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Springer front end help

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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 12:33 PM
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scorchedearthpolicy's Avatar
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Default Springer front end help
Has anybody ever removed the shock off the front end and rode like that? Just curious how the ride is mostly. I thought maybe it would give it a little old school flavor.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 12:35 PM
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Never done that but it is old school with the shock off. I have a 2003 FLSTSI Heritage Springer. I would be afraid to try it. But let us know if you can still type when you try it.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 01:36 PM
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I'm thinking about removing it and moving my headlight to the lower shock mount.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 02:37 PM
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You can do it but...

Not sure but highly likely that Spring strengths have been adjusted from 1948 specs in order to optimize performance and cooperative effort with shock.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2009 | 09:13 PM
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Whats going to happen is after you hit a bump your front end will have a tendency to keep bouncing, it shouldn't be unmanageable.

The springs "strength" isn't affected by the shock.
The springs carries the load, the shock dampens the springs tendency to keep bouncing.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2009 | 06:55 AM
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Taking the shock off is kinda like washing your bike without using the specified factory cleaning spong and soap.....it will void your warrranty and "could result in injury or death".

The older springers had a friction damper on them to help reduce the bouncing. You could get a bracket made to allow you to mount the headlight lower and keep the shock.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2009 | 12:13 PM
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Most of your aftermarket Springers dont have them!! Like stated already, think it might make it "bouncy"... DO IT!!
 
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Old Dec 1, 2009 | 12:56 PM
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I got a feelin that it's there for a very good reason
 
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Old Dec 1, 2009 | 01:02 PM
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I'm curious also, Let us know.
I just put a Progressive shock on my springer. The Front end seems a bit more stable over rough roads.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2009 | 01:24 PM
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It's bounce. Don't ask me how I know, but I had to much time on my hands this summer, with all that friggin rain and chit. Shocks back on and staying on.
 
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