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Should Harley-Davidson bring back the Springer? I have heard that they stopped making it because: 1) The molds were worn out 2) there can only be one brake rotor on a Springer Front End 3) Springers are incompatible with ABS systems 4) Springers are not very good on the heavy bikes
I bought a Springer (Bad Boy) New in late 96 for the 1997 Model year. (The Last year for the BB) I still have it and I love it. It rides as smooth as the day I bought it. I have taken care of it and grease the moving parts up occasionally. I also tighten things up if necessary. I also have an Evo FXSTC and I have to say, the springer rides a little better than the hydraulic forks. I still use type E fluid in my Softail Custom, so its all still pretty much stock, including the springs.
But as for style, the springer is the best front end Harley-Davidson has ever made in my opinion. I still cant believe they stopped making it. As much as Harley-Davidson likes to give a nod to the past, I cant help but wonder why they stopped making them. If the Springer wasn't compatible with the heavier bikes why not just on the lighter softail line?
Last edited by SirHarley; Nov 13, 2019 at 04:48 PM.
Reason: correction
You can beat the look of the HD's Springer Front End. I ran them on Knucks and Pans back in the 60's and 70's. I still have my 2004 FXSTS. I think this model were discontinue due to demands.
I recently watched one of Matt Laidlaws videos on YouTube and he mentioned in it that Harley couldnt or didnt want to persue incorporating ABS into the Springer models, so there could be some truth to the third point you had listed. I personally wish they'd bring them back. I could live without ABS just fine.
For me the Springer front ends are what always drew me and just always had that old school cool look. Be it the WWII Workhorse WLA, the 1999 Heritage Springer that my uncle owns, or in my case, the Crossbones.
The Soft Tail Springer is by far the best looking bike ever made by HD. Great selling model always. Wonder how they would stop selling such a great looking and more importantly, great selling bike? And they wonder why they are have money issues... Just my 2 cents...
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Harley-Davidson Springer
