****This project is completed see post 76 for pictures.****


There appears to be a black hole of information when ever I am looking for it. I currently have a crossbones... kinda... and I am looking to swap out at least my front tire with something 18" - 21" in a wire wheel, and get a little more of a raked look by modifying the fork angle on the front end while I am at it. So I have some gaps in my springer knowledge I am looking to fill at least by next winter so I can hopefully put something together.

To start with I own an FLSTSB. In Harley Nomenclature this typcally means Big Twin, with big fork, softail springer crossbones. I seem to be migrating from FL to FX, my bike is screaming FX to me... I think I hear it now. The bike I seem to be putting together resembles more of the FXSTSB. In Harley Nomenclature this typlically means Big Twin, with small fork, softail springer badboy. So what I would like to do is reconsile the differences between the newer FL vs FX springer models so I can complete the next mod I have planned.

This original post will be updated with answers I receive so at some point it will appear as I had a question an answer period with myself. If you see what you beleive to be a wrong answer please post your answer and state your source if you have one.

Lets start with some basics:

Q: What is the difference between an 'FL' model springer and an 'FX' model springer?
A:

• FL Springers
  • Floor Boards
  • 16" Wheels
  • Left Side Mounted Caliper on Ridgid Fork
  • Off Set Upper Triple Clamp
  • More...?
• FX Springers
  • Foot Pegs
  • 18+ inch wheels
  • Right Side Mounted Caliper on Ridgid Fork(except FXSTSSE2/3)
  • Inline Upper Triple Clamp.
  • More...?

Q: Are the forks different on FL vs FX Springers? If so what is the difference? (Different Lengths, Widths?)
A: Fork is interchangable on both FL & FX Springers.
A: Caliper mounts are can only be mounted to the forks on their original side, note which side the break caliper/rotor is mounted if you planning on a wheel swap.

Q: Are the frames the same on the FL vs FX Springers?
A: Frame is the same on at least the '00 models forward, in '08 rear fender struts became bolt on instead of welded on.
A: Rocker & FXSTSSE3 softail models do have different frame.
A: Floorboards can be swapped for pegs and pegs can be swapped for floorboards. Pipe placement may be you limiting factor here.



Consider the below 2008 Springers (Comparison Photos Below):
FLSTSB Crossbones

• Front Rim: 3.00 x 16
• Front Tire: D402F MT90B16 72H
• Front Tire Diameter: 25.30
• Front Tire Width: 5.20
• Rake (Searing Head): 32 degrees
• Fork Angle: 24.2 degrees
• Trail: 6.30 in (160.02 mm)

FXSTSSE2 CVO Springer

• Front Rim: 3.50 x 18
• Front Tire: D407 130/70R18 63V
• Front Tire Diameter: 25.25
• Front Tire Width: 5.12
• Rake (Searing Head): 32 degrees
• Fork Angle: 26.6 degrees
• Trail: 4.46 in (113.41 mm)

2006 FXSTS Springer

• Front Rim: 21"
• Front Tire: D402 MH90-21 54H
• Front Tire Diameter: 27.20
• Front Tire Width: 3.25
• Rake (Searing Head): 32 degrees
• Fork Angle: 27.5 degrees
• Trail: 5.30 in (134.6 mm)

2008 Comparisons


2006 FXSTS Comparison



Q: If the Diameter of the tires are negligable, why the difference in the trail and fork angle? (If I put that CVO wheel/tire, or similar, on my bike I dont' think my trail and fork angle will change...?)
A: Rake is the angle of the steering stem. 32degrees. Fork angle is modified by using built in tree offsets.


Q: If thats the case how does Harley get the different fork angles on a bike?
A?: Upper Triple Clamp on the FL is Offset, while on the FX is more inline. The result for the FL springer is that you actually decrease the 'natural?' rake that would exist on the FL springer. The lower legs are build to accept this off set in the angle they fasten to the neck. FL springers have been designed specifically with a reduced fork angle so that they mate with the smaller diameter wheel for better handleing from the factory.

2008 FLSTSB

Upper Tree Clamp Angle


Lower Tree/Legs Angle




Q: Is there something special about a springer wheel? If so what is it?
A: Any [21 inch] wheel will work as long as it is fitted with bearings that will accept the correct diameter axle. After that, spacers may have to be fabricated to center the wheel. And of course the hub will need provisions to mount the brake rotor.


Q: I am looking for some sources for Springer Wheels (If there is such a thing), what are my options?
A:

• HD Wheels
• Black Bike Wheels
• Others...

FLSTSB Specific
Read a couple of posters looking to swap for a 18 to 21" up front
Q: Has any one swapped the front wheel on their Xbones or FXSTSSE 1/2?
A: Yes, just no one here to my knowledge yet. I have posted 3 examples below of bikes with 21" wheels.

• Overpriced Ebay Special
• Robbo HD. Mick's 21" Xbones
• Tom Ziberoffs Customized XB - 'Art of The Chopper' Author

Q: If you swapped your front wheel what did it take to do it?
A: Front Fender will not fit a 21" w/o modification.
A: If you want to bring your front end back down after throwing a 21" up front you will need a front end springer lowering kit.

Some Key FLSTSB PartNumbers

• 46173-05 Ridgid Fork Assembly
• 46174-05 Spring Fork
• 45989-05 Upper Tripple Clamp
• 46216-05 Left Fork Rocker, black
• 46659-08 Right Fork Rocker, black
• 46053-88 Spring, Rebound Top
• 46054-88 Spring, Compression Inner
• 46055-88 Spring, Compression Outer

Related Posts

• My Post About Lowering A Crossbones
• My post looking for more Rake / Fork Angle
• HDF 21 inch wheel for cross bones
• HDF Need help on disassemble and re-laceing wheels
• AgentOrange Re: 21" on his FL Springer
• AgentOrange More About the 21's on his FL Springer
• Thread about some overpriced xbones with a 21"
• 18 vs 21 on a Springer
• What about my front fender?
• ...

Related Resources

• Lacing Wire Wheels
• Jeri Springer Rake Trail Explained
• Springer Front End
• ClubChopper

 

Sorry no help here but i'll give you a bump.

 

After reading all that I am tired and going to bed.

 

so what r you tryin to do? put a 21 wheel on your crossbones?

 

For the very first part of your question, anything FL is going to have the 16" front and FX is 18" (which goes all way back to the first Super Glides). They may use different neck castings welded to the frame, because the serial number will show what model it is and thats where the rake changes even though the frames are basically the same.

 

I'm trying to increase the rake & put something less bulky upfront. I would take the CVO set up but its the same over all diameter as the one I have. Makes me think there is more to it than just the tire size. I would go 18-21 upfront in a wire wheel... If they made a 2008 BadBoy I wouldn't be posting right now


97FXSTSB's Ride. Close to what I would want for my bike, maybe a little more beef in the front tire, like the 2008 CVO's but pretty close...

 

Thanks I added the FX Front as 18"+ to my original post.

The 2006 model year had the FX and FL in the line up. I am currenly of the belief that the PN# for the frames are the same in both models. But I will check that out next time I am in to the dealership and get a chance to steal away there 06 parts book for a few minutes.

 

Did they legalize marijuana in Ohio?

 

Aren't you the same crazybastid83 who went to bed an hour and a half ago...? Last I check MJ was still on the naughty list in Ohio.

 

I think the differences in fork angle,with the resultant difference is trail, is done due to the difference in tire profiles. The profile would affect the quickness of turning and subsequent restoring force to straight ahead.