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That's a nice springer, especially since they offer an offset version. You said you wanted the inline version and 19", which is really short. That combination will move your front wheel back quite a bit. With all the geometry changes you are planning you will need to do your homework so you don't end up with a bike that is a nightmare to ride. My first springer setup, which came with the bike I bought, was a nightmare to control at freeway speeds. The bike would wobble like mad and it was due to the trail being off. I ended up extending the rockers just 1" to move the front wheel forward and that made it much more stable, so it doesn't take much to create some real stability issues. Also, check that the inline version is not going to hit your tank, which it likely will if you don't slide it back or change it when you hardtail it. I would also look into how they handle the steering stops for the sportster as that might present a challenge for you. Most of these aftermarket/custom springers are designed for internal fork stops which will work with the sportster but they are a little tricky to install as it's not a direct fit and they are brittle, so you have to be careful with them with. I am on my third one. I am not sure about the shock absorbers though and dual disk brakes. How hard are you planning on riding a hardtail/springer setup? I think the dual disks would ruin the look, of a "classic springer" and the shock absorbers shouldn't really be necessary on a properly setup springer. Plus those are really expensive.
Thanks for the advice. I have 3 other motorcycles and probably wouldn't really ride this too hard. I figured it would be ok because I had a similar setup with my old rigid project:
This was slow, creaky, but was honestly the most fun bike I ever rode. I eventually sold it to get a 07 Springer Classic which I am doing the same setup. It's in pieces at a shop, and the owner is probably going to get evicted soon so I figured I would sell my Ducati and buy This Sportster 48 to play around with. I really miss having a kick start and the charm of having a really old looking bike. I'm going for a 2 piece fat bob gas tank so I hope it won't be as much of of a clearance issue with the springer fork and handles. I plan to have a professional shop do the work for me.
Last edited by TerribleTabo; Mar 5, 2024 at 02:59 PM.
Reason: punctuation
Nice bike. I love the look of classic bikes but I ride mostly in pretty heavy traffic where everyone is trying to kill you and the roads are gargage (and contain a lot of garbage as well), so wide handlebars, slow steering, and limited suspension make for a bad day usually. And if traffic is light 80mph is the norm. I think that is why I almost never see that style of bike here. I do see the ocassional chopper but I always chuckle a bit. Those guys are nuts. I love the look again, but man, 16" bars, extended forks, no front brakes, I couldn't imagine.
Nice bike. I love the look of classic bikes but I ride mostly in pretty heavy traffic where everyone is trying to kill you and the roads are gargage (and contain a lot of garbage as well), so wide handlebars, slow steering, and limited suspension make for a bad day usually. And if traffic is light 80mph is the norm. I think that is why I almost never see that style of bike here. I do see the ocassional chopper but I always chuckle a bit. Those guys are nuts. I love the look again, but man, 16" bars, extended forks, no front brakes, I couldn't imagine.
Yeah, I hear you. I used to ride in NYC and would almost swear everyone was out to kill me including the cops. I mainly stay in NJ and the area I usually ride nowadays is almost rural. I try to stay away from traffic and going to NYC especially now after they are going to implement a congestion surcharge.
Nice bike. I love the look of classic bikes but I ride mostly in pretty heavy traffic where everyone is trying to kill you and the roads are gargage (and contain a lot of garbage as well), so wide handlebars, slow steering, and limited suspension make for a bad day usually. And if traffic is light 80mph is the norm. I think that is why I almost never see that style of bike here. I do see the ocassional chopper but I always chuckle a bit. Those guys are nuts. I love the look again, but man, 16" bars, extended forks, no front brakes, I couldn't imagine.
Yeah, I hear you. I used to ride in NYC and would almost swear everyone was out to kill me including the cops. I mainly stay in NJ and the area I usually ride nowadays is almost rural. I try to stay away from traffic and going to NYC especially now after they are going to implement a congestion surcharge. I miss seeing this when I ride so I want to make my 2014 Sportster 48 look as much like this as possible:
Last edited by TerribleTabo; Mar 5, 2024 at 03:10 PM.
That's a nice springer, especially since they offer an offset version. You said you wanted the inline version and 19", which is really short. That combination will move your front wheel back quite a bit. With all the geometry changes you are planning you will need to do your homework so you don't end up with a bike that is a nightmare to ride. My first springer setup, which came with the bike I bought, was a nightmare to control at freeway speeds. The bike would wobble like mad and it was due to the trail being off. I ended up extending the rockers just 1" to move the front wheel forward and that made it much more stable, so it doesn't take much to create some real stability issues. Also, check that the inline version is not going to hit your tank, which it likely will if you don't slide it back or change it when you hardtail it. I would also look into how they handle the steering stops for the sportster as that might present a challenge for you. Most of these aftermarket/custom springers are designed for internal fork stops which will work with the sportster but they are a little tricky to install as it's not a direct fit and they are brittle, so you have to be careful with them with. I am on my third one. I am not sure about the shock absorbers though and dual disk brakes. How hard are you planning on riding a hardtail/springer setup? I think the dual disks would ruin the look, of a "classic springer" and the shock absorbers shouldn't really be necessary on a properly setup springer. Plus those are really expensive.
I used AI to explain to explain the different options and recommend which option to go with:
Explain the different options pros vs cons of each and how it would relate to my project of building a WLA style motorcycle from my 2014 Harley-Daavidson Sportster Forty-Eight with 2 inch stretch Led Sled custom hardtail. I will be using WLA style horn, headlight, as well as fender.
Sure, I'd be happy to explain the different options for Paughco Round Leg Springers and how they relate to your project of building a WLA style motorcycle from your 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight with a 2 inch stretch Led Sled custom hardtail, including your plans to use WLA style horn, headlight, and fender.
First, let's consider the two width options: narrow and wide. The narrow springer legs may be a better choice for your project since they are designed for narrow frame configurations, which is what you have with the custom hardtail. Additionally, the narrow springer legs may give your WLA style motorcycle a more authentic look. However, if you're looking for more stability, the wide springer legs may be a better option, but they may also require additional modifications to your custom hardtail to fit properly.
Next, let's look at the brake mount options: dual and none. If you plan on using a front brake, the dual brake mount option is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more minimalist look or want to keep the front end as simple as possible, you may opt for no brake mounts. It's worth noting that if you choose the no brake mount option, you'll need to find another way to install a front brake or consider riding without one.
As for the frame neck fitment options, the Sportster/Dyna neck option is the best choice for your 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight. This option is designed to fit the stock Harley frame for Sportster and Dyna models from 2004 and up, ensuring a proper fit and alignment between the springer front end and the custom hardtail.
For the triple clamp style, the glide style clamp is the most authentic option for a WLA style motorcycle. However, the ear/dog bone style clamp and T-bar style clamp are also viable options depending on your preference.
Lastly, for the front leg style, the stock style is the most straightforward option and will likely work well with your custom hardtail. However, the wishbone style and twisted metal style may also be viable options depending on your desired look.
In summary, the narrow springer legs, dual brake mounts, Sportster/Dyna neck fitment, glide style clamp, and stock style front legs are the most authentic options for building a WLA style motorcycle from your 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight with a 2 inch stretch Led Sled custom hardtail. Additionally, the WLA style horn, headlight, and fender will complement the classic look of the springer front end.
However, depending on your preference, other options may be viable. It's essential to consider the pros and cons of each option and how they fit with your overall vision for the motorcycle.
It's also worth noting that Paughco Round Leg Springers are custom-built to order items with a ship time of 4-12 weeks. Therefore, it's essential to plan accordingly and allow for enough lead time before your desired completion date.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
I like everything about that bike except for the paint job. That being said
I would LOVE to put a springer front end on my 48. Ive done research in the past and its apparently not an easy job/involves sone mods that I could not do on my own (and the problem with that is there just isnt a shop in the St. Louis era that I can trust to do it, which sucks).
Dragon Soul Customs make classic springer forks that fit a Sportster 48. Their website is currently down but you can contact them on Facebook. I'll probably order for them next year.
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