The lowdown on Springers?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 6
From: Nuevo Mexico USA
I have owned two Softail Deluxe's and now own a 2009 Crossbones, I have always wanted a springer and now that I have one I wish I would have bought one sooner. The ride is great on city streets and Hwy, the cool factor is a plus also the chance of another springer pulling up next to you at a stop light is slim. You want something that rides good and stands out in a crowed get a springer...
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 784
Likes: 12
From: Texas
I have owned two Softail Deluxe's and now own a 2009 Crossbones, I have always wanted a springer and now that I have one I wish I would have bought one sooner. The ride is great on city streets and Hwy, the cool factor is a plus also the chance of another springer pulling up next to you at a stop light is slim. You want something that rides good and stands out in a crowed get a springer...
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 12
From: Central Texas
I have the same seat as acman, its just really comfortable. The combination soft tail, springer front end and spring seat make for a super supportive ride and not jarring at all (short of big pot holes that is).
Springers rock, and other than customs, I cannot think of another mfr that even makes one....including HD for now at least.
Springers rock, and other than customs, I cannot think of another mfr that even makes one....including HD for now at least.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Thanks for all the input, guys - I'm pretty much sold!!
I took the bike for a test run today, actually.
My own other question: do you get used to the weighty front end? I had a hard time making sharp corners and low speeds (intersections) - with 16" apes.
I took the bike for a test run today, actually.
My own other question: do you get used to the weighty front end? I had a hard time making sharp corners and low speeds (intersections) - with 16" apes.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: southern Alberta Canada
Not really sure what you mean by weighty front end, but my 95 fx springer for the longest time seemed like I had to bully it around to get it to go where i wanted it too, turns out it was because the neck bearings were shot.... now it handles great. As the others said the springers need some maintenance, i believe on mine the rockers are supposed to be adjusted every 16,000 km not sure if the newer ones are the same or not.
As you found out they handle pretty good, everyone I've talked to who has ridden a factory harley springer seems to like them the people who seem to badmouth them either seem to have rode one back in like 1960 something or have never ridden one at all.
As you found out they handle pretty good, everyone I've talked to who has ridden a factory harley springer seems to like them the people who seem to badmouth them either seem to have rode one back in like 1960 something or have never ridden one at all.
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Yep - the dealer (third party) claims to have a very thorough check list before selling off a bike, including all the necessary tune ups for the front end. I'm just going to have to trust them on that one.
As for the 'weighty' issue - I just meant the heaviness of the front end. It doesn't really respond much without a bit more force than I'm used to. Kinda figured I'd just get used to it.
As for the 'weighty' issue - I just meant the heaviness of the front end. It doesn't really respond much without a bit more force than I'm used to. Kinda figured I'd just get used to it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
For me, I never noticed that the front end was weighty. Years ago when I put my 16" apes on, it did take a little bit getting used to them but after a few miles it got easier and I never noticed any issues going around corners. I have found that when a person does something different that might effect how the bike handles, it will take a little getting used to but with practice it will get much easier for ya. Good luck
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: St Louis, MO
The Heritage Springer (16" front tire and full fender) feels a little more bulky than the Bad Boy (21" tire with slim fender) but that was a tire and fender issue, not a Springer weight issue.
I've never ridden a Vulcan but I wouldn't be surprised if the HD Springer front was heavier.... I'll never not have a Springer in the garage!
I've never ridden a Vulcan but I wouldn't be surprised if the HD Springer front was heavier.... I'll never not have a Springer in the garage!
Last edited by StLSpringer; Oct 8, 2013 at 01:20 AM.