I'd like to put a springer front end on my 08 NT but am unsure what parts will be needed or any other related work that will need to be done to the bike. Does anyone out there have experience in this area?

Also, I can see many springer front ends available on eBay for good prices but I'm not familiar with all the terminology in the descriptions (eg -2" under). I'm not sure what length I'll need either.

Not being mechanically inclined, I won't be doing the work myself, but would like to have at least most of the parts needed before taking the bike to the garage.

 

if he doesnt chime in later in the day, send a PM to Tx_Outlaw. He has a full custom train with a springer front on it.

 

Hey Schaub85,

Noticed that you wrapped your exhaust. I have the V&H Shortshots in black and am dealing with a somewhat large area of rust (bad storage facility over last winter) on my front pipe. Would you recommend it and if so, how easy/hard was it to do. I'd be doing mine in black.

 

It depends on the type springer you buy. Some, you willl need new handlebars or an adapter plate to use standard handlebars. Some are made to use standard handlebars. You will need a new front brake caliper and mount. A 2-under springer is 2" shorter than the stock FX length. If you've lowered the bike, or want to lower it a couple inches, go this route. A 2-over springer, or more, is normally for raked front ends or custom frames with longer front legs. You may or may not need different wheel spacers. Change the steering neck bearing while you're in there.
Any questions, feel free to hollar at me.....

 

Thanks Tx_Outlaw, that's exactly what I wanted to know. Is there a brand I should be looking at, or should stay away from (in your experience)? The one's on ebay LOOK fine but they don't give a brand-name and they're very cheap when compared with Paughco springers, for example.

Beautiful ride, btw! I'm sure you hear that a lot...

 

Thanks Wilock! The inexpensive ones on ebay are usually DNA brand. I wanted a lot more features for mine, so I paid for them and went with an American Suspension brand. There are members on here who run the DNA, but I do not know anything about them. I have learned that you get what you pay for tho.

 

Yup, that was my thinking too. Thanks for all your help.

 

Although I have the stock springer front end on my bike now, this is the first HD springer I have had, previous springers I have used in the past were all Paughco's and I never had one complaint about the quality and durability of them. I would heartily recommend them!

 

Thanks. I have been looking at Paughco's, American Suspension and Big Bear as options. Now I just have to convince my wife to let me spend the money...maybe it's a "better to ask for forgiveness than permission" situation.

 

I agree on the Phaughco springer. Redneck Engineering and Jeri's makes excellent springers also.