Quote:

would there be any benifet other then looks?

Frank



Frank,

Just like ssjones said they seem to be a handling compromise.

I have copied below a Q and A segment from the archives with questions I asked to which member Bobscogin gave some pretty knowledgeable insight.

Bedouin : I have 4 questions that come to mind:

a/ stability especially going round bends/corners (being as stiff as I think these front ends would be there is "probably" a tendency for the front to drift).

BOB : Don’t expect a springer to provide the rigidity, or precision handling, of the stock fork.

b/ How do they behave on hitting bumps/potholes.

BOB : Inferior to the stock fork. They lack the travel of the stock fork and have no hydraulic damping. Springers can be fitted with a shock, but I’ve never seen one so fitted that wasn’t butt ugly. It really clutters up the looks, and looks are what a springer’s about.

c/ Brake calipers - any specifics/idiosyncracies we ought to know about.

BOB : Yes. The caliper bracket must be able to float on the axle. Since the caliper bracket is anchored to the stationary rear leg, and the axle moves in an arc, the triangle of points formed by the axle, rear mounting point, and mounting point at the bracket, has continually changing angles. Because of this, the bracket has to be able to rotate around the axle a small amount.

d/ How do they perform under heavy braking, given that I think they have a lot less travel than conventional forks and the weight transfer is considerable.

BOB : The big difference between springers and telescopic forks is that springers don’t dive when braking. It’s a strange sensation at first, but one becomes accustomed to it quickly. Those of you considering springers, and are concerned over performance, should understand that the stock fork is superior in every way. Ever notice that Harley abandoned them in 1949 for the improved Hydra-Glide fork? If you want one for appearance, that’s cool, but from a functional viewpoint they’re a step down.
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Frank, sorry for the long post but I felt it to be helpful to you and other members that may be interested, as I was.

Thanks again Bob Scogin!.

Bedouin. Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).