Gday

Wasn't sure how to phrase that question, but there it is. And before you point it out, yeah, I'm a bit anal about some stuff. (NOT in that way....minds outa the gutter, please!)

I've always been curious as to why one leg of my springer front end is offset more than the other. Now, there's a pic below to explain what I mean, but it's only for illustration, those lines are only drawn in roughly the right positions.

What I'm getting at is (and from a position in front of the bike looking back), the leg on the right is about 6mm further out from the centreline than the leg on the left. That is, distance A is less than distance B by 6mm. or so. Early on in the piece I used straight edges from my back wheel to check alignment (which was very poor as delivered, BTW) and I'm satisfied the front and rear wheels are aligned on the same centreline. Once I adjusted the alignment, the bike runs pretty true with hands off the bars, so I'm happy with how it handles.

Just curious, is all (probably have one of those enquiring minds!) Any of you blokes know why that might be?

 

 

 Good observation. I wander if all models are like that.

Are they a genuine article? here why I ask.

If they where meant for different wheels in diameter that will explain alot, as in spoked to solid. On different models in the range.

What year model is the bike (or front end)?

 

2007 flst models, and perhaps other softail models too, appear to have an ever so slightly offset front end

 Yeah, sorry, shoulda mentioned that.

It's a '94 FXSTS, with a stock (front end at least) Softail Springer.

I've had it since new, so I can vouch for it's integrity.

 

 My '05 is the same - very noticable when you look at the mudgard mounts :

 

 

Philthy

 

Yup. Definitely a difference.

Do you think someone stuffed things up in the factory many years ago, but no-one wanted to say anything? Maybe someone's playing with our minds!!

looking at the mud-guard mounts, one is wider than the other ie; the left is a wider mount (as you sit on the bike) makes me think there must be a reason as its OEM. Doesnt solve your question though, would be interested to hear why its that way.

On the other hand, maybe its the camera angle Philthys appears to be off center to the left (as you sit on the bike) but camera is not centered over the guard. Philthy can you take the same pic as Colstah?

Dont worry about a pic Philthy just had another look and the left leg of your springer has a wider guard mount by a long shot the same as Colstah's.

I have always loved the look of a springer..........now ya tellin me they are not right. AAAAArrrrgghghhhhh stop it.

 

Burnzi, your observation is spot on. That's really the reason it's so obvious to anyone like me who has to clean and polish it.

Those more casual observers, (the unfortunate non-springer owners) can be forgiven for not noticing.

Cmon people surely someone knows the answer to this??

 

I'll bet my left nut that the front wheel is centered in line with the rear wheel. If it wasn't you'd know about it and the bike wouldn't be safe to ride.
The offset you can see with the forks (and attached fender) makes it an easier and cheaper task of attaching the brakes as the brakes and mounts are closer to the wheel than otherwise.
My guess is that it was purposely engineered this way to save costs and that HD expected they could make these savings in manufacturing without the offset being noticed.
And it mostly hasn't been noticed by anybody making it an economically viable decision.
This isn't that out of the ordinary as many engineers will be instructed by manufacturers to redesign builds to cut costs.
There could not be any other explanation!

My 2011 FXST's front wheel is offset, I asked my local HD guy & he said it's normal. I think his reason was to keep the bike balanced because of the primary being offset to the motor. I'm guessing the wheels are probably running in the centre from the outside of the primary & the right side of the engine, not the centre of the engine or bike, although ive never bothered to look.

If you're worried it's out of alignment run a string line from the back wheel to the front wheel & check it.

 

Fatbat, Spero - Yeah, the wheels are aligned along the same axis. As I said in my first post, I checked the alignment when I replaced the rear tyre the first time. The rear wheel alignment was very poor straight from the showroom, I couldn't take my hands off the bars for more than a second. During that check, I observed the wheels were aligned along the same axis (as best I could tell) and once done, I could ride hands off, no problem.

Fatbat, you may be right about the brakes being easier to attach, but I'd wonder why they didn't bring the other side in to match symmetrically!!

 Not sure about the brake playing a part. My mate's FXSTSSE has the brake on the opposite side. Of course, they have mag wheels and I cant see what the offset is on his but I will have a look next time I see him . . . 

Philthy

 

Dont stress about it guys its one of those Engineering things that takes too long to explaine....
Fatbats explanation is plenty good enough for a non engineer, 01 AUG 2012....
The wheel centre's need to be inline to balance out the effect of the overhanging engine weight
and to compensate for the fatter wheels used these days.
Remember guys that you are riding very old technology and HD have not moved forward with
their engineering in the same way as the rest of the automotive industry for fear of losing
the look.

2007 fatboys are another example of the same offset issue but the offset is on the other side to that of the springer - the fatboy has its brakes fitted on the other side to that of the springer also.
Both 2007 fatboys and springers have similar if not same mechanics otherwise. The harley range hardly changes between models and years.

Following the offset issue receiving some adverse publicity for the 2007 fatboy, the issue was interestingly rectified in the 2008 model fatboy.