hear some reviews from customers who built bikes using the Throttle Addiction Deluxe Sportster Hardtail kit.
What is the best donor motorcycle for a Sportster Chopper build?
Find a Sportster from 1982-2003. Few hardtails and zero kits are made for Sportsters earlier than that. Same goes for 2004 and newer. Starting in 2004 Harley changed up the Sportster frame and rubber mounted the engine. Sure you could hardtail it, but there isn't an all-in-one kit. Conveniently, ‘82-’03 hits the sweet spot for both donor bike price and kit availability.
How to Buy a donor motorcycle for your chopper build
You can keep the overall build price down by selling stuff off your donor bike. Any extras like windshields and saddlebags can be sold. Stock tins can also get you a few hundred bucks back. You’ll get more if they’ve got stock paint, badges, and are dent and rust free. For more on donor bikes, Zach put together an in depth video on the subject.
Consider which engine you want. Our recommended date range covers the last few years of the Ironhead motor through the first years of the Evolution Sportster engine. Reliability and performance will be best the closer to 2003 you get. Choosing an Evolution motor will get you more reliability than an Ironhead, but some prefer the Ironhead look. If you go Ironhead, just keep it newer than 1982. Displacement matters. You can save money by getting an 883. But if you know you’ll want more power down the road it will be cheaper to buy a 1200 off the bat then buying a big bore kit later on.
Should I buy the Deluxe Sportster Hardtail Kit or can I just buy the Hardtail without the kit?
Be honest with yourself about your fabrication skills. Do you know your way around a fab shop? Consider a raw hardtail. Buying the pieces of a kit separately allows for a greater deal of customization and can save money. Never touched a welder but ready to ride a hardtail chop? Or just want to save time? Get the kit and get on the highway pronto.
Deluxe Sportster Hardtail Kit Parts
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Original price $1,299.99 - Original price $1,699.99Original price$1,299.99 - $1,699.99$1,299.99 - $1,699.99Current price $1,299.99
Deluxe Sportster Hardtail Kit 1982-2003
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockPlease allow up to 3 weeks production time. Our Throttle Addiction weld on Sportster hard tail kit will transform your stock swing arm Sportster in...
View full detailsOriginal price $1,299.99 - Original price $1,699.99Original price$1,299.99 - $1,699.99$1,299.99 - $1,699.99Current price $1,299.99 -
Original price $399.99 - Original price $399.99Original price$399.99$399.99 - $399.99Current price $399.99
King & Queen Seat For Sportster Hardtail Kit - Diamond Stitch
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThe Throttle Addiction King and Queen seat is designed to fit perfectly on our Evo Sportster Hardtail. They pair up perfectly with the sissy bar i...
View full detailsOriginal price $399.99 - Original price $399.99Original price$399.99$399.99 - $399.99Current price $399.99 -
Original price $399.99 - Original price $399.99Original price$399.99$399.99 - $399.99Current price $399.99
King & Queen Seat For Sportster Hardtail Kit - Pleated Stitch
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThe Throttle Addiction King and Queen seat is designed to fit perfectly on our Evo sportster hardtail. They pair up perfectly with the sissy bar i...
View full detailsOriginal price $399.99 - Original price $399.99Original price$399.99$399.99 - $399.99Current price $399.99 -
Original price $249.99 - Original price $249.99Original price$249.99$249.99 - $249.99Current price $249.99
King & Queen Seat Pan - Sportster Hardtail Kit
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThis King and Queen Seat pan is designed to fit perfectly with our Sportster Evo Hardtail Kit. May work on other hardtail models. Get the seat pan...
View full detailsOriginal price $249.99 - Original price $249.99Original price$249.99$249.99 - $249.99Current price $249.99 -
Original price $299.99 - Original price $299.99Original price$299.99$299.99 - $299.99Current price $299.99
Cobra Seat for Sportster Hardtail Kit - Diamond Stitch
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThe Throttle Addiction Cobra seat is designed to fit perfectly on our Evo sportster hardtail. The front of the seat features a stainless steel ta...
View full detailsOriginal price $299.99 - Original price $299.99Original price$299.99$299.99 - $299.99Current price $299.99 -
Original price $299.99 - Original price $299.99Original price$299.99$299.99 - $299.99Current price $299.99
Cobra Seat For Sportster Hardtail Kit - Pleated
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThe Throttle Addiction Cobra seat is designed to fit perfectly on our Evo sportster hardtail. The front of the seat features a stainless steel ta...
View full detailsOriginal price $299.99 - Original price $299.99Original price$299.99$299.99 - $299.99Current price $299.99 -
Original price $169.99 - Original price $169.99Original price$169.99$169.99 - $169.99Current price $169.99
Sportster Hardtail Cobra Seat Pan Kit
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockSeat pans are designed to fit perfectly with our Sportster Evo Deluxe Hardtail Kit. 16 gauge steel. 100% Made in the U.S.A. Includes; 16 gauge...
View full detailsOriginal price $169.99 - Original price $169.99Original price$169.99$169.99 - $169.99Current price $169.99 -
Original price $249.99 - Original price $249.99Original price$249.99$249.99 - $249.99Current price $249.99
Solo Seat for Sportster Hardtail Kit - Diamond Stitch
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThe Throttle Addiction Solo seat is designed to fit perfectly on our Evo sportster hardtail. The front of the seat features a aluminum tab which ...
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Original price $249.99 - Original price $249.99Original price$249.99$249.99 - $249.99Current price $249.99
Solo Seat for Sportster Hardtail Kit - Pleated Stitch
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThe Throttle Addiction Solo seat is designed to fit perfectly on our Evo sportster hardtail. The front of the seat features a aluminum tab which ...
View full detailsOriginal price $249.99 - Original price $249.99Original price$249.99$249.99 - $249.99Current price $249.99 -
Original price $109.99 - Original price $109.99Original price$109.99$109.99 - $109.99Current price $109.99
Sportster Hardtail Solo Seat Pan
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockSeat pans are designed to fit perfectly with our Sportster Evo Deluxe Hardtail Kit. 16 gauge steel. 100% Made in the U.S.A. Include mounting ...
View full detailsOriginal price $109.99 - Original price $109.99Original price$109.99$109.99 - $109.99Current price $109.99
Raw Sportster Hardtail Parts
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Original price $499.99Original price $499.99 - Original price $499.99Original price $499.99Current price $399.99$399.99 - $399.99Current price $399.99
Sportster Hardtail 1982-2003
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockPlease allow up to 3 weeks production time. This Sportster hardtail kit is designed to fit 1982-2003 Harley Davidson Sportster models. This is a b...
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Original price $195.95 - Original price $195.95Original price$195.95$195.95 - $195.95Current price $195.95
Sportster Hardtail Add On Tab/Hardware Kit
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThrottle Addiction Sportster Hardtail tab/ hardware kit. This kit conveniently contains all the tabs, spacers, brackets and hardware that are eith...
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Original price $109.99 - Original price $124.99Original price$109.99 - $124.99$109.99 - $124.99Current price $109.99
DIY Hardtail Sissy Bar Kit - Tall
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThese DIY hardtail sissy bar kits are designed for use with our Evo Sportster Hardtail Kit, and 5" flat fender, but can fit on most hardtail frames...
View full detailsOriginal price $109.99 - Original price $124.99Original price$109.99 - $124.99$109.99 - $124.99Current price $109.99 -
Original price $109.99 - Original price $124.99Original price$109.99 - $124.99$109.99 - $124.99Current price $109.99
DIY Hardtail Sissy Bar Kit - Short
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThese DIY hardtail sissy bar kits are designed for use with our Evo Sportster Hardtail Kit, and 5" flat fender, but can fit on most hardtail frames...
View full detailsOriginal price $109.99 - Original price $124.99Original price$109.99 - $124.99$109.99 - $124.99Current price $109.99 -
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99
Sissy Bar Fender Strap -5" Flat Style Fender
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockPlasma cut from 3/16" thick 1" wide mild steel, this sissy bar fender strap is a great add on to your sissy bar project. Pair it with our pre bent...
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Original price $74.99 - Original price $74.99Original price$74.99$74.99 - $74.99Current price $74.99
5" Wide Flat Trailer Fender for Motorcycles
Universal Cycle1+ in stockIf you’re in the market for the tried and true trailer fender for your motorcycle you found it. These rear motorcycle fenders are thick, cheap, an...
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Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99
Sissy Bar Fender Strap -Wassell Style Fender
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockPlasma cut from 3/16" thick 1" wide mild steel, this sissy bar fender strap is a great add on to your sissy bar project. Pair it with our pre bent...
View full detailsOriginal price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99 -
Original price $199.99 - Original price $199.99Original price$199.99$199.99 - $199.99Current price $199.99
Chrome Wassell Style Ribbed Fender - 5" Wide
Throttle AddictionOut of stockWe took our raw steel Wassell style ribbed fender and dipped it for a beautiful show chrome finish. The fender has been stamped from single piece ...
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Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99
Sissy Bar Fender Strap - 5.5" Round fender
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockPlasma cut from 1/4" thick 1" wide mild steel, this sissy bar fender strap is a great add on to your sissy bar project. Pair it with our pre bent ...
View full detailsOriginal price $34.99 - Original price $34.99Original price$34.99$34.99 - $34.99Current price $34.99 -
Original price $139.99 - Original price $139.99Original price$139.99$139.99 - $139.99Current price $139.99
5.5" Smooth Fender
Throttle AddictionOnly 1 left!This is a smooth fender stamped from a single piece, and has no weld or sanding marks. Its subtle cross radius and end lip detail give it the right...
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Original price $9.99 - Original price $9.99Original price$9.99$9.99 - $9.99Current price $9.99
Weld-On Fender Mount Tab
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockPlasma cut from .175" thick mild steel, this tab is ideal for mounting fenders to frame cross bars. Or.........
Original price $9.99 - Original price $9.99Original price$9.99$9.99 - $9.99Current price $9.99 -
Original price $19.99 - Original price $19.99Original price$19.99$19.99 - $19.99Current price $19.99
Sissy Bar Mounting Plates - Fits 9/16" Bar
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockLooking for some simple bungs to mount up your custom sissy bar to your axle plates. look no further, these sissy bar mounting plates are designed...
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Original price $35.99 - Original price $35.99Original price$35.99$35.99 - $35.99Current price $35.99
Sissy Bar Mounting Bungs - Fits 9/16" Bar
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockConstructed from cold rolled 1018 steel, these sissy bar mounting bungs are the perfect pair to our pre-bent sissy bars or your home sissy bar proj...
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Original price $329.99 - Original price $345.99Original price$329.99 - $345.99$329.99 - $345.99Current price $329.99
Sportster Hardtail Oil Tank
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThis oil tank is designed to fit perfectly with the Throttle Addiction weld on Evolution Sportster hardtail. The center opening is spaced such tha...
View full detailsOriginal price $329.99 - Original price $345.99Original price$329.99 - $345.99$329.99 - $345.99Current price $329.99 -
Original price $49.95 - Original price $49.95Original price$49.95$49.95 - $49.95Current price $49.95
Sportster Hardtail Battery Tray/Hold Down
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockBattery tray and hold down designed to secure an Antigravity 12 cell small case battery for use with our Evolution Sportster Hardtail Kit. This we...
View full detailsOriginal price $49.95 - Original price $49.95Original price$49.95$49.95 - $49.95Current price $49.95 -
Original price $59.99 - Original price $59.99Original price$59.99$59.99 - $59.99Current price $59.99
Sportster Hardtail Brake Caliper Bracket - 1982-1999
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThis kit is allows you to use your stock 1982-1999 HD Sportster rear brake caliper and bracket on your hardtail conversion project. Using your sto...
View full detailsOriginal price $59.99 - Original price $59.99Original price$59.99$59.99 - $59.99Current price $59.99 -
Original price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price$49.99$49.99 - $49.99Current price $49.99
Sportster Hardtail Brake Caliper Bracket - 00-03 Caliper
Throttle AddictionOut of stockDesigned for use with our Evolution Sportster Hardtail Kit. This 3/8" thick weld-on caliper bracket works with the stock 2000-2003 HD Sportster rea...
View full detailsOriginal price $49.99 - Original price $49.99Original price$49.99$49.99 - $49.99Current price $49.99Sold out -
Original price $99.99 - Original price $99.99Original price$99.99$99.99 - $99.99Current price $99.99
Sportster Country Bar kit - Neck windowing kit for Sportsters
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockAfter hardtailing your Evolution Sportster, the next thing you've got to do to give your Sportster a full custom frame look is window the neck and ...
View full detailsOriginal price $99.99 - Original price $99.99Original price$99.99$99.99 - $99.99Current price $99.99
Installing the Sportster hardtail kit 1982-2003 is as simple as it gets. Here's how you do it in 5 steps:
1. Disassemble a Sportster.
2. Cut the frame where the instructions tell you to cut it (or take it to any machine shop and have them do it).
3. Have that machine shop or a buddy weld three tubes together.
4. Spray paint the frame black and put it back together with an extended belt since you stretched the frame 2 inches.
5. Put everything else back on and take a ride on your chopper.
Obviously you can let your imagination run wild and change a million different things along the way, but that’s really all it boils down to. Zach and Seth made one in 12 hours to show you how it’s done:
Hardtailing a Sportster in 12 Hours
We installed a Throttle Addiction Deluxe Sportster Hardtail Kit in 12 hours! We want to show how simple chopping a Sportster really can be.
Take a look at the instructions for our Sportster Hardtail kit to get an idea of how simple hardtailing the frame is

SPORTSTER 1982-2003 HARDTAIL KIT INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS - VIDEO AND PRINTABLE PDF
Installing the kit is as simple as it gets. Here's how you do it in 5 steps...
Here’s what all went into our finished hardtailed Sportster chopper

Shop Parts from our TA2 Giveaway Sportster Chopper build
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Original price $1,299.99 - Original price $1,699.99Original price$1,299.99 - $1,699.99$1,299.99 - $1,699.99Current price $1,299.99
Deluxe Sportster Hardtail Kit 1982-2003
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockPlease allow up to 3 weeks production time. Our Throttle Addiction weld on Sportster hard tail kit will transform your stock swing arm Sportster in...
View full detailsOriginal price $1,299.99 - Original price $1,699.99Original price$1,299.99 - $1,699.99$1,299.99 - $1,699.99Current price $1,299.99 -
Original price $399.99 - Original price $399.99Original price$399.99$399.99 - $399.99Current price $399.99
King & Queen Seat For Sportster Hardtail Kit - Diamond Stitch
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThe Throttle Addiction King and Queen seat is designed to fit perfectly on our Evo Sportster Hardtail. They pair up perfectly with the sissy bar i...
View full detailsOriginal price $399.99 - Original price $399.99Original price$399.99$399.99 - $399.99Current price $399.99 -
Original price $59.99 - Original price $59.99Original price$59.99$59.99 - $59.99Current price $59.99
4.5" Universal Headlight - Black
Universal Cycle1+ in stockThis is a Bates-style universal motorcycle headlight is the perfect compact headlamp for your chopper, bobber or cafe racer. This Bates style headl...
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Original price $139.99 - Original price $139.99Original price$139.99$139.99 - $139.99Current price $139.99
Throttle Addiction - 9" Vintage Ape Hanger Handlebars - Chrome
Throttle AddictionOut of stockThrottle Addiction 9” vintage ape hangers are the perfect height for a comfortable ride, and the tight clamping area makes them stylish as hell. T...
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Original price $348.95 - Original price $348.95Original price$348.95$348.95 - $348.95Current price $348.95
Classic Handlebar Controls - Harley - Black
American Prime ManufacturingOut of stockUpdate those clunky OEM controls with these simple clean bad boys. Features: 1" bar clamping area Includes clutch control assembly with barrel opt...
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Original price $259.95 - Original price $259.95Original price$259.95$259.95 - $259.95Current price $259.95
Evolution Sportster Hardtail Wiring Harness Kit - 1986-2003
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockLooking for a simple solution to all your Evo Sportster wiring problems? Designed to work perfectly with our Evolution Sportster hardtail kit, this...
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Original price $199.99 - Original price $199.99Original price$199.99$199.99 - $199.99Current price $199.99
Custom Frisco Sporty Gas Tank
Throttle AddictionOut of stockThis Frisco Sportster gas tank has the classic Sportster shape with the custom features you want. It has a Frisco bottom low tunnel mount paired w...
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Original price $119.95 - Original price $119.95Original price$119.95$119.95 - $119.95Current price $119.95
Harley 39 mm Fork Tube Extensions - 2"
Throttle Addiction1+ in stockThese 39 mm Fork Tube Extensions are a quick easy solution to adding a little length to your front end. Does not require disassembly of fork lowers...
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Original price $34.95 - Original price $34.95Original price$34.95$34.95 - $34.95Current price $34.95
Universal Passenger Chopper Pegs With Mounts - 1"-1.25" - Ribbed
Mid USA1+ in stockUniversal passenger chopper pegs for 1" & 1.25" frame or highway bar. These will fit our Sportster hardtail kit frame. Sold in pairs Chro...
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Original price $622.72 - Original price $622.72Original price$622.72$622.72 - $622.72Current price $622.72
Paughco Straight End Upswept Sportster Exhaust - 1986-2003
PaughcoOnly 1 left!These Paughco chrome plated upswept pipes for your Harley Davidson Evolution Sportster from 1986-2003 will add a nice low rumbling tone and a ton o...
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Original price $0.00 - Original price $0.00Original price $0.00$149.95$149.95 - $149.95Current price $149.95
Biltwell - Slimline Risers - Polished
Biltwell Inc.1+ in stockConstruction Investment-cast and CNC-machined stainless steel 5/16 - 18 t.p.i. Stainless steel bar clamp hardware. Fitment: Slimline risers have ...
View full detailsOriginal price $0.00 - Original price $0.00Original price $0.00$149.95$149.95 - $149.95Current price $149.95 -
Original price $17.99 - Original price $17.99Original price$17.99$17.99 - $17.99Current price $17.99
Throttle Addiction - Tour Grips - Ivory - 1"
Throttle AddictionOut of stockThrottle Addition tour grips are great for those wanting a vintage feel and comfortable fit. These motorcycle grips are injection molded from soft...
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Original price $8.95 - Original price $8.95Original price$8.95$8.95 - $8.95Current price $8.95
Sportster Hardtail Kit Kickstand Bumper
Drag Specialties1+ in stockThis rubber kickstand bumper is intended to fit perfectly with the Throttle Addiction weld on Evolution Sportster hardtail kit. Clips to the rou...
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Original price $29.95 - Original price $29.95Original price$29.95$29.95 - $29.95Current price $29.95
Speedometer Sensor Elimination Plug
Throttle AddictionOut of stockEliminating the speedometer on your chopper? Don't just cut the wire off your speed sensor, instead use this sensor plug! Manufactured from 6061 b...
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