Anyone know whether I can put a Springer front end on my '02 Road King without too many problems? Any advice? Suggestions?

 

Renewing this, cause I'm interested in this myself

 

I don't know if it can be done, but it would look AWESOME!

 

The Springer has always been my favorite front and would be curious to see it on a RK. Have no idea if it will work but if it can be answered this is the place.

 

Is your RK a FLHRC classic? That would look killer!!!! Good luck with this!

 

IMO, it would look like crap with the stock frame. The Touring frame has an extra long neck to accomodate the reversed triple trees. Your headlight would likely be 2 feet from the end of your gas tank.

 

The touring frame has the extended neck because of the weird geometry.

I stole this pic from Howard - www.motorcyclemetal.com credit where it is due.

Check out Howards article on touring geometry here: http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage20.html

The handling would be radically changed by fitting a springer front end as the rake and trail would be different from what the springer unit was designed for.

 

I think it would be cool - but be hard on you for long trips.

You would completely redesign the front, no narcel, no fork mounted windshield (unless you get really creative), single sided brake, bulbus headlight and attaching the signals should be alot of fun.

But 'can' it be done - sure. And it will be very unique.
If you don't start cutting and welding - you can always change back.

Soooo - go for it and post the pics
...gene

 

You would have to go full out custom unless one of the after market company makes a really big heavy duty springer.
The HD touring models are a lot bigger and heavier then any of the past springer models.

If you have ever ridden a springer you know how different they ride.
While I agree a custom springer front end on a road king would look cool "as a custom"

I don't think it would be practical at all. So I'd only do it if I had a second or fleet of bikes to ride.

 

I to have thought about this being a neat looking bike, I am surprised that with all of the "custom" bikes you see in "Baggers" and other magazines that someone would have made this change. Must be something that doesn't work/look right about the deal. I have heard many different opinions about the "ride" of bikes with springer front ends.