Hi Guys,

I have seen a few Softail Standards with 2" extended fork tubes. They do look great but I was wondering how they would handle compared to standard forks??

Does anyone out there have them fitted??

Cheers..

 

Any change to the geometry of any bike will make a change in handeling. The moco has it figured put pretty well , and when you vary from these specs, it may give you a bike that is downright dangerous to ride. JMHO

 

We used to routinely put 2 and 4 over tubes on FL bikes. Wasn't done so much for looks, but to improve the handling. You get a bit more ground clearance and that allows you to lay the bike over a little more in the curves. 2 inch tubes won't affect your low or high speed handling as the trail is barely changed, and stays within conservative limits.

It will raise the bike a bit so make sure you can reach the ground comfortably. Other than that you should have no problems. And I shouldn't have to remind you to use good quality tubes. For my money, Forking by Frank is the best.

 

Thanks for the info Skip....

If you lowered the back an inch and put 2" over fork tubes on, how would the bike handle then Skip??

 

You probably wouldn't notice much difference. Lowering the rear increases the rake, adding 2 inches to the tube does the same. Both together are additive, obviously, but it's not much. If'n I was rich & famous, I'd give it a shot on my bike. I'm holding out for a leaf spring girder front end, ala '30s Indian style, though.