Harley Springer 4.5 Deg Rake Kit
Stage II
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Topeka, KS
Well, I did it. I installed the 7.5 degree rake kit on my 2009 Crossbones. It looks good and operates and rides great! A couple things tho...
Do not even bother attempting to remove the stock stem from your springer with a hammer. I banged on it with a sledge for a long time and got nothing. My buddy is a mechanic at a Toyota dealer so I brought it over to him and we pressed it out with a 20 ton press. Even then it took a bit. We thought it was going to snap.
FYI, the stem goes out by pressing from the top through the bottom.
One of the problems I ran into after installing the whole kit was that the top of my springer rubbed the neck casting. I called Vulcan up and they told me that each casting is different at Harley so that happens from time to time. There are three solutions, space it out with washers, grind a groove in the neck or grind some material off of the springer. I ground my springer first but that wasn't enough so I ground some material off of the neck casting. I then touched both up with black touch up paint from the local auto parts store and you can't tell I did anything. That and it's hidden anyway. Now, no problems.
I have put a couple hundred miles on it since install and so far no problem.
I recommend the kit. It's a pretty easy install to do and a relatively cheap mod.
One last thing, my bike already had a Burly 1.5" lowering kit on it. The Vulcan kit states that it will drop the frontend 1.75". I didn't notice that much of a drop. Unfortunately I didn't take before and after measurements.
Here are a before and after pic...
Do not even bother attempting to remove the stock stem from your springer with a hammer. I banged on it with a sledge for a long time and got nothing. My buddy is a mechanic at a Toyota dealer so I brought it over to him and we pressed it out with a 20 ton press. Even then it took a bit. We thought it was going to snap.
FYI, the stem goes out by pressing from the top through the bottom.
One of the problems I ran into after installing the whole kit was that the top of my springer rubbed the neck casting. I called Vulcan up and they told me that each casting is different at Harley so that happens from time to time. There are three solutions, space it out with washers, grind a groove in the neck or grind some material off of the springer. I ground my springer first but that wasn't enough so I ground some material off of the neck casting. I then touched both up with black touch up paint from the local auto parts store and you can't tell I did anything. That and it's hidden anyway. Now, no problems.
I have put a couple hundred miles on it since install and so far no problem.
I recommend the kit. It's a pretty easy install to do and a relatively cheap mod.
One last thing, my bike already had a Burly 1.5" lowering kit on it. The Vulcan kit states that it will drop the frontend 1.75". I didn't notice that much of a drop. Unfortunately I didn't take before and after measurements.
Here are a before and after pic...
Really thinking of putting a Shotgun Shock set-up on her to be able to adjust the rear to match the drop in the springer front end.
Last edited by Hoghead1904; Jan 31, 2020 at 11:54 PM. Reason: punctuation
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Nice Ride
Thanks! Handles better than before. Front-end is not as heavy as before. I also have the Burley Springer lowing Kit installed. Bike is level and is 4 inches off the ground.
Thanks!
Thanks! I used the OEM fender and fender mount. I just cut the fender mount on the sides and added almost an inch to it.
Thanks!
Thanks! I used the OEM fender and fender mount. I just cut the fender mount on the sides and added almost an inch to it.
What size wheels are you running front and rear?
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Fort Bragg Ca.
helping is where it is at.
No, it is not the only way, Burley is a great company that has a lowering kit with a shorter compression spring for your springer front end, which drops the bikes front end 1-1/2 they also have 2 inches springs your choice, without ill effects, a great look, and good ride. hope this helps!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
No, it is not the only way, Burley is a great company that has a lowering kit with a shorter compression spring for your springer front end, which drops the bikes front end 1-1/2 they also have 2 inches springs your choice, without ill effects, a great look, and good ride. hope this helps!
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