Front dual caliper question
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 25
From: MN
Front dual caliper question
Bike is an 85 Low Rider FXSB.
I don't have the bike handy to do a test fit so I'm asking you guys.
I'm going to swap out the stock narrow glide front end for an 80-83 dual disc Wide Glide front end.
My question is: Can I use the 84-99 calipers on the 80-83 lowers? The holes are 3 1/2 center to center like the 84-99 calipers. Are there other differences I need to take into consideration?
Thanks in Advance!
I don't have the bike handy to do a test fit so I'm asking you guys.
I'm going to swap out the stock narrow glide front end for an 80-83 dual disc Wide Glide front end.
My question is: Can I use the 84-99 calipers on the 80-83 lowers? The holes are 3 1/2 center to center like the 84-99 calipers. Are there other differences I need to take into consideration?
Thanks in Advance!
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 25
From: MN
So correct me if I'm wrong here, but from what I could find the only dual disc wide glide front ends available from 84-99 were touring models?
I don't like the look of a stripped down touring front end and don't want to run tins or the big headlight housing, but I want dual discs (whether the second disc is all that beneficial or not)
Do I have any other options beside aftermarket for a Harley 41mm dual disc wide glide front end?
I already have the triples and the lower fork legs and have a line on a set of tubes. Is there really that much difference in the ride? Could I not just upgrade the springs and dampners in the tubes or buy new progressive tubes to improve the ride?
I don't like the look of a stripped down touring front end and don't want to run tins or the big headlight housing, but I want dual discs (whether the second disc is all that beneficial or not)
Do I have any other options beside aftermarket for a Harley 41mm dual disc wide glide front end?
I already have the triples and the lower fork legs and have a line on a set of tubes. Is there really that much difference in the ride? Could I not just upgrade the springs and dampners in the tubes or buy new progressive tubes to improve the ride?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
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From: la la land jerzey
i never liked the front brake on the early fork they also had 10 inch rotors ( not many choices of styles ) and pad selection is not what one would expect and find on later forks - you also run into front master issues as the 2 early calipers require a 3/4 master note : its the smallest one harley has made for the HB, but the fluid flow IE the master mechanical advantage is different than the later 84 to 95 Squair box type master that is also 3/4 inch / it just does to me anyway feel the same or stop the same with the better switch and controls for the bigger box type master
i have installed that fork more than once for the same thing the look and your right it has an appeal
i have installed that fork more than once for the same thing the look and your right it has an appeal
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 272
Likes: 5
From: pomgolia
early 78 -83 brakes are useless & best avoided, you can fit aftermarket calipers but you are still stuck with 10" rotors
re later master cylinders, have one that has been modified to 3/4" that is going spare and needs a new home
re later master cylinders, have one that has been modified to 3/4" that is going spare and needs a new home
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Most early disc brakes were a liability! The 'stainless' material used for the rotors at that time was downright unsuitable for the job and the friction materials weren't either. The brake industry hasn't stood still over the last 30 years, so if you can find new modern aftermarket replacement rotors and ditto pads they should be significantly better than the original ones and probably fine on a WG.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Quartz Hill, CA
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 263
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From: MN
Sure, an FXR front end would be fine. If I didn't want a Wide Glide front end. 
Sssoooooooo, what are my options for a dual disc wide glide front end that will fit my bike?
Is there a way to "finish off" the tops of the lower legs on a set of touring lowers like the rubber boot on the wide glide forks? Personally I think they look like crap unfinished because I'm not running fork tins or the big headlight housing.
Sssoooooooo, what are my options for a dual disc wide glide front end that will fit my bike?
Is there a way to "finish off" the tops of the lower legs on a set of touring lowers like the rubber boot on the wide glide forks? Personally I think they look like crap unfinished because I'm not running fork tins or the big headlight housing.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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From: Ohio
edit...... sorry, you are looking for dual disc....... not sure
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 272
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From: pomgolia
performance machine 4 piston calipers transform the from end braking even with the tiny rotors