I have been told by two "expert" Senior(70's) riders that springer front ends such as those on the Crossbones do not ride as well as the modern enclosed front ends. How do you people feel about it ? They both said that in the 1940's that everyone just couldn't wait for the new front ends to come out because of the improved ride. I had a Sportster before my Crossbones. To me the Crossbones has a much smoother ride(expansion joints-potholes etc.).

 

The 1940 springer can not be compared to the one we have today. Same can be said for the tire technology, which plays a great part in this too,
However a well set up telescopic front fork will outperform a springer.
Sportster's stock suspension isn't the best you can have, especially if you had one of the factory lowered ones.

 

... and a sportster shouldnt be compared to a crossbones, ever!

 

I prefer the springer front end over my previous bike's (Streetbob), seems more stable in curves. Guess thats why some tube fork folks use, say that fast three times, use fork braces. Love the springer ride and looks.

 

Me too, I just swapped mine out from the wide glide to a springer and like the stiffer ride.

 

My AS springer with shocks inside the springs rides much smoother than the stock set-up that was on the Train. When I build my next bike that has a 40 degree neck, it will probably have a wide glide style front end with 5 degree trees......

 

I've ridden bikes with the older Springers and that's true what they say about the 40's and earlier Springers.
But Honestly these new ones I can't see or feel that much difference from the Hydraulic front ends.
IMHO I Just prefer the ride of the Springer over Hydraulics ride.
SFFS

 

About every 3 months or so someone asks this question.....

I will never ride anything but a springer......