Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner springers

http://www.danddimportcycles.com/ D & D is doing springer front ends if anyones interested.

Oh, they finally got pictures online. There was a discussion recently about a small picture in Torque.

I'm not sure I like it. Not sure why. Possibly because they appear to have actually raised the front of the bike with the length of the frontend.

I called for a price $3200 installed ouch!

Looks a little awkward...
Like when a 5 year old walks around their dad's shoes.

It does take little getting used to I guess, but I think I like it.

Er... Nah. Other than the (very steep) price tag, it looks like a Triumph trying to be a Harley -- which it ain't. :P To each their own, of course. *shrug* I agree with Mikey, I think -- looks awkward.

--Jaeger

The forks do look a bit wide in my opinion, but as I see it anything new created for our bikes is a step in the right direction. I would disagree with the opinion that anything with a springer front is trying to be a harley, but I think we have already had this discussion before on this board. I would have to agree with you on the price tag though.

Wish they'd make a girder frontend for Triumphs, that's what the Speedtwins had.

I agree that any modification parts offered for our bikes are a blessing whether we purchase them or not.It's strickly bullsh** when someone says we're harley wannabee's.If your triumph is what you love and want to ride,just ignore the idiots when they make that comments.Harley's are like Triumph, buy what you want!Dig?

Oh, I absolutely agree that any acknowledgement by the motorcycling establishment (e.g., after-market vendors) is a good thing -- y'all have quite clearly stated why.

Wizard, I also agree that it's assinine to say "Triumph is trying to be Harley" -- quite the contrary! I'm of the opinion that Triumph is one of the few manufacturers who is patently NOT trying to be a Harley clone (e.g., Honda). I just want to keep it that way. If I'd wanted a Harley, I'd have bought one.

One of my favorites was in a dealer where a fellow (obviously a few quarts short on brains) was looking at a Confederate Hellcat -- says "Ah, it's just trying to be a Harley."

When he walked away, I looked at the salesman who was standing nearby shaking his head. Salesman says "What an idiot." I laughed and agreed.

Anyway... I just don't dig the springer front end, that's all. To each their own!

--Jaeger

i like it.. and i think it looks great

BIKER

You'll get that look when you use any extended front end whether it be a Springer, a girder or a wide glide, its a very 60's look. This is where they need to either rake the neck or cut the backbone to get a steeper angle for the longer forks. You can't really blame the style of forks its the length thats off. If they would have shortened the forks, I think they would have hit it right on.

BTW, Ozzy at QPD makes custom springer front ends, any length or width for half that price.


Fryguy

First of all, a fender looks stupid on a springer front end. Thats just my opinion. 2nd, It needs some rake in the triple trees to level it back out. And 3rd, It needs a fatter tire up front. I love the look of a springer, but it has to be set up right! Someday mine will have one on it but not for $3,000 It can be done alot cheaper.

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2nd, It needs some rake in the triple trees to level it back out

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I love the look of a springer, but it has to be set up right

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You are kinda contradicting yourself there. Rake trees are not the way to achieve proper rake. It throws off the trail to much and creat an ill handling, death trap. The neck must be raked and the use of raked trees only should be used to bring the trail to within proper allowances.

$3000 is expensive just for a springer front-end alone. You can get them less expensive but they are not bolt on components for the BA/SM frame. A lot of customization must be done in order to make it fit. But I am sure you knew that.


Fryguy

I thought I would like this look better. Now that I see it, I realize what a good job Triumph has done in the first place.

I dont really care for springer's never have. I just posted this because this is my dealer and has been a pretty decent guy to deal with. I had seen post of interest about springs here so, there you go. As far as getting it done a lot cheaper, I doubt it. You might be able to purchase the components and do it yourself somewhat cheaper. But then I looked at prices for front end kits from jp cycles & such and they aint exactly cheap. And I not seen anywhere that you can drop off your (triumph) and get a springer conversion done for ya. Most places only work on harleys. This was just one of those for your information things. Personaly I think the telescopic front fork was the best invention for bikes to ever come along having biked on rides with no supension at all.

if i was gonna build an old school chopper with an B/A i would surly look into this but i would want raked trees to go with it to level the bike out, or better yet i might want them a little shorter and leave the rake and trail the same as stock.

The $3200 price tag includes installation, a new headlamp assembly, using yor old wheel and brake set up. D & D doesnt make a kit yet however I was told that the kit would be less expensive(someday). To each his own, I would rather have a hardtail and springer even though I leave in PA where a hardtail is just hard on your body after a few miles. Forking by Frank may have a nice set of extended tubes at a better price.

i dont like. sorry.

someone educate me.... I don't get all the so called difficulty in installing a springer on our bikes. As long as you have the correct stem and the right bearings what keeps it from just being a simple bolt on?
I've always loved the look of a springer and have entertained the idea numerous times for my bike. I wouldn't set it up the way they did though. I don't think it looks right..... needs to be same length as the original front end, well acutally maybe and inch or two shorter as it has to have a 21 inch rim, take that fender off and man, I think I just figured out what to do with my next tax refund! hehehehe

It's mostly drudgery work. Restring the brake line, relocate the speedometer, remount the headlight, etc. The headlight usually mounts higher on a springer, so you might have to extend some of the wiring.

From my understanding in talking with Bob Scogins a year ago or so, it seems the neck is actually tapered inside. Not having my neck apart I can't say for certain. But this would hamper using any ol aftermarket springer or Harley front end. This would increase the cost in needing a custom built springer front end, which isn't rare in itself. Labor plus materials will add up. Nobody is saying its impossible because it isn't. But the cost of one-offing a springer front-end to the BA will be on the high side. You won't just be able to call up a MFG and get a $600 springer front-end. Not that I would want a $600 springer front-end on my bike(You get what you pay for). Cost is the number one reason you don't see more BA's with springer front ends.

Fryguy