Which would ride better?
Thread Starter
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
Which would ride better?
I've been thinkin' about changin' the front end on my bike. I've always been a fan of Springers, so I was thinkin' about goin' that route. I've also been thinkin' about the AME Chopper Kit with another 14* of rake and 8" over tubes because I like the old school 60's/70's chopper look. Obviously, the rake will decrease the handling of the bike. I'm wondering if the rake would decrease the comfort in any way. Would the springer front end or the raked front end be more comfortable for a nice long ride?
Thread Starter
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: Which would ride better?
ORIGINAL: Luxe
I like the idea of a springer front end, but I would not go the route of a rake change.
I like the idea of a springer front end, but I would not go the route of a rake change.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Which would ride better?
Can't speak to the rake change but I have a Deuce and an FX Springer so I can provide side by side comparison to the front ends.
I don't personally notice any significant difference in handling or cushioning. The only difference I feel, and admitedly is painfully obvious, is in the braking. The OEM HD Springer front end has a single piston caliper. The Springer front braking is significantly inferior to standard tubed fork brakes. It's manageable - you aren't going to sail through intersections because you can't stop. It's just something to consider when looking at the swap.
If you go with an HD Springer front end and you want to retain braking ability comparable to what you have now, I suggest looking at adding a floating rotor and possibly an aftermarket brake caliper. There are a few options out there that allow you to go to a multi-piston caliper that will not require a master cylinder swap. The HD floating rotors perform as well as some of the aftermarket brands with the added benefit of being significantly less expensive. Plus, the HD rotors do not require you to change calipers or pads. Some of the other variations require one, the other, or both.
If you go aftermarket, you'll have to make those decisions anyway.
Only requirement any way you go is to post big pics when its all done.
I don't personally notice any significant difference in handling or cushioning. The only difference I feel, and admitedly is painfully obvious, is in the braking. The OEM HD Springer front end has a single piston caliper. The Springer front braking is significantly inferior to standard tubed fork brakes. It's manageable - you aren't going to sail through intersections because you can't stop. It's just something to consider when looking at the swap.
If you go with an HD Springer front end and you want to retain braking ability comparable to what you have now, I suggest looking at adding a floating rotor and possibly an aftermarket brake caliper. There are a few options out there that allow you to go to a multi-piston caliper that will not require a master cylinder swap. The HD floating rotors perform as well as some of the aftermarket brands with the added benefit of being significantly less expensive. Plus, the HD rotors do not require you to change calipers or pads. Some of the other variations require one, the other, or both.
If you go aftermarket, you'll have to make those decisions anyway.
Only requirement any way you go is to post big pics when its all done.
Thread Starter
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Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: Which would ride better?
Thanks, bensonjv! I never thought about the braking difference.
I gotta convince the Mrs to let me spend the money, but I'll get it done eventually. If I go with the raked setup, I'm gonna have the new trees and hardware powdercoated black and keep my black lowers. So it would look like it does now, but with longer tubes and that front tire stickin' out quite a bit further. If I go with the Springer front end, I was thinking about powdercoating the front part of it including the headlight and leaving the back part of it chrome. Or doing the back part of it black and leaving the front all chrome and having the bars powdercoated also. I would definitely get some pictures up after I had it done.
I gotta convince the Mrs to let me spend the money, but I'll get it done eventually. If I go with the raked setup, I'm gonna have the new trees and hardware powdercoated black and keep my black lowers. So it would look like it does now, but with longer tubes and that front tire stickin' out quite a bit further. If I go with the Springer front end, I was thinking about powdercoating the front part of it including the headlight and leaving the back part of it chrome. Or doing the back part of it black and leaving the front all chrome and having the bars powdercoated also. I would definitely get some pictures up after I had it done.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Which would ride better?
Love my Springer, I havent ridden a traditional front end in a long time but i have no problem w/ the braking on my springer. I LOVEE the way it handles & the turning radius is super tight, my MSF instructors bet me i couldnt do a Uturn in a 16 ft box, that was an easy $50 & they were astounded! LOL
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Utah
RE: Which would ride better?
ORIGINAL: bensonjv
Can't speak to the rake change but I have a Deuce and an FX Springer so I can provide side by side comparison to the front ends.
I don't personally notice any significant difference in handling or cushioning. The only difference I feel, and admitedly is painfully obvious, is in the braking. The OEM HD Springer front end has a single piston caliper. The Springer front braking is significantly inferior to standard tubed fork brakes. It's manageable - you aren't going to sail through intersections because you can't stop. It's just something to consider when looking at the swap.
If you go with an HD Springer front end and you want to retain braking ability comparable to what you have now, I suggest looking at adding a floating rotor and possibly an aftermarket brake caliper. There are a few options out there that allow you to go to a multi-piston caliper that will not require a master cylinder swap. The HD floating rotors perform as well as some of the aftermarket brands with the added benefit of being significantly less expensive. Plus, the HD rotors do not require you to change calipers or pads. Some of the other variations require one, the other, or both.
If you go aftermarket, you'll have to make those decisions anyway.
Only requirement any way you go is to post big pics when its all done.
Can't speak to the rake change but I have a Deuce and an FX Springer so I can provide side by side comparison to the front ends.
I don't personally notice any significant difference in handling or cushioning. The only difference I feel, and admitedly is painfully obvious, is in the braking. The OEM HD Springer front end has a single piston caliper. The Springer front braking is significantly inferior to standard tubed fork brakes. It's manageable - you aren't going to sail through intersections because you can't stop. It's just something to consider when looking at the swap.
If you go with an HD Springer front end and you want to retain braking ability comparable to what you have now, I suggest looking at adding a floating rotor and possibly an aftermarket brake caliper. There are a few options out there that allow you to go to a multi-piston caliper that will not require a master cylinder swap. The HD floating rotors perform as well as some of the aftermarket brands with the added benefit of being significantly less expensive. Plus, the HD rotors do not require you to change calipers or pads. Some of the other variations require one, the other, or both.
If you go aftermarket, you'll have to make those decisions anyway.
Only requirement any way you go is to post big pics when its all done.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
RE: Which would ride better?
The only thing is the frontheadlight bounces a little on the springer and not on the standard front end
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 0
From: Tri-Cities, Washington
RE: Which would ride better?
I like the look of springers, but have never ridden one, so can't comment on the performance. But to give you the obligatory bad time, you outta change the seat on that custom! Looks kinda like a big slug. (kiddin, you have a good looking ride)
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: NH
RE: Which would ride better?
ORIGINAL: Live2Ride
I've been thinkin' about changin' the front end on my bike. I've always been a fan of Springers, so I was thinkin' about goin' that route. I've also been thinkin' about the AME Chopper Kit with another 14* of rake and 8" over tubes because I like the old school 60's/70's chopper look. Obviously, the rake will decrease the handling of the bike. I'm wondering if the rake would decrease the comfort in any way. Would the springer front end or the raked front end be more comfortable for a nice long ride?
I've been thinkin' about changin' the front end on my bike. I've always been a fan of Springers, so I was thinkin' about goin' that route. I've also been thinkin' about the AME Chopper Kit with another 14* of rake and 8" over tubes because I like the old school 60's/70's chopper look. Obviously, the rake will decrease the handling of the bike. I'm wondering if the rake would decrease the comfort in any way. Would the springer front end or the raked front end be more comfortable for a nice long ride?