When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
There are plenty of aftermarket units out there. I would suggest being careful if deciding to go cheap. A decent aftermarket unit will probably go for $1400 and up. A used Harley unit will probably go for $1000 and up. With the FX bike you'll want the Harley FX springer (after market might call it stock length or +0). If you want to lower the front 2", you'll want to go with the Harley FL springer (aftermarket springers will be classified as -2"). You'll need a new front brake also as the mounts are different and a fender, or mounts, if you want to run one.
Aftermarket, I suggest, Jeri's, Redneck Engineering, American Suspension, and I'm sure there are other quality units out there.
I have an aftermarket springer for my chopper. In fact it's the same as Tx Outlaw has in his sig. It's made by American Suspension in Southern California. I've been there, very nic facility. Bike Builder's Bible is where you can find in online. It's called a Dragon Springer. But they cast a small fortune.
For Harley type springers sites like Demon's Cycles, KC International, and the like have some too. I'm not sure of the quality of those kits however.
Ebay has loads of them for around $500. Also, you'll need a need caliper, as was already mentioned, and be prepared for reduced stopping power. It's all worth it though. Nothing is as awesome as a springer. Nothing.
Friend of mine is having his Dyna Street Bob converted over to a springer front end by another friend of mine. It's actually happening this weekend. He bought a DNA springer front end for around 500 dollars I think it was.
The same friend doing the work has another bike in the shop with a paughco front end. Comparing the two the DNA actually looks better on the welds. The chrome is pretty much the same.
As far as operation/maintenance/durability. Can't answer that one yet. Will let you know if it falls off anytime soon or breaks. I don't know much about DNA springer front ends. They have to cut the backbone of the frame to adjust for the rake which they are doing this weekend.
Thank you gentlemen, excellent advice! I would have to agree, there is nothing better looking than a springer front end on a worked over ride like you'alls.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.