Old School narrow springer!
Thanks! I'm digging it too but it'll be sketchy enough because of the narrow-ness. The only changes I'll be making to the front end will be for rideability. I'd have to rake the neck 3 degrees to get the trail right with it's current length. I'm not in to the chopper look so shortening the legs will bring everything back in to spec. And the springs are pretty much shot. I can't find springer springs with the same length as these. Even at their assumed original length.
reed how much is involved when installing a springer front end? I assume you need new axle spacers as the springer front end wont be able to use the stock front end spacers. I've seen the stock front brakes used again......
Been looking at this front end:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ht_7226wt_1165
Been looking at this front end:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ht_7226wt_1165
04 & up frame necks are different then pre-04. That springer won't work on yours. It's an "inline" springer. That means the rear legs are inline with the neck stem. You need an "offset" springer. Otherwise you won't be able to turn it more than a couple degrees.
You'll also want to get one that's 2 under or 4 under. Anything else will be too long.
Once you get what you need it's a simple front end swap. Yes, new wheel spacers but that's not a big deal. You can buy a springer front brake kit or just make a bracket and reuse your stock front brake caliper.
You'll also want to get one that's 2 under or 4 under. Anything else will be too long.
Once you get what you need it's a simple front end swap. Yes, new wheel spacers but that's not a big deal. You can buy a springer front brake kit or just make a bracket and reuse your stock front brake caliper.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 1
From: 2000 Softail FXST
Another informative and timely thread.
I've got an 04 custom and I'm lookn at this springer, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Leaf-...Q5fAccessories Do you have any suggestions?
I've got an 04 custom and I'm lookn at this springer, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Leaf-...Q5fAccessories Do you have any suggestions?
I almost bought one of those but luckily ended up meeting Nick from Metal Head Cycles that built me a truly beautiful leaf fork to my spec
The one you linked is very well built but looks super wide on a Sportster...and still has the same turning clearance issues as traditional inline springers.
Don't get me wrong, an inline springer will work on a 2004 & newer frame but the frame will need to be notched. Notching a frame is a cake walk for an experienced fabricator and won't prevent reinstalling the OEM fork should you choose to do so. It's just a leap few ppl are willing to take.
Offset leaf forks are out there. I've seen em. They're just spendy.
The one you linked is very well built but looks super wide on a Sportster...and still has the same turning clearance issues as traditional inline springers.
Don't get me wrong, an inline springer will work on a 2004 & newer frame but the frame will need to be notched. Notching a frame is a cake walk for an experienced fabricator and won't prevent reinstalling the OEM fork should you choose to do so. It's just a leap few ppl are willing to take.
Offset leaf forks are out there. I've seen em. They're just spendy.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
had a springer like that on a ironhead chopper once..the thing would flex forward, back, left, right, diagonal, just not up and down when mounted..ended up trading it for a softail wideglide front end
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This is exactly why I decided to shorten the legs instead of rake the neck. I measured the legs and crossreferenced the pressure it can handle in this application and shortening the legs 4" (and not introducing added leverage by raking the neck) will put it right in it's "safe zone" considering the use I plan on putting it through. I'm right on the edge of proper trail but I was mostly concerned with what these legs can handle.
