Springer owners, any good options for the springer front shock? Anyone using the V-factor replacement shock with good results? Mine is due for a change.

 

I've got 2 Springers... haven't needed a new front shock yet...

Please post up what you end up doing and your review of the shock you purchase...

 

I would be surprised if it is not rebuildable. Might be worth consideration as shocks are really pretty easy to rebuild.

 

OP, the above suggestion is really worth looking into....

I just checked. Surprisingly, the front shock for your Springer is still available from Harley. It's #54485-97. I'm not surprised to find it costs $335.53..

Refreshing to see Harley sells the shock decal for $8.64 ea.

On eBay people are asking 2x to 4x that amount...

 

There is a well reviewed good one for like over $1,000? (Fournales?) I looked into a few and most are just no longer available. There’s a fancy one that was even more from like Switzerland or Germany…?

 

Just curious - what makes you think it needs to be replaced? Truly, I'm not being snarky. My springer is over 20 years old, and it seems to function properly.... IMWTK!

Thanks!

 

I'm probably wrong but, I think that shock has two features, 1. Compression and 2. Rebound.

This reminds me of an old "Monroe shocks" display at the Auto Parts store many years ago. One shock was a new Monroe shock, and the other was an old unlabeled shock. They were both mounted to a lever of sorts. When you pulled down on the lever, it compressed the shocks, and when you let go of the lever you could see and compare the rebound effect of both shocks.
At the time I was too young and too weak to pull down on that darn lever. Now I'm curious about what the Service Manual says concerning inspection and service of the Springer shock absorber.

.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Function-wise, the original shock on m y 97 works fine. I just get annoyed by the dust cover that tends to rotate and the decal ends up like in the photo here LOL. Not a big deal, and I definitely won't be buying a new one from H-D.

 

Take the "decal" off. There, saved ya a few hundred bucks.

Seriously, if that is all the issue is, the shroud rotating. I would find a way to hold it in the position you prefer.
Maybe a rubber O-ring on the top flange surface, touch of RTV, plastic spacer? Should not be to had to lock in place.

 

Yeah, I've thought of that. The '97 decal is a metal badge that I can heat and relocate but then it would probably rotate the other way lol. Actually I can turn the cover back and wedge it into place so it stays for awhile. I was looking more for feedback on aftermarket shocks, but no big deal. Thanks.