Springer fork maintenance
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Springer fork maintenance
I am considering buying a softail springer, but was wondering what the maintenance of a springer front end is. Can anybody give me insight to this? There are alot of pivot points so I figure there have to be bushings of some kind that may need to be maintained. Also, do these forks need rebuilding every so many miles or years?
I was at a dealership today and looking at a 2000 fxsts and they mentioned they had redone the front end. It made me start wondering if this is regular/usual for these forks.
Thanks,
Jason
I was at a dealership today and looking at a 2000 fxsts and they mentioned they had redone the front end. It made me start wondering if this is regular/usual for these forks.
Thanks,
Jason
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
RE: Springer fork maintenance
I've an '03 Heritage Springer with over 36,000 miles on it. I have the dealer take the front end apart, check the bearings and alignment, then retighten everything back up every 10,000 miles. He only charges me for an hour of labor since I usually have the full service done on the bike at the same time. He usually finds something that has worked loose but nothing major.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Springer fork maintenance
Jason:
See if you can arrange a test ride of a Springer before you buy one. I know some guys love 'em and others, well, aren't so enthusiastic about the ride quality compared to a hydraulic front end. The springer does not sell very well in either version of the softail and it is my understanding that the FXSTS will not be continued in '07.
I've always liked the look, though, regardless.
See if you can arrange a test ride of a Springer before you buy one. I know some guys love 'em and others, well, aren't so enthusiastic about the ride quality compared to a hydraulic front end. The springer does not sell very well in either version of the softail and it is my understanding that the FXSTS will not be continued in '07.
I've always liked the look, though, regardless.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 744
Likes: 4
From: The Communist Republic of New Jersey
RE: Springer fork maintenance
I love my FXSTS! I didn't find much of a difference in ride (front end) compared to my Sporty. Just slightly more vibration but no bottoming out. But most important it LOOKS COOL!!!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Springer fork maintenance
Its kinda funny the people that have negative things to say about the Springer are usually those who have never riden one. I can tell you that my FXSTSI rides like a Cadillac and is hands down a smoother ride than my dads Wide Glide. Im also not totally buying the no '07 rumor, Im thinking they will have a specail springer model such as a Badboy 2 or something.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
RE: Springer fork maintenance
I have ridden one, it was a short ride probably only 20-30 minutes and I did not feel it any different than hydraulic fork, BUT what did throw me off was going from a '96 Road King with stock bars to the springer softail with 18" apes- I am only 5'-8" so it was a hell of ride. I think I was hooked after that ride though.
This is what sparked my curiosity of the maintenance because I was like a kid in a candy store riding it and wasn't thinking straight until I got home and thought "huh, I never did ask the salesman any questions about it".
This is what sparked my curiosity of the maintenance because I was like a kid in a candy store riding it and wasn't thinking straight until I got home and thought "huh, I never did ask the salesman any questions about it".
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
RE: Springer fork maintenance
I have an 05 Springer with 16" wild 1 chubbies on it and I wouldn't trade it for any other Harley. Whenever I go in and have my warranty work done, they check everything over and I'm good to go. For the Springer model, I went in at the 1000 mile check up and at every 5000 miles after that. The recommended checkup for my Springer is every 5000 miles. No offense to the other Harleys, I just like the looks of the springer front end better and I haven't noticed anything uncomfortable about riding it unless it's my older back and butt than some here. 
Course that can be remedied also.
Course that can be remedied also.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BinksFXSTS
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
1
Jul 27, 2017 02:27 AM
donovann2o
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
5
Apr 20, 2011 12:54 PM
