springers, how do they handle?
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: orlando, fl
I just did 1200 miles in the blue ridge and hit Deals Gap on my springer with no issue. I kept pace with the group just fine. I don't know how much we could have pushed it more, but it did not happen so its a moot point.... Also, I could have sworn that the single caliper / single rotor was going to fade but I had no brake issues whatsoever.....
I do think that slow speed cornering, like parking lots can be a challenge sometimes like a previous poster mentioned. Not sure if the front end is heavier and causes some slow speed maneuvering issues?
Anyways, for what its worth, my bike is slow, and I don't even pretend to think I can keep pace with the metrics. But it is how I like my bike, and in the end that is all that matters.
I do think that slow speed cornering, like parking lots can be a challenge sometimes like a previous poster mentioned. Not sure if the front end is heavier and causes some slow speed maneuvering issues?
Anyways, for what its worth, my bike is slow, and I don't even pretend to think I can keep pace with the metrics. But it is how I like my bike, and in the end that is all that matters.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
The Heritage Springer with it's wide front tire handled very good. When I rode a regular Springer Softail (narrow tire) down in Florida I hated it. I think the width of the front tire makes a huge difference with the Springer suspension. Guess I'm just spoiled by the touring series.
They do look great though.
They do look great though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, MN
I believe that you cannot lump all springers into one category as there are many varieties of springers out there: 1) The old school springer (have 2 sets of legs on either side. The rear set should not move, and the front set moves up and down with the road surface. The springer forks pivot on the small rockers on the bottom and use a series of springs at the top for suspension.), 2) girder forks (use one set of fork legs that move up and down with the road surface and use a set of parrallel arms and springs at the top by the steering head for suspension.), 3) the springer with hidden shocks, and 4) the leaf spring springer. It could also be argues that some springers are built better than others. We also need to keep in mind that we tend to defend the choices we make whether we have good facts or not. So in some sense this question could be an exercise in comparing apples and oranges. I must thank Pogo Seat on Classic American Iron Forum for the description and pictures of old school springers and girder springers. Having said all this I am getting the springer with hidden shocks pictured in the third photo for my Rocker C.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
as a XB rider I take offence to your remark
what's next anything pre-EVO is not a real "Harley"
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 907
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Hahahahaha... puke. How do you figure?
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NOT A MODERATOR
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 27,733
Likes: 23,327
From: Paradise
I rode a crossbones model (before I owned one) for 7 hours...it was supremely comfortable. I never got fatigued adn the springer front end worked flawlessly and without any issues. It's like riding a couch.
AGain...if you're worried about serious handling...a Harley is not for you.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 941
Likes: 27
From:
Springers can handle just fine if set up and maintained correctly. Will a springer bike ever win Daytona highly doubtfull, but mounted on a cruiser they can still handle well in cruiser terms of handleing well.
