Springer question
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 534
Likes: 85
From: NC
Springer question
Picked up an old shovel that someone put a springer (unknown make) on. This bike has a bunch of problems that I am fixing and one seems to be the front wheel spacing. I'm not super educated on springers and thats why Im here. The spacing on the wheel looks off. The top of the legs measures wider than the point where the axle goes through. Are they tapered or did ol boy mess up the wheel spacing and pinch it? The wheel looks alittle closer to the right side in the fender. I realize that the spacing on the brake side can't be altered too much as to where the brake meets the rotor. Any advice on where to go with this or who to ask? Should I buy a spacer and axle kit? I've seen some out there.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5,315
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From: Granville New York
I can't answer your particular question but I do know the hub offset is definitely different on a springer front end compared to traditional set of forks. I had an 06 springer and bent the front rim. Found a used one from an 06 night train and swapped my tire onto it and put it on the bike. Same story wheel was off center of the fender now. Being just a tad dumber at the time I figured it couldn't be that bad right? Lol...its was dangerous. After a couple phone calls I got the answer lol. Swapped the new/used outer rim with my spokes and hub. Problem solved..im guessing you're having a similar issue. One of these guys will be able to tell exactly what is going on. Good luck and it wouldn't hurt to post a couple pictures of new to you bike ya know?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 534
Likes: 85
From: NC
I can't answer your particular question but I do know the hub offset is definitely different on a springer front end compared to traditional set of forks. I had an 06 springer and bent the front rim. Found a used one from an 06 night train and swapped my tire onto it and put it on the bike. Same story wheel was off center of the fender now. Being just a tad dumber at the time I figured it couldn't be that bad right? Lol...its was dangerous. After a couple phone calls I got the answer lol. Swapped the new/used outer rim with my spokes and hub. Problem solved..im guessing you're having a similar issue. One of these guys will be able to tell exactly what is going on. Good luck and it wouldn't hurt to post a couple pictures of new to you bike ya know?
Thanks for the reply.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,441
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From: Southeast
Not 100 percent sure, but do the rockers go on the inside of the forks on aftermarket springers? My 05 Softail Springer has a different mount for the rockers, so I can't help there. By "different", I mean the OEM fork goes over each side of the rocker and the bolt goes through both sides with the rocker in the middle. if that makes sense.
(EDIT- A quick search shows that the rockers ARE on the outside.) Not much help for ya. Sorry.
(EDIT- A quick search shows that the rockers ARE on the outside.) Not much help for ya. Sorry.
Last edited by Tcrafty; Dec 27, 2023 at 08:52 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 534
Likes: 85
From: NC
Not 100 percent sure, but do the rockers go on the inside of the forks on aftermarket springers? My 05 Softail Springer has a different mount for the rockers, so I can't help there. By "different", I mean the OEM fork goes over each side of the rocker and the bolt goes through both sides with the rocker in the middle. if that makes sense.
(EDIT- A quick search shows that the rockers ARE on the outside.) Not much help for ya. Sorry.
(EDIT- A quick search shows that the rockers ARE on the outside.) Not much help for ya. Sorry.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,583
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From: Long Island, New York
Well for sure that is not a springer from the MoCo, neither modern or from way back when. So we are in full custom land, anything could be right or wrong.
I would assume that you are correct that the legs should be straight and that one or both spacers are too short, resulting in pinching the legs together. As eigheight stated, loosen the axel nut and see if they start to spread apart.
Custom spacers are out there, either pre cut or stock to cut to length. A bit a patience, accurate measuring and some time you should be able to sort it out so things are straight. Not only do you need to space the wheel to keep things straight, you are going to need to keep the rotor centered on the caliper. They may require shimming the caliper or the rotor, caliper is probably the best answer. Good thing it is winter, good luck.
I would assume that you are correct that the legs should be straight and that one or both spacers are too short, resulting in pinching the legs together. As eigheight stated, loosen the axel nut and see if they start to spread apart.
Custom spacers are out there, either pre cut or stock to cut to length. A bit a patience, accurate measuring and some time you should be able to sort it out so things are straight. Not only do you need to space the wheel to keep things straight, you are going to need to keep the rotor centered on the caliper. They may require shimming the caliper or the rotor, caliper is probably the best answer. Good thing it is winter, good luck.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
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From: Southeast
What's the possibility of heading to the hardware store and buying a bunch of washers that fit the axle bolt, then "assemble" the necessary spacing using the appropriate number of washers?
Once you get everything centered properly, you could then measure the washer stacks and get the proper-sized spacers, no?
(I'll bet you were thinking I was going to recommend keeping the washers, weren't you?)
Once you get everything centered properly, you could then measure the washer stacks and get the proper-sized spacers, no?
(I'll bet you were thinking I was going to recommend keeping the washers, weren't you?)