Why does HD make the Narrow Glide?
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 26
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From: Saint George,Utah(non mormon)
Why does HD make the Narrow Glide?
I was just wondering why Harley even makes the narrow glide front ends?Does it serve some purpose? seems like nobody likes it and changes it out on thier bikes,hence all the narrow glide conversion kits.I would really like to know.I have ridden both and don't really feel a handling difference(very slight).
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
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From: Deltona, FL
Mostly because they still use them on the models they originally came from, the Sportsters. Also, tradition. After all, there is no technological reason to keep making the springer front end either, or for that matter an air cooled 45* v-twin.
You might as well ask why do they stay in business...
You might as well ask why do they stay in business...
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Saint George,Utah(non mormon)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 1,776
From: USA
I care and was wondering because I have to spend the money to put a wide glide on a bike that otherwise I like alot!And they still make the springer because it's cool,narrow glides are not! I have never met or heard of anyone that likes and prefers the narrow glide,so I just wondered why it's still around.
how many wide fork fronts do you see on sport bikes?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,495
Likes: 3,705
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Your "narrow glide" front end sprouted wings when MoCo decided to mate a Sporty front end to a stripped down FLH frame and 74ci engine. Done it weighed in at only a few more pounds than the Sportster. This came to be known as the "FX" Super Glide 1200; the "F" came from the FLH and the "X" from the Sportster. The idea was to create a "cool" factory custom that anyone would walk into the dealer and buy.
Less weight, better handling in some opinions, different look than a full bagger.
In Kali I do not see folks trading out front ends. As far as handling, there are guys that ride them and swear by the handling characteristics of them. Think the FXR series (when MoCo put the FX in a rubber-mounted frame) were probably one of the best adaptations of the FX series to help establish that.
Less weight, better handling in some opinions, different look than a full bagger.
In Kali I do not see folks trading out front ends. As far as handling, there are guys that ride them and swear by the handling characteristics of them. Think the FXR series (when MoCo put the FX in a rubber-mounted frame) were probably one of the best adaptations of the FX series to help establish that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
So who or what is making you change your front end?
I like the narrow look, not as cool as a chrome springer (do they still make those?), but on the right bike it fits and looks right.
I like the narrow look, not as cool as a chrome springer (do they still make those?), but on the right bike it fits and looks right.
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Intermediate
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From: Saint George,Utah(non mormon)
thanks
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
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From: Warwick, RI
06up narrow glide replaced by mid glide. So in reality ... they don't. At Least for the dynas
Doesn't matter either way. Not like you bought a brand spanking new bike and have to change an otherwise perfect bike. You bought an 02 and want to make changes. Has no relevance on what HD is doing NOW (49MM midglide on your lowrider)
Doesn't matter either way. Not like you bought a brand spanking new bike and have to change an otherwise perfect bike. You bought an 02 and want to make changes. Has no relevance on what HD is doing NOW (49MM midglide on your lowrider)
