The lowdown on Springers?
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 75
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From: Houston
The lowdown on Springers?
Hey all,
I'm looking pretty seriously at an 06 Softail Springer, just because it has all the mods I already want (aftermarket pipes, apes) and because I've always thought the springer front end looked badass. That being said, I've heard they're not the easiest or most comfortable ride.
Important details:
A) It's my first HD (currently ride an 88 Vulcan 750, which I'm hard tailing)
B) I'd like to use it for long hauls every once in a while
C) I've heard they can get bouncy on bumpy roads
D) I also heard they require a lot more maintenance
E) I won't have the time or space to do much of my own wrenching
My only other considerations have been a Wide Glide or maybe a Road King if the price is right.
Thoughts, recommendations? Has anyone put much mileage on a springer?
I'm looking pretty seriously at an 06 Softail Springer, just because it has all the mods I already want (aftermarket pipes, apes) and because I've always thought the springer front end looked badass. That being said, I've heard they're not the easiest or most comfortable ride.
Important details:
A) It's my first HD (currently ride an 88 Vulcan 750, which I'm hard tailing)
B) I'd like to use it for long hauls every once in a while
C) I've heard they can get bouncy on bumpy roads
D) I also heard they require a lot more maintenance
E) I won't have the time or space to do much of my own wrenching
My only other considerations have been a Wide Glide or maybe a Road King if the price is right.
Thoughts, recommendations? Has anyone put much mileage on a springer?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 784
Likes: 10
From: SE Pennsylvania
Coming from a Fat Boy directly to the Crossbones, i find the Crossbones much more comfortable to ride, and just as well balanced. I can take my hands of the handlebars on both bikes at around a steady 30 mph speed, and both hold a perfect straight line. The sprung forks combined with the sprung seat is amazingly smooth. As far as maintenance, how often will anything ever need to be done to the front end? .... not much at all, and it's something the shop does during normal service intervals anyway. It's not a big deal. All forks need maintenance. To me, nothing speaks to the history of HD more than a Springer. And yes, I guess they also look "badass" 
The cool factor added to total uniqueness in a sea of common looking bikes, makes for a great experience.
The cool factor added to total uniqueness in a sea of common looking bikes, makes for a great experience.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
dont fear the springer!
I changed the front end of my softail from stock hydraulic to an hd springer.
this summer I have made multiple 4-hour plus (each way) trips on my bike with the springer. long rides on springer are no worse than any other bike.
I find no bounciness, the ride is slightly better than it was stock.
maintenance on the springer:
an occasional drop of oil on the spring rods, clean, lube, retorque the rocker bearings, check the fall-away. we are talkin a couple hours work every other year or so. buy a manual and don't sweat it, it aint hard. you can do this stuff on the sidewalk, it doesn't require a shop.
(sidenote on springers: I have a cousin who hasn't touched the rocker bearings or fall-away in 15 years or so and it still rides fine. (though I suggest shorter maintenance intervals.))
SPRINGERS FOR THE WORLD!
I changed the front end of my softail from stock hydraulic to an hd springer.
this summer I have made multiple 4-hour plus (each way) trips on my bike with the springer. long rides on springer are no worse than any other bike.
I find no bounciness, the ride is slightly better than it was stock.
maintenance on the springer:
an occasional drop of oil on the spring rods, clean, lube, retorque the rocker bearings, check the fall-away. we are talkin a couple hours work every other year or so. buy a manual and don't sweat it, it aint hard. you can do this stuff on the sidewalk, it doesn't require a shop.
(sidenote on springers: I have a cousin who hasn't touched the rocker bearings or fall-away in 15 years or so and it still rides fine. (though I suggest shorter maintenance intervals.))
SPRINGERS FOR THE WORLD!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 52
From: So-Cal
An 06 FL/FX Springer will make a fine first Harley. Bounce is something from the very distant past; nothing to be concerned about with a late model HD Springer. Any competent Harley mechanic will be able to service it for you. I've actually had less issues with mine than with hydraulic forks.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
The Cool factor IMO outways the need to check them a little more.
Also the fact that MoCo still makes springers should easy Ur mind. They wouldn't make something thats going to cause them Lawsuits..
/.
Also the fact that MoCo still makes springers should easy Ur mind. They wouldn't make something thats going to cause them Lawsuits..
/.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 784
Likes: 12
From: Texas
Get the springer.
Long rides no issue at all imo. I ride distance every chance i get.
Rode from Dallas to Sturgis this year intentionally took the long way.
I ride crap roads all the time no issue with bounce.
Maintenance i like to spend all my time riding not wrenching. Talk to people in your area find a good indy.
Long rides no issue at all imo. I ride distance every chance i get.
Rode from Dallas to Sturgis this year intentionally took the long way.
I ride crap roads all the time no issue with bounce.
Maintenance i like to spend all my time riding not wrenching. Talk to people in your area find a good indy.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Denver
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I converted my entire front end of my 2011 Deluxe to an 06 Springer Classic front end. No complaints, just a little bit harder to clean
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I have an 05 Springer, that I bought new. It has about 72,000 miles on her and no real problems. On my bike I have 16" apes with 4' risers and the bars are a little above my shoulders and contrary to what some might think, I don't have any problems with my arms, shoulders, hands falling asleep or with handling. I exchanged the factory badlander seat for a Corbin gunfighter and have put several hundred miles per day on it and at the end of the day I wasn't any where near being tired. Went to Sturgis in 2011 and put a little over 3000 miles on her by the time I got home with no issues at all. I have found that Springers seem to have their own following but for those that have never ridden them or even been around them, they sure do a great job of turning heads when we go by. I maintain my bike on a basic schedule and I am happy to say that I wouldn't trade my Springer for any other HD currently being made.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: mt home ar
springers
hey,i have a flstsci and the only way I would change is if Harley came out with a vrod bagger springer.springers have the best cool factor of all HDs.i put 12 inch apes so my arms are straight out that took away the burning sensation I had in my shoulder when I had the stock beach bars on it.never had the bike pogo or bounce in 60k miles.at 10k I had to tighten the neck bearings after a fallaway test,a little drop of lite oil on the rockers now and again and your good to go.most comfortable bike I ever rode will never have anything but a springer.i'd say buy it and be happy