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Howard's solution to get the larger 49mm forks on the older glides is proven and well documented on this site.
Another solution is to keep your 43mm forks but use the triple clamp and longer fork tubes from Custom Cycle Engineering to improve the handling as well..
I did my write up on Howard's system on 3/17 now 8 1/2 months later I can tell you the front end is amazing still , better than I would have ever thought , probably about 4 1/2 months ago I changed my shocks out for the Ohlins #6 series . I now have what I feel is the best handling and smoothest riding Harley Tourer in the world. When the wife and I take trips running down the highway I have yet to hit anything that has given us a jolt . Bumps or pot holes that would have raddled our teeth before you barely notice . This bike tracks and stays where ever you put it . This was an expensive upgrade but I ride and tour with this bike and although I questioned myself in the beginning I now know I spent my money wisely.
The new 49mm fork fit in the new 49mm triple trees. They all (FLT) look the same & have the same part #.
If you look closely you will new see that the bottom triple tree sits flush with the bottom of the steering head. The 1986~2013 FLT are different and the steering head sits "inside" of the bottom triple tree.
(picture of my 49mm bottom triple tree) Above
Why would this matter? Because the fender stops/hits the bottom of the bottom triple tree limiting the stroke (your friend).
In order to clamp triple trees together onto forks (different angles) only intersecting at the exact point where the two trees hit the neck bearing seals (top & bottom), a two piece steering stem must be utilized. Since Harley wanted inexpensive, they forge the two steering stems and thread one into the other. In order to do this, a 1" steering stem (the size of your older ones) is unacceptable so a larger OD must be made. You have neck bearings s the ID of those must be fitted into the new neck. Your 1986~2013 FLT does not have a large enough neck bearings to let the steering stem pass through.
The second reason for getting rid of the old fork tube non clamp system is for stability. I have been pointing out these inadequacies for many years now on this forum.
V/S
The next thing HD did was get rid of that domed steering stem neck bearing pre-load nut that wobbled so once the slip fit fork bolts threaded in, the top tree could be tightened down onto the domed nut and onto the fork tubes. A very wobbly and loose fit on a major component.
Not that anyone asked, the old 41mm fork tubes have a 0.165" wall and the 49mm have somewhere around 0.110" (I just measured them now). The 49mm are noticeably lighter (holding each in my hand) and by far much more rigid due to a thing called cross section.
There you have it.
PS: I make my bottom triple tree out of 17-4 PH STAINLESS and make my bottom steering stem out of the same. I believe that drilling a hole and cutting it down where the threads are create a week spot and pressing it into the sand cast mild steel is not something I want to do. I make my top bolt out of the same material also. It threads together with a specialize nut where there is no week spots. The top bolt/steering stem is clamped by the top tree with 2X 5/16"X18 Alan bolts. The bottom steering stem is cooled, pressed into than welded into the bottom triple tree.
I did my write up on Howard's system on 3/17 now 8 1/2 months later I can tell you the front end is amazing still , better than I would have ever thought , probably about 4 1/2 months ago I changed my shocks out for the Ohlins #6 series . I now have what I feel is the best handling and smoothest riding Harley Tourer in the world. When the wife and I take trips running down the highway I have yet to hit anything that has given us a jolt . Bumps or pot holes that would have raddled our teeth before you barely notice . This bike tracks and stays where ever you put it . This was an expensive upgrade but I ride and tour with this bike and although I questioned myself in the beginning I now know I spent my money wisely.
Just before going around the block for the first time:
His wife is very pretty and from TENN. where TJ316 got her out of the back woods. I ask myself (as with everyone else) why is she with him? It comes down to only one thing, he is rich.
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