Springer Newbie
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Springer Newbie
So help me out, I purchased a 2004 Softail Springer yesterday, but have yet to pick it up. What kind of ride can I expect out of it versus a traditional shock front end? I've always loved the look of the Springers and have wanted one for many years, so when the opportunity to pick one up presented itself, I jumped on it.
I've always ridden Touring bikes in the past but my knees and back have gotten to a point where I just can't do the heavy bikes any longer.
Any insights would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I've always ridden Touring bikes in the past but my knees and back have gotten to a point where I just can't do the heavy bikes any longer.
Any insights would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
Welcome to the Springer club!
I came from a Road King to a springer too. I love the old school look. They ride great, you do need to check the rocker drag every 10,000 miles (recommended). It's easy to do, the service manual tells you how. I had my HD dealer check mine and check my fall away (neck bearing adjustment), they charged 3 hours and it took them right about that so I cannot complain. I'll do it myself next time.
Now I don't like to give bad news so I hope I'm wrong on this... but frankly I find my springer heavier to pick up off the stand than my Road King and not as nimble at slow speeds. It does turn sharper, and I have no trouble with mine, but after I got it I was amazed how light the Road King felt at slow speeds but very stable on the highway. I'd say the Road King is more stable on the highway, but the Springer is just fine too, not quite as rock steady but close. I do have the 16" FL Springer so it doesn't follow ruts.
I hope your 21" springer will be lighter at low speeds than mine as mine is NOT as nimble as my Road King in parking lots and very slow speeds.
I know my words are not going to be welcome, I really hope your experience is different than mine. I will say I love my Springer and don't plan to go back and I hope yours doesn't bother you. Good news is, Springers seem to hold their value or even go up a little so that's good if you end up not loving it.
Please do keep us posted. Perhaps the 21" wheel will make a good difference. And if you decide to do the rocker service yourself, I can dig up a how to video for you.
I came from a Road King to a springer too. I love the old school look. They ride great, you do need to check the rocker drag every 10,000 miles (recommended). It's easy to do, the service manual tells you how. I had my HD dealer check mine and check my fall away (neck bearing adjustment), they charged 3 hours and it took them right about that so I cannot complain. I'll do it myself next time.
Now I don't like to give bad news so I hope I'm wrong on this... but frankly I find my springer heavier to pick up off the stand than my Road King and not as nimble at slow speeds. It does turn sharper, and I have no trouble with mine, but after I got it I was amazed how light the Road King felt at slow speeds but very stable on the highway. I'd say the Road King is more stable on the highway, but the Springer is just fine too, not quite as rock steady but close. I do have the 16" FL Springer so it doesn't follow ruts.
I hope your 21" springer will be lighter at low speeds than mine as mine is NOT as nimble as my Road King in parking lots and very slow speeds.
I know my words are not going to be welcome, I really hope your experience is different than mine. I will say I love my Springer and don't plan to go back and I hope yours doesn't bother you. Good news is, Springers seem to hold their value or even go up a little so that's good if you end up not loving it.
Please do keep us posted. Perhaps the 21" wheel will make a good difference. And if you decide to do the rocker service yourself, I can dig up a how to video for you.
this is a good forum too http://www.heritagespringer.com/foru...s.php/ubb/cfrm
I agree with Joe, the front end of the Heritage Springer is heavy, maybe the Softail Springer is less heavy I don't know. You get a little bounce from the front end when you go over bumps. I slightly overinflate my front tire to about 38psi rather than 36 which I think makes it more stable.
Post pics when you get it.
I agree with Joe, the front end of the Heritage Springer is heavy, maybe the Softail Springer is less heavy I don't know. You get a little bounce from the front end when you go over bumps. I slightly overinflate my front tire to about 38psi rather than 36 which I think makes it more stable.
Post pics when you get it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,282
From: Georgia
I find my FX Evo lighter in the front end lighter than a friends Heritage springer. I think the bars you run to make a difference along with your height and weight.Hard to compare with everyone being different.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 146
Likes: 2
From: New Paltz
I would be interested in that video if you come across it.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 87
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From: BC Canada
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Never ridden a Springer but I would really like too. All I can say is Springers are becoming more and more rare so being an owner is really cool. Congrats on the super cool ride
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 563
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From: Kansas City, MO
I picked the bike up today. Of course it was raining (new bike hex) but rode home from the dealer nonetheless. First impressions were that the bike is pretty stinkin' awesome.
Personally, I thought the ride was very smooth with the exception of largish bumps. It may have taken those a little less gracefully than my previous touring bikes, but not by much.
I found no problem maneuvering the bike at slower speeds, so maybe the 21" font wheel does make a difference? I will say though that I'm 6' and 245 lbs so I'm sure that plays into it as well.
After the rain broke, the wife hopped on and we took it for a short 40 mile 2-up ride. The bike still handled very elegantly. Although after we pick up the wife's new to her '13 Switchback on Tuesday, 2-ups will be a thing of the past.
All I know is, is that I'm looking forward to putting many miles on her.
I will post some pics of Sammy after I get her cleaned up from the rainy rides.
Thanks for the responses!
Personally, I thought the ride was very smooth with the exception of largish bumps. It may have taken those a little less gracefully than my previous touring bikes, but not by much.
I found no problem maneuvering the bike at slower speeds, so maybe the 21" font wheel does make a difference? I will say though that I'm 6' and 245 lbs so I'm sure that plays into it as well.
After the rain broke, the wife hopped on and we took it for a short 40 mile 2-up ride. The bike still handled very elegantly. Although after we pick up the wife's new to her '13 Switchback on Tuesday, 2-ups will be a thing of the past.
All I know is, is that I'm looking forward to putting many miles on her.
I will post some pics of Sammy after I get her cleaned up from the rainy rides.
Thanks for the responses!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I picked the bike up today. Of course it was raining (new bike hex) but rode home from the dealer nonetheless. First impressions were that the bike is pretty stinkin' awesome.
Personally, I thought the ride was very smooth with the exception of largish bumps. It may have taken those a little less gracefully than my previous touring bikes, but not by much.
I found no problem maneuvering the bike at slower speeds, so maybe the 21" font wheel does make a difference? I will say though that I'm 6' and 245 lbs so I'm sure that plays into it as well.
After the rain broke, the wife hopped on and we took it for a short 40 mile 2-up ride. The bike still handled very elegantly. Although after we pick up the wife's new to her '13 Switchback on Tuesday, 2-ups will be a thing of the past.
All I know is, is that I'm looking forward to putting many miles on her.
I will post some pics of Sammy after I get her cleaned up from the rainy rides.
Thanks for the responses!
Personally, I thought the ride was very smooth with the exception of largish bumps. It may have taken those a little less gracefully than my previous touring bikes, but not by much.
I found no problem maneuvering the bike at slower speeds, so maybe the 21" font wheel does make a difference? I will say though that I'm 6' and 245 lbs so I'm sure that plays into it as well.
After the rain broke, the wife hopped on and we took it for a short 40 mile 2-up ride. The bike still handled very elegantly. Although after we pick up the wife's new to her '13 Switchback on Tuesday, 2-ups will be a thing of the past.
All I know is, is that I'm looking forward to putting many miles on her.
I will post some pics of Sammy after I get her cleaned up from the rainy rides.
Thanks for the responses!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 264
Likes: 44
From: Hamilton. Ont
Congrats nice bike !