Springer Frontend
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Springer Frontend
I was looking at this auction: http://cgi.ebay.ca/2-UNDER-CHROME-SP...item43a52fc262
I love the look of springers and want to put one on my Sporty. I'd like to buy the parts and bring it in somewhere to have it all installed (if I were to do it, I'd prob ably do something stupid).
What size/type would I need for an 09 883 which has the stock front end/tire?
If I did, for some reason, want to do it myself...how hard would it be?
I love the look of springers and want to put one on my Sporty. I'd like to buy the parts and bring it in somewhere to have it all installed (if I were to do it, I'd prob ably do something stupid).
What size/type would I need for an 09 883 which has the stock front end/tire?
If I did, for some reason, want to do it myself...how hard would it be?
That is the correct size you would need. If you wanted it lower you could simply flip the rockers for 2 more inches.
That springer would work on your bike...just as well as any other BUT, there is a slight fitment issue. The 04 & newer bikes have a much beefier design around the neck which makes it impossible for any springer (but Paughco's) to be a direct swap.
Your stock triple trees index the fork tubes outward providing clearance to turn. Springers, on the other hand, have the legs in line (or just slightly offset) and the lower "triple tree" will hit the frame significantly narrowing your turning radius.
You can notch your frame for clearance and weld in half tubes to get the strength back. That's a fairly simple job but does require some spot-on measuring, cutting & welding.
Paughco sells a bolt on springer for 04 & up Sportsters but they are spendy!
That springer would work on your bike...just as well as any other BUT, there is a slight fitment issue. The 04 & newer bikes have a much beefier design around the neck which makes it impossible for any springer (but Paughco's) to be a direct swap.
Your stock triple trees index the fork tubes outward providing clearance to turn. Springers, on the other hand, have the legs in line (or just slightly offset) and the lower "triple tree" will hit the frame significantly narrowing your turning radius.
You can notch your frame for clearance and weld in half tubes to get the strength back. That's a fairly simple job but does require some spot-on measuring, cutting & welding.
Paughco sells a bolt on springer for 04 & up Sportsters but they are spendy!
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: swifton,ar
its all about what you want, i have a 8 over on a 200 series rigid triumph and i think it rides awesome and looks twice as bad but my buddy likes the look but hates the ride, so think about it once you go that way with this new bike i dont think you can go back with out a lot of resto
Account Deactivated
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
Resurrection
Its 1940's tech,, Prolly depends on how you ride your Sporty.
I would Imagine for normal toolin around and with proper rear suspension
and tire selection you'd be ok.
The Builder freind of mine says they ride like crap on all points,,,
He's got a cool one on His show bike tho,,
It's called, "Resurrection".
Thats the bike,,not the Builder,,just a ridin buddy,,
His Paint work,,well Lets just say My cheap Digi camera don't do It
Justice at all.
I would Imagine for normal toolin around and with proper rear suspension
and tire selection you'd be ok.
The Builder freind of mine says they ride like crap on all points,,,
He's got a cool one on His show bike tho,,
It's called, "Resurrection".
Thats the bike,,not the Builder,,just a ridin buddy,,
His Paint work,,well Lets just say My cheap Digi camera don't do It
Justice at all.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
if the only thing your worried about is how the bike rides than just jump up to a bagger they ride nice all the time but for me at least i ride my sporty because i love how it looks i also like the look of a springer front end for that old school vibe. i know guys that have them stock on there softails and they like how the bike rides. its really all up to you i truely belive we sacrafice being confertable for the style of the bike.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Union,Ms
This is what you need right here, no work involved...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sprin...item3a636311e8
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I really love the look more than anything. I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit of comfort in order to have it, too. They come in various sizes, but is 2" under what I need?
Yes. 2 under. Like I said, if it ends up being too tall for you, you can lower it 2 more inches by just flipping the rockers.
They don't ride terrible...but not as smooth as the stock "glide" front end. It has come just a little bit forward of 40's tech but not much. You can also adjust them. Most ppl that complain about the ride never took the time to dial them in. One set of springs controls the rebound and the other set controls the compression. You can also add a shock to help even things out.
But, the one in the first link is not a direct fit. It fits but won't turn without some work.
It'll look ok with your stock wheel & tire but if it's the look you're going for the mags will look a little out of place but that's just my opinion. It'll ride & handle better with a 16" front wheel and a 130 tire too.
They don't ride terrible...but not as smooth as the stock "glide" front end. It has come just a little bit forward of 40's tech but not much. You can also adjust them. Most ppl that complain about the ride never took the time to dial them in. One set of springs controls the rebound and the other set controls the compression. You can also add a shock to help even things out.
But, the one in the first link is not a direct fit. It fits but won't turn without some work.
It'll look ok with your stock wheel & tire but if it's the look you're going for the mags will look a little out of place but that's just my opinion. It'll ride & handle better with a 16" front wheel and a 130 tire too.
Last edited by mreed; Feb 23, 2011 at 04:24 PM.