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Harley Springer question.

  • Mr.Mow
    Mr.Mow
    6 years ago
    Questions on the Harley FL softail Springers (late 90s). (Keep in mind I’m clueless about Springers)
    Can you lengthen them by changing the springs? Like only a +2” or by changing rockers?
    The ‘shock’ on the front, do they do anything or are they there for show? None of the other Springers on the market have em. Are they functional or can you just pull em off?

    Putting a 21” wheel on one.. is the hub spacing Narrow,mid or wideglide? Or completely different again?
  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    6 years ago
    Quoting Mr.Mow on 23 Sep 2018 04:59 AMedited: 23 Sep 2018 05:02 AM

    Questions on the Harley FL softail Springers (late 90s). (Keep in mind I’m clueless about Springers)

    Can you lengthen them by changing the springs? Like only a +2” or by changing rockers?
    The ‘shock’ on the front, do they do anything or are they there for show? None of the other Springers on the market have em. Are they functional or can you just pull em off?

    Putting a 21” wheel on one.. is the hub spacing Narrow,mid or wideglide? Or completely different again?

    I’m no expert either but here goes. The lower rockers that house the axle always run under horizontal that is slightly up at the front, usually by say 10 degrees or more. If you extend the lower spring and shorten the top spring to gain 2” I reckon you’ll push the axle rocker over the horizontal point which means when you hit a bump the arc the rocker needs to travel will push the fork slightly backwards causing vibration across the cast components, not good. Also shortening the top spring will mean you’re more likely to top out on bumps. To maintain spring length you could lengthen the spring rod assembly. As for the shocker, yeah they work like any other to control/dampen bounce on the rough. Changing spring etc lengths will also affect how the front guard sits above the wheel. Gotta love geometry.
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