Front fork extension
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 4
From: Aspen, Colorado-living in a trailer, 4 part time jobs & a 15 yr old HD
Front fork extension
Can I put a longer fork on my softail? Will this screw up the handling of the bike? Anybody have any pics?
Thx
Thx
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
How much longer are you looking at?
I had a really long front end on my panhead and a 4" longer one on my shovelhead. It wasn't much different to me but my panhead was a job to turn. Other than that, for me, it didn't make much of a difference.
I had a really long front end on my panhead and a 4" longer one on my shovelhead. It wasn't much different to me but my panhead was a job to turn. Other than that, for me, it didn't make much of a difference.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 4
From: Aspen, Colorado-living in a trailer, 4 part time jobs & a 15 yr old HD
Bout 4"....
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 4
From: Aspen, Colorado-living in a trailer, 4 part time jobs & a 15 yr old HD
Nice looking ride! Thx for the feedback...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
Back in the 70's the riders in my area were all putting 2" or 4" over front ends on Superglides and Sporsters.....
I don't remember anyone having an issue......
A few went with 6" and 8" over front ends. I thought they looked ridiculous....
I'm sure someone who understands steering geometry will probably chime in....
I don't remember anyone having an issue......
A few went with 6" and 8" over front ends. I thought they looked ridiculous....
I'm sure someone who understands steering geometry will probably chime in....
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 414
Likes: 112
From: illinois
hattitude, I remember those days too. Only around here it was 4 or 6 over tubes, sissy bar, and drag pipes. I had 4 over on my Sportster when I bought it. After a run in with an Oldsmobile all I could get locally was 6 over. The 4 overs weren't bad but the 6 overs ruined the handling and made it feel top heavy. I got the stock tubes from the seller and it handled way better than either of the other two.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
i put 2 inch fork ext. on a previous bike and it was fine. there is a a company that makes them so you can add length without changing the forks. if you are interested and cant find it, i saved the link.
i think mine handled better after adding the 2 inches.
i think mine handled better after adding the 2 inches.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
hattitude, I remember those days too. Only around here it was 4 or 6 over tubes, sissy bar, and drag pipes. I had 4 over on my Sportster when I bought it. After a run in with an Oldsmobile all I could get locally was 6 over. The 4 overs weren't bad but the 6 overs ruined the handling and made it feel top heavy. I got the stock tubes from the seller and it handled way better than either of the other two.
A friend had a '72 Sportster with a 4" over front end. I loved riding that bike except for the right side shift.... that always threw me!
When I bought my '78 FXS, one of the factory custom features was 2" over forks... That bike rode great! I miss that bike.....!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 414
Likes: 112
From: illinois
The Sportster I had was a 72 XLCH. That right side shifter was what caused my run in with the Oldsmobile. The car suddenly stopped in front of me and I grabbed the clutch and hit the shifter instead of the brake. Needless to say I didn't slow down at all until I hit the Oldsmobile doing about 25 to 30mph. Walked away with a few scrapes and bruises and a little wiser. The next bike I bought was a brand new 79 Lowrider. That was a sweet bike that I wish I still owned.
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Nov 23, 2008 11:00 PM