Good afternoon. Kinda baffled here. I recently purchased a 2003 softail standard. They lower forks have been changed and it seems I have no travel in the suspension. Bike is in very good shape. Not sure if this was done on purpose or if something is wrong. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

I can't think of any reason why they don't move! Apply the front brake when stationary and try to push up and down on the handlebars, to see if there is any movement. If not the sliders may be binding, so slacken the wheel axle nut and fork cap and repeat the brake test. If still no movement, remove the front wheel. Each slider should turn on the fork tube and you should be able to push the slider upwards, against the spring. If still no movement then you need to dismantle the forks to see what is going on inside them.

Let us know what you find. Hope that helps a bit!

 

Not only there is a mechanical issue, this would be horribly unsafe to ride.

 

Sorry for the late reply I was in Alaska picking up my daughter. I loosened the axle but and the for clamp. Still no movement. I mean zero. Nothing seems to be in a bind. What puzzles me is when I purchased it they put new tires on. I can believe I didn't notice and I'm embarrassed too. Seems like it must be internal. I have no experience with forks and I lack a bike jack. Thank you very much for the help.