Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 830
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From: Ozark Mountains
Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
I have a 2004 fxdl and I want put harley's inverted frontend on it.
But, I have a few questions and concerns. First, is there any rake built into these trees? I want trees that have 0 degree rake. Don't wanna rake my frontend any. Also, do the trees allow the tubes to be slid up through the top triple tree or not?
The reason for this would be to lower the frontend a little because I'm aware that a softail frontend is longer than a dyna front end. I've priced other inverted frontends and I simply can't afford any of the high end stuff. Also, I've heard good things about the Harley front inverted. Help anyone?
But, I have a few questions and concerns. First, is there any rake built into these trees? I want trees that have 0 degree rake. Don't wanna rake my frontend any. Also, do the trees allow the tubes to be slid up through the top triple tree or not?
The reason for this would be to lower the frontend a little because I'm aware that a softail frontend is longer than a dyna front end. I've priced other inverted frontends and I simply can't afford any of the high end stuff. Also, I've heard good things about the Harley front inverted. Help anyone?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
easy answer.....eBay. Buy the forks. You can get them with 0 degrees of rake, I've seen them!
very nice stuff....R Racing has a set (his are raked, but still the same).
Here's how it works.....you order them in the "stock length". If they are too long, (about 1.5 inches longer than stock on average, by MY EXPERIENCE) then you CAREFULLY take them apart, and have the fork tubes machined down to the correct length. Is it a hassle? HELL YES! But, I tell you what...you go buy the Harley inverted front end....and later you will be wondering when your a$$ will finally heal and quit itching and bleeding.[&:] Seriously, Harley parts are made by other suppliers and then the price is then raised considerably.
Nobody ever said modifying would be easy, but it is DEFINITELY worth it!
~Joe
very nice stuff....R Racing has a set (his are raked, but still the same).
Here's how it works.....you order them in the "stock length". If they are too long, (about 1.5 inches longer than stock on average, by MY EXPERIENCE) then you CAREFULLY take them apart, and have the fork tubes machined down to the correct length. Is it a hassle? HELL YES! But, I tell you what...you go buy the Harley inverted front end....and later you will be wondering when your a$$ will finally heal and quit itching and bleeding.[&:] Seriously, Harley parts are made by other suppliers and then the price is then raised considerably.
Nobody ever said modifying would be easy, but it is DEFINITELY worth it!
~Joe
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 830
Likes: 4
From: Ozark Mountains
RE: Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
Actually, the Harley front end is one of the more affordable at around 1100 bucks. Its also manufactured by marzocchi, good stuff.
If youre talking about the Ultima inverted frontends on Ebay, sorry, not for me. There are a few good deals to be had by Ultima, but frontends isnt one of them. Ive had some bad experiences with ultima frontends. As for having the tubes machined, that may be an option.
Saint
If youre talking about the Ultima inverted frontends on Ebay, sorry, not for me. There are a few good deals to be had by Ultima, but frontends isnt one of them. Ive had some bad experiences with ultima frontends. As for having the tubes machined, that may be an option.
Saint
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
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From: Davie, FL
RE: Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
Saint, Ultima are very heavy and not good for performance. If you have a OCC type chopper they are fine as you start out with a bike that is not made to perform right from the go. Marzocchi makes many different types of forks as does Ohlins. There is a difference in price between the different models each company makes. This has to do with what is inside of the fork. You have different valving and adjustability’s which costs money to manufacture. Sometime big money difference. Just because Marzocchi makes a very "Road & Track" fork does not mean that HD is selling you that one. As far as affordable, you will always get what you pay for. If you would like to see real race forks, which are top of the line for that application you may visit my site. This is a very complexed subject and the answer to what you should buy is: what you are using the front end for such as a OCC or a Road bike. Having a great front end pays for itself in comfort and safety. There are major differences. You could buy a uses front end from a Victory which as front ends that are not very good internally but are still Marzocchi inverted, however, they are better than your stock front end.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 194
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From:
RE: Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
A friend and I installed the inverted black on his Night Train. You cannot slide the forks past the top of the top tree. There is a stop. As for rake. They are wideglide trees for the softail. Softails have 32 degree rake. Dyna has 29. The 3 degrees is in the trees. So yes they have a small amount of rake. I also agree with someones comment about $1100 not a bad price. This is a quality front end that I was very impressed with for the money. Improved handling as well. If you have the funds then do it. It looks sick
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 830
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From: Ozark Mountains
RE: Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
Howard,
What all would I have to change for one of your front ends? I have a stock narrow glide on it now with only progressive components.
To answer your question, yes, performance is definitely an issue. I'm not into show bikes as you can tell by the bikes that I put together. These things are put together to ride the hell out of. Unfortunately, I am on a budget. But, I would rather hold out for something good rather than plunk change down on junk. That's why I absolutely will not own an Ultima front end. My forks are a little over 31 inches from top of tree to center of axle. I would like to keep that length and not compromise the rake at all. My FXDL has 32 degrees as opposed to the FXD's 29. Here's my wish list:
Black anodized inverted forks that will hopefully retain stock rake and length, use my 11.5 floating rotor.
I would love dual discs..would be awesome...but not sure about the hub I would need for my wheel. I have a Hogpro 21 inch front wheel that I love and want to continue to use. I spoke to Hogpro and they say they have other hubs that I could change out to if need be, such as wideglide hub etc. If it were only the cost of the frontend, that would be ok. But I'm afraid of the associated costs that go along with it such as hubs, spacing issues, expensive rotors, calipers etc.
You're frontends are very impressive and I would love to get more info and put together a parts and price list to see just what I would be looking at to complete the package.
Thanks,
Saint
What all would I have to change for one of your front ends? I have a stock narrow glide on it now with only progressive components.
To answer your question, yes, performance is definitely an issue. I'm not into show bikes as you can tell by the bikes that I put together. These things are put together to ride the hell out of. Unfortunately, I am on a budget. But, I would rather hold out for something good rather than plunk change down on junk. That's why I absolutely will not own an Ultima front end. My forks are a little over 31 inches from top of tree to center of axle. I would like to keep that length and not compromise the rake at all. My FXDL has 32 degrees as opposed to the FXD's 29. Here's my wish list:
Black anodized inverted forks that will hopefully retain stock rake and length, use my 11.5 floating rotor.
I would love dual discs..would be awesome...but not sure about the hub I would need for my wheel. I have a Hogpro 21 inch front wheel that I love and want to continue to use. I spoke to Hogpro and they say they have other hubs that I could change out to if need be, such as wideglide hub etc. If it were only the cost of the frontend, that would be ok. But I'm afraid of the associated costs that go along with it such as hubs, spacing issues, expensive rotors, calipers etc.
You're frontends are very impressive and I would love to get more info and put together a parts and price list to see just what I would be looking at to complete the package.
Thanks,
Saint
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
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From: Davie, FL
RE: Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
as far as “What all would I have to change for one of your front ends?: 2 Allan wrenches once you get your front end off. We provide the rest to use your own; Wideglide wheel, 11/16” master cylinder (2 caliper), front fender, internal fork stops, brake lines, headlight, risers, handlebars and bolts (direct bolt up to what you got & the same exact position as what you have now). I am sure your fairing can be mounted beforehand before black anodizing. Rotors, another story. I do not run those little 11.5” rotors but adapters can be made to use them with the 6 piston pair of differential calipers I provide with the front end. 320 mm rotors work much better IMO. A turn signal mount is your responsibility. That is it.
This is my every day bike with 1/2" raised in the rear shock (adjustable Shaft) to put more weight on the front wheel.
[IMG]local://upfiles/29413/ED759C0129134BCF907DDFD1BBA49C0C.jpg[/IMG]
This is my every day bike with 1/2" raised in the rear shock (adjustable Shaft) to put more weight on the front wheel.
[IMG]local://upfiles/29413/ED759C0129134BCF907DDFD1BBA49C0C.jpg[/IMG]
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
RE: Harley's inverted front end on FXDL?
These front ends are made & assembled in N. Miami. The axle has no adjustment as the whole package is made to use as a replacement FL Wideglide with all of the needed components. Everything lines right up exact. The hardest thing I see is making the fender mounting for your fender. As far as black, that is your preference, so be it. It takes me 45 min. to change my Dyna over.
Our front ends are nothing more than a set of 25mm Öhlins Superbike cartridges with our own valving, 43mm stanchion tubes, lugs (depending on what braking system you choose Radial or 6 pot side mount) and uppers. We spring & install shim pack to owner needs. Obviously there is a little more to it than this but just think Ohlins Superbike R&T forks on steroids.
This is in the middle of a install on my Dyna 2005. These triple tree design is for the FL with fairing only. The one above (smooth) is the app. for you. Any more, call me if you like. My friend just called me to go riding... Got To Go! Very cold tonight, going down to the 60's
[IMG]local://upfiles/29413/8BFA6449814D45F5A3221673DDB27FDE.jpg[/IMG]
Our front ends are nothing more than a set of 25mm Öhlins Superbike cartridges with our own valving, 43mm stanchion tubes, lugs (depending on what braking system you choose Radial or 6 pot side mount) and uppers. We spring & install shim pack to owner needs. Obviously there is a little more to it than this but just think Ohlins Superbike R&T forks on steroids.
This is in the middle of a install on my Dyna 2005. These triple tree design is for the FL with fairing only. The one above (smooth) is the app. for you. Any more, call me if you like. My friend just called me to go riding... Got To Go! Very cold tonight, going down to the 60's
[IMG]local://upfiles/29413/8BFA6449814D45F5A3221673DDB27FDE.jpg[/IMG]
