I am bulding my own motorcycle. What are the pros and cons of a springer front end compared to regular shocks?

Question

the rake is 36 to 38 degrees. engine is 113ci

Answer 1

You didn't say how much extension you are running, which is a BIG factor for a proper answer.
The only positive factor for running a springer is that, with their three point lower rocker, they are Slightly more stable than a hydraulic fork. If you REALLY are running a 113ci mill, you BEST have a hydraulic or pneumatic(air) dampener on the springer, as most of the last factory springer and girder forks had, or you are going to quickly learn of the most major drawback of the springer fork, the effect we Old Schoolers call the "Pogo Stick" effect, where, if you nail the throttle, or hit rough pavement or an irregular surface, your front end is gonna bounce up and down like a kid on the named toy, as in "Boing, Boing, Ka-Boing!"
There are many reasons that the factories did away with these obsolete forks years ago,but THAT would take a BOOK!
I have personally seen newbies actually lose it and crash, big time, because of this bouncy, bouncy effect.

Answer 2

Motorcycle Springer Forks

Answer 3

they have a tendency to enhance whilst going right into a turn inflicting a pogo effect,it is why HD makes use of a gas marvel absorber incorperated into their Springer front ends at the instant. in addition they pick extra upkeep than a coventional hydraulic fork because of the fact the rockers could be tended to now and lower back. whether, they seem cool! They artwork advantageous on a chopper or any bike that isnt being pushed complicated into corners yet undergo in concepts they're technologies from the early 1900s!

Answer 4

very general question. Maker sure the wheel trails correctly and either should work fine. On old-school long fork choppers, shocks wouldn't work quite as well because the forks were almost more horizontal than vertical, and on very long forks with a very radical rake (which you are getting onto the edge of) the *correct* springer might work a bit better than shocks. Shocks should still be fine though. There's a very good article in the March 2007 American Iron magazine on just that topic. Quite generally, shocks are somewhat softer ride and a bit more stable than a springer. But as mentioned, the correct trail on the springer can make it almost or even more stable than shocks. As long as you're using high quality parts, it depends more on what looks good to you. You're going to be riding for pleasure, not carving the canyon twisties on a crotch rocket.

Answer 5

First answer is very good. Springer front ends have been known to give riders "surprises" in turns due to the flex. Similar to the flex a softtail has which a rigid frame doesn't. However, once you are used to it, there shouldn't be any problems. Interesting to note though that HD left springers behind many years ago when they went to the Hydro Glide in 1949 and only recently returned to them for "nostalgia" reasons. Read: I want to look like I've been riding for years...

Answer 6

#1 answer is good. Sound technical advice.

Me - I've never ridden a spring myself so I cannot comment on ride quality or other issues. I will say I like they way they look and do apeal to me on visual. If I could afford 3 or 4 bikes, I'd certainly add a springer to my stable.

The downside I see is just too many moving parts and a maintenance nightmare even if the mechanics and geometry were perfect.

My riding is 3 season, limited by New England ice covered roads and winter crap. I commute daily rain or shine, and the OL & I now take our vacations on 2 wheels. I'd rather spend my time wearing them out than fixin' them.

Answer 7

First off, a springer front end is almost 100 lbs heavier than a glide front end, heavier as it gets longer (to adjust for added rake [over stock 32 degrees]).
Without the dampener (looks like a mini shock absorber, which is ugly as can be) the ride is almost like a car with no shocks, in that you'll get a "pogo"effect over bumps.
If you're running a front brake (VERY wise), you'll need to secure that caliper/drum backing plate to the rear leg(s), as the front legs are not designed for such loads.
In attaching the caliper strap to the rear leg, placement is important. Too high can actually make the front end dive when braking, too low can make the front end rise while braking.
If you want the front fender (if equipped) to ride close to the tire, it will have to be mounted to the front leg, raising and falling with the tire.

Answer 8

springers are cool and the other ones are for idiots.

Answer 9

Quit now while you are ahead. Thank you....................