1975 XLCH
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Chillicothe, Ohio
1975 XLCH
hello everyone, I am new to hdforums and have posted this in another area, but I think it will answered and discussd better in here. I have a 75 XLCH that I got from a drunken customer (I used to be a bartender) and thought that I was getting a steal, well 5 years later it still isn't on the road, largely because I ran out of money to finish it (college is expensive), but now I have the money and time to finish it. So...I rally don't like the look of the sportster front end and would like to put a springer on it. Any advice would be appreciated. Piniongear, I am looking for your advice. Thank you to everyone who considers my dilemma.
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RE: 1975 XLCH
Here is a pic of my current work-in-progress. It's a 71 XLCH. It came to me with the springer already on it, so I really don't have any advice about putting one on. This will at least give you an idea of what one looks like on an XLCH. The bars are 16" apes. Some say that full size apes look odd on an ironhead, but I like the look of them... especially with the springer.
Chris
[IMG]local://upfiles/27947/FB6F7DD84DFC4B4CBB27100AC6E206E2.jpg[/IMG]
Chris
[IMG]local://upfiles/27947/FB6F7DD84DFC4B4CBB27100AC6E206E2.jpg[/IMG]
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Chillicothe, Ohio
RE: 1975 XLCH
Thank you for the pic. I LOVE THE WAY YOUR FRONT END LOOKS!!! However, you have now raised other ?'s. Do you not have front brakes? Does that change anything on the ride? Does it handle different, does the front end shake? What do you think of the ride?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: 1975 XLCH
jswhitex....
First let me say that I have zero experience installing a springer front fork on a Sportster. Before you do this, be sure to find out just what is needed.
I believe you may need different head stock bearings, and if so you will have to install them in your frame.
You will have to make sure what you buy will fit your particular frame.
As you just found out, you may have to do this without a front brake. Or, the brake may be lesser quality than what you really need. This is the biggest negative to doing the project in my view.
It is going to be very expensive as well. Buying a new wheel and the forks alone will be a big hit. Add to that new handlebars, new cables and controls(?), headlight.....you get the point, where does it end?
There is also the possibility that the machine will be worth less without the original forks should you decide to sell in the future. Old bikes are worth more if they are in original condition. So hang onto the old pieces of equipment. You could always put it back together.
Sorry I cannot help you more on this one, but that's the straight skinny from me.....pg
First let me say that I have zero experience installing a springer front fork on a Sportster. Before you do this, be sure to find out just what is needed.
I believe you may need different head stock bearings, and if so you will have to install them in your frame.
You will have to make sure what you buy will fit your particular frame.
As you just found out, you may have to do this without a front brake. Or, the brake may be lesser quality than what you really need. This is the biggest negative to doing the project in my view.
It is going to be very expensive as well. Buying a new wheel and the forks alone will be a big hit. Add to that new handlebars, new cables and controls(?), headlight.....you get the point, where does it end?
There is also the possibility that the machine will be worth less without the original forks should you decide to sell in the future. Old bikes are worth more if they are in original condition. So hang onto the old pieces of equipment. You could always put it back together.
Sorry I cannot help you more on this one, but that's the straight skinny from me.....pg
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Joined: Mar 2007
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RE: 1975 XLCH
Well...
Other than dirt bikes and ATVs I haven't ridden much so I can't tell you how my bike compares to others. I can tell you that I love the way it looks too. The front end does move up and down a fair amount, but that is the way the suspension is designed. It's fun to watch the suspension work, and it is easier to do so without the front fender.
There is a drum brake setup in the front wheel, but I haven't completed that yet. I have a lever, but need to come up with a cable and an operating lever to attach to the stud in the hub. I am only running the back brake at the moment. I need to rebuild that also since it takes a while for me to stop. I look forward to getting some help from the front end while braking.
Chris
Other than dirt bikes and ATVs I haven't ridden much so I can't tell you how my bike compares to others. I can tell you that I love the way it looks too. The front end does move up and down a fair amount, but that is the way the suspension is designed. It's fun to watch the suspension work, and it is easier to do so without the front fender.
There is a drum brake setup in the front wheel, but I haven't completed that yet. I have a lever, but need to come up with a cable and an operating lever to attach to the stud in the hub. I am only running the back brake at the moment. I need to rebuild that also since it takes a while for me to stop. I look forward to getting some help from the front end while braking.
Chris
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: 1975 XLCH
Sweet Jesus!!! Riding around on a bike with no front brake and relying on a drum that "takes a while to stop". You are gonna get killed. Those reardrum brakes weren't great when they were brand new. No way I'd want to use one as my only means to stop.
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Intermediate
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From:
RE: 1975 XLCH
I live in a rural area and have only taken the bike for a couple short runs. As I said before, it's a work in progress. I am planning on rebuilding the rear brake as well as trying to figure out what I need to get the front brake operational so I can actually stop in a more timely manner ;-)
Chris
Chris
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 770
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From: East NM
RE: 1975 XLCH
Take a look in the brake section in the online catalog here, http://www.antiquecyclesupply.com/ they might have what you need for your bike. When I built my '57 Pan, they had all the bits I needed to put together stock brakes. They are good people and will work with you to get what you need. If you don't see the right parts in the catalog, give them a call because the often get in stuff that's not listed.