Springer front ends
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 790
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From: AZ
Springer front ends
I like the looks of the 2003 Black Heritage Springer. Are Springer front ends less maintenance than standard front ends? I ride a 1995 Nostalgia and want to upgrade into a twin cam softail. Anything I should know before looking further? Thank's.
[IMG]local://upfiles/46904/6D7D7F7E2C63404BBBDBAFB7A095BD20.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/46904/6D7D7F7E2C63404BBBDBAFB7A095BD20.jpg[/IMG]
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Springer front ends
They are not "less" maintenance as they tend to eat head bearings quickey than the usual tube fork setup.
But on the plus side it doesn't need to have anyseals or fluids to change.
You should however take apart, clean and lube what moving parts it does have on aregular basis to maximize there lifespan.
Overall its more a difference in kind of maintenance, rather than the overall quantity of work. I have seen both kinds that were neglected far longer than is recomended without ill effects. But as always a little preventive maintenance can go a long way towards insuring a long, trouble free, and safelifespan.
PS its a nice looking bike, and if you like it and the price is something you can live with, grab it.
You'll only besorry if you let something you really want get away.
But on the plus side it doesn't need to have anyseals or fluids to change.
You should however take apart, clean and lube what moving parts it does have on aregular basis to maximize there lifespan.
Overall its more a difference in kind of maintenance, rather than the overall quantity of work. I have seen both kinds that were neglected far longer than is recomended without ill effects. But as always a little preventive maintenance can go a long way towards insuring a long, trouble free, and safelifespan.
PS its a nice looking bike, and if you like it and the price is something you can live with, grab it.
You'll only besorry if you let something you really want get away.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Springer front ends
I've got a 06 FX Springer but the front ends are identical, sans chrome. No issues. I like mine a lot. I suppose there might be some ride related comfort issues (Springers have a reputation for being a rougher ride as compared to standard forks) but after the first 15 miles I didn't notice. I'd ride mine all day if it wasn't for the need to refuel and my undisciplined bladder.
Citoriplus hit the nail on the head. Preventative maintenance is the key in both cases.
It's true; there is a more frequent adjustment/lubrication interval on my Springer as compared with regular front ends (every 2500 miles versus every 10,000 for regular forks). Plus, I have to also check and adjust (if necessary) the rocker bearings. But, I do not have to deal with fork seals or oil. I know they tend to have a reputation following them about eating head bearings. I've heard some say they went through bearings at the rapid rate. But I have also heard people say they have 25-35K miles racked up and have neverworked the front end at all. Hard to say which ones, if any, are abnormal examples. Perhaps luck plays a roll. Regardless, regular maintenance will certainly help you hedge you bet that the front end will last a long time.
Bottom line, either fork assembly will give you good service if maintained properly. It really boils down to what you like. To me, maintenance is maintenance. Besides, anytime I have an excuse to ride or turn a wrench on my bike, I jump on it.
Citoriplus hit the nail on the head. Preventative maintenance is the key in both cases.
It's true; there is a more frequent adjustment/lubrication interval on my Springer as compared with regular front ends (every 2500 miles versus every 10,000 for regular forks). Plus, I have to also check and adjust (if necessary) the rocker bearings. But, I do not have to deal with fork seals or oil. I know they tend to have a reputation following them about eating head bearings. I've heard some say they went through bearings at the rapid rate. But I have also heard people say they have 25-35K miles racked up and have neverworked the front end at all. Hard to say which ones, if any, are abnormal examples. Perhaps luck plays a roll. Regardless, regular maintenance will certainly help you hedge you bet that the front end will last a long time.
Bottom line, either fork assembly will give you good service if maintained properly. It really boils down to what you like. To me, maintenance is maintenance. Besides, anytime I have an excuse to ride or turn a wrench on my bike, I jump on it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From:
RE: Springer front ends
ORIGINAL: forever 2 wheels
I like the looks of the 2003 Black Heritage Springer. Are Springer front ends less maintenance than standard front ends? I ride a 1995 Nostalgia and want to upgrade into a twin cam softail. Anything I should know before looking further? Thank's.
[IMG]local://upfiles/46904/6D7D7F7E2C63404BBBDBAFB7A095BD20.jpg[/IMG]
I like the looks of the 2003 Black Heritage Springer. Are Springer front ends less maintenance than standard front ends? I ride a 1995 Nostalgia and want to upgrade into a twin cam softail. Anything I should know before looking further? Thank's.
[IMG]local://upfiles/46904/6D7D7F7E2C63404BBBDBAFB7A095BD20.jpg[/IMG]
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 54
From: Mansfield, MA
RE: Springer front ends
Nothing beats a Heritage Springer....I've got two....Springers require maintenance, but so does everything.....Grab that thing up and check out heritagespringer.com
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 6
From: AZ
RE: Springer front ends
Harley_Dude. I thought the 2003 Springer with the twin cam counter balanced engine would be a better ride. Is there something I should know? I have had the Nostalgia about 6 years and thought it was time for a change. Other than that the bike is great and it does get a lot of attention and always gets me home! Thank you for the compliment on the bike!
[IMG]local://upfiles/46904/0F05C740BBD54EBC896C7A3E65904EAE.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/46904/0F05C740BBD54EBC896C7A3E65904EAE.jpg[/IMG]
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
RE: Springer front ends
From what I understand the problem with the head bearings was in the earlier Springers. I've got almost 60,000 miles on my '03 Heritage Springer and the bearings are in just as good a shape as when I bought it. I also have the HD shop completely take apart and adjust the springer every 10,000 miles when they do the maintenance on it. The only time I notice a ride difference is slow manuevering, the front is harder to steer vs. the hydraulic front ends.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
From: Weatherford, Texas
RE: Springer front ends
I've ridden both - I own a '05 Springer Classic. After almost 40,000 miles I wouldn't trade it for the other. Rode a Road King for a week and I was amazed how much better mine was on the Highway, less wind buffeting (springer heavier on front end). Turns? Unless you ride them back to back, there is little difference. Don't knock'em til you try them!
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