The Hardknock
Story:
Introduced in 2006 as a
kit for bike builders, it
was an instant hit not
only with fabricators,
painters and customizers,
but with people who just
wanted to build their own
motorcycle. Through the
years the kit was refined,
the list of factory
options grew, and the
frame was enlarged and
improved to accept ever
larger engines. Although
it was a huge success, as
a kit bike, it was only
street legal in the few
places where builders were
allowed to assemble their
own motorcycle. Builders
loved it, but they wanted
3 main improvements.
First, they wanted a frame
that was larger and could
accept a 250cc engine,
such as the Virago v-twin
or the Rebel parallel
twin. Second, they wanted
a bike that came with a
title and was 100% street
legal. Lastly, they wanted
more bolt-on options
providing customization
without fabrication. We
listened to our customers,
and the result is the new
HK-III Hardknock, a
fully-built street legal
motorcycle with both
DOT/EPA approval in the
United States and EC-Type
approval in all European
countries and Switzerland.
It still remains a
platform for builders with
endless customizing
possibilities, with
factory bolt-on custom
parts, from tanks,
handlebars, wheels and
forks, to even the engine
itself!
This new third generation
version of the Hardknock
(HK-III) is unlike any
other motorcycle ever
produced. On first glance
it is a classic bobber,
yet it's most unique
feature is that it is
engineered to accept
multiple engine
configurations, from a
49cc up to a 250cc v-twin.
Fitted with a universal
wiring harness and
removable engine mounts,
power-plant upgrades are
literally plug and play.
Add to this the multitude
of bolt-on options and
accessories available on
the official factory
web-shop and what you have
is a bike that is a blank
canvas for customers to
build a unique motorcycle
that expresses their
creativity, individuality
and style, but without the
need for fabricating
skills. Thus, the allure
to customize remains with
the new fully-built HK-III
Hardknock.
The Hardknock has emerged
as the world's first entry
level motorcycle that can
be upgraded with larger
engines and accessories to
suit the needs of the
rider. It is basically a
250cc motorcycle disguised
as a 49cc scooter! In most
countries, the
requirements to ride a
49cc motorcycle are quite
simple. Though the style
appeals to many older
riders, a 49cc motorcycle
can be ridden at the
age of 16, sometimes even
younger. With the
Hardknock, an owner has
the ability to install
larger engines as desired
without the need for
re-engineering and
fabrication. Complete
engine packages are
available for 49cc, 125cc,
200cc, 250cc single, 250cc
parallel twin and 250cc
v-twin engines. Instead of
upgrading to a bigger
bike, one can just upgrade
to a bigger engine. In
some countries it is not
permitted to modify the
factory installed 49cc
engine, but an EC-Type
Approved 125cc version is
available. We have
received EC-Type Approval
for the 250cc single
engine and it will be
available in certain
countries in 2015.
The Hardknock is designed
as an inexpensive yet cool
bike with endless
customizing possibilities.
Authentically Frisco
styled in California by
Kikker5150, it features
quality components
including a TIG welded,
high carbon, powder coated
steel frame, forward
controls, jockey shift,
micro switches and
optional springer forks,
but with no plastic parts.
There are many companies
that have tried to copy
the Hardknock. Imitation
is the sincerest form of
flattery! Some have
actually used our old
smaller frames as a
template. However, none of
these “Knock-offs” have
the interchangeable engine
technology, nor the
attention to quality,
style and detail. Plus,
factory replacement parts,
upgrades and accessories
are available through the
Hardknock Garage website
at www.hardknockgarage.com,
and all versions of the
Hardknock come with a 2
year limited warranty.
It is the details of
quality and style that
distinguishes the
Hardknock. Take a look:
The Hardknock comes with
custom micro handlebar
switches on polished
aluminum mounts, something
you would expect to see on
a high-end custom build.
Other companies use common
off the shelf plastic
switches. Our bikes also
come standard with an
internal throttle to clean
up the handlebars, not a
cheap plastic external
throttle like the others.
The Hardknock has a
beautiful billet aluminum
gas cap that is machined,
knurled and polished. The
others use a cheap plated
stamped steel cap.
The Hardknock has a fuel
valve made of polished
stainless steel and brass,
instead of cheap pot-metal
and plastic.
The Hardknock frame is
fabricated with TIG welds
which are more precise and
are of a higher quality
than the MIG welds on the
frames of other bikes. We
also use a higher grade of
steel, the same that you
would find in high quality
racing frames.
Our tires are not only DOT
and European approved,
including the white walls,
but have an authentic
vintage tread design that
you will find only on the
Hardknock, because we own
the mold! No other company
uses authentic vintage
tires.
The Hardknock has
indicator and brake lights
that are custom made to be
the smallest legally
allowed, including
micro-LED turn signals on
the European type-approved
bikes. Once again, we own
the molds! The other
companies use large, ugly,
generic plastic lights on
their bikes.
There are many other
details that set the
Hardknock apart from the
cheap copies:
* Stainless steel
fasteners throughout
instead of plated steel
* Hand-stitched leather
seats
*Interchangeable engine
packages (Where legal)
*Numerous factory bolt-on
accessories
In the years since its
introduction, the
Hardknock has developed
quite a following.
Enthusiasts have formed an
owner's group on the
internet which can be
found at www.hardknockforum.com.
Here you will find the
"Knock Knation", a unique
and friendly brotherhood
of thousands of builders,
riders and dealers from
around the world who share
one thing, a passion for
the Hardknock. Members of
the forum are always
online to answer any
questions and share
stories about their
builds. It’s free to join.
Many “Knockers”, as they
are known, own 2, 3 and
even 4 Hardknocks, proving
a brand loyalty like no
other. To quote a
customer, “If you don't
get it, don't get it!”,
but if you do, you will be
hooked!
