Springer comments appreciated
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 419
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RE: Springer comments appreciated
My wife had a 93, loved it. Sold it to a friend and it's still on the road with over 65K miles.
She has had 2 Sportys, Dyna and Heritage FLSTN. Of all those bikes, she still refers to the Springer as the best bike she owned for ride, comfort and ease of handling.
The only issue you need to be aware of (at least on the older ones) was that the fork bearings need to be replaced every 12K or so. Maybe they have improved them now but that was her experience.
Great ride - actually I liked it better than standard forks. You just have to be careful not to get hypnotized watching the spring/forks while riding!
The other part is they are not that common so when you ride in on a Springer you get noticed a little more. BUY IT - you won't have any regrets. They even look good with the aux lights.
She has had 2 Sportys, Dyna and Heritage FLSTN. Of all those bikes, she still refers to the Springer as the best bike she owned for ride, comfort and ease of handling.
The only issue you need to be aware of (at least on the older ones) was that the fork bearings need to be replaced every 12K or so. Maybe they have improved them now but that was her experience.
Great ride - actually I liked it better than standard forks. You just have to be careful not to get hypnotized watching the spring/forks while riding!
The other part is they are not that common so when you ride in on a Springer you get noticed a little more. BUY IT - you won't have any regrets. They even look good with the aux lights.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,737
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RE: Springer comments appreciated
I dont have an FX springer, but I have an FL Springer classic! I love it! The suspension is great! Never had any problems, The suspension took about 1K to break in. I have single disc in the front, but it stops fine! No problems at all! Get iT
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Springer comments appreciated
I've got an 06 FXSTSI and love it. You'll probably get a lot of good reviews so I'll focus on the 'bad' if anything can really be said bad about them.
The issue with the brakes is allegedly that heavy braking could fold up the forks on you. It is only a single piston caliper and compared to my Sporty it isn't quite as strong. But, the Softy is a bit heavier than the Sporty. In any case, it'll stop you no problem. I haven't ridden a standard Softy to compare the braking power - that would probably be a better comparison. I'm sure you can find an aftermarket caliper that would up the stopping power. I'm content with mine so I have never looked into that.
They did stop production models in 06 but you can get a CVO model from 07 and now 08. They are sharp looking bikes with lots of extra stuff; comes at a price though. I think the 08 CVO here locally is in the $28-29K range.
The fork bearings aren't a major issue. Keep them greased per normal maintenance and have things checked and tightened and you are fine. It's definitely wasn't something that made me hesitate from purchasing.
Check with your local dealer to see if they can locate any leftover new 06's anywhere. I know my local dealer has a leftover 06 FLSTS. It's possible there's one out there for you. If not, I'm sure there are used ones available. Just not mine. I'm riding this one until the wheels fall off and then getting new wheels.
I love mine. I have no regrets for buying a Springer. It's a great riding bike, handles well, is comfortable, and has that look. Its a keeper.
[IMG]local://upfiles/5927/65565F07D08D4F11A941081EC8809DF4.jpg[/IMG]
The issue with the brakes is allegedly that heavy braking could fold up the forks on you. It is only a single piston caliper and compared to my Sporty it isn't quite as strong. But, the Softy is a bit heavier than the Sporty. In any case, it'll stop you no problem. I haven't ridden a standard Softy to compare the braking power - that would probably be a better comparison. I'm sure you can find an aftermarket caliper that would up the stopping power. I'm content with mine so I have never looked into that.
They did stop production models in 06 but you can get a CVO model from 07 and now 08. They are sharp looking bikes with lots of extra stuff; comes at a price though. I think the 08 CVO here locally is in the $28-29K range.
The fork bearings aren't a major issue. Keep them greased per normal maintenance and have things checked and tightened and you are fine. It's definitely wasn't something that made me hesitate from purchasing.
Check with your local dealer to see if they can locate any leftover new 06's anywhere. I know my local dealer has a leftover 06 FLSTS. It's possible there's one out there for you. If not, I'm sure there are used ones available. Just not mine. I'm riding this one until the wheels fall off and then getting new wheels.
I love mine. I have no regrets for buying a Springer. It's a great riding bike, handles well, is comfortable, and has that look. Its a keeper.
[IMG]local://upfiles/5927/65565F07D08D4F11A941081EC8809DF4.jpg[/IMG]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,716
Likes: 103
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RE: Springer comments appreciated
Have a 93 FXSTC and a 94 FXSTS, love em both, the only differences IMO are the narrow width of the springer takes a little getting used to after riding the wideglide. Also there is a little more maintenace involved in the springer front end. Your neck bearing will not last nearly as long (20K) and the front end needs rebuild around 25-30K. The springer is good looking and no one ever mistakes it for a metric.
Also the springer still uses the old brake caliper, not the new 4 piston one. Look around and rent one $100 can not be better spent.
My springer is lowered and is a hoot in the mountains, corners like a dream!
Sorry can't post pictures.
Also the springer still uses the old brake caliper, not the new 4 piston one. Look around and rent one $100 can not be better spent.
My springer is lowered and is a hoot in the mountains, corners like a dream!
Sorry can't post pictures.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
From: Nor-Cal
RE: Springer comments appreciated
No isssues whatsoever with mine.As far as braking is concerned I,ve never had a problem getting mine stopped in an Emergency situation.I will likely keep this bike forever.Everyone else has pretty much summed up everything that comes to mind as far as an other concerns.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 123
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RE: Springer comments appreciated
I own an '03 FXSTS, so I can't say a ton about the '06 bikes ... But the FXSTS is far and away my favorite Harley. I've owned a new one back in '97 as well, and the '03 is a better bike. I could imagine the '06 is better still.
If I have a bias towards the way the Springer looks and rides, it's based on experience. I've owned a Sporty, a Dyna Wide Glide, a Softail Custom, and these two Softail Springers. The FXSTS is just the bike for me - No contest. Have a look if you've got a few minutes to kill >>
http://mohotcars.com/hd.html
Get the FXSTS - You'll thank yourself later!!
Mike
If I have a bias towards the way the Springer looks and rides, it's based on experience. I've owned a Sporty, a Dyna Wide Glide, a Softail Custom, and these two Softail Springers. The FXSTS is just the bike for me - No contest. Have a look if you've got a few minutes to kill >>
http://mohotcars.com/hd.html
Get the FXSTS - You'll thank yourself later!!
Mike
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: Springer comments appreciated
Thanks for all your input, it makes decision making easier.Mind you i would still like one of everything.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 123
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RE: Springer comments appreciated
ORIGINAL: Citoriplus
Very nice looking bike Mike, bet it took a while to get that polished up.
Very nice looking bike Mike, bet it took a while to get that polished up.