My 2009 Springer FXSTSSE3 (as far as the front end) rides better than a lot of the other bikes I have owned.
I think a springer on a softail frame is a classic retro look.TS, what do you think of them on a Softail? I also read that the front fender mounts on a Springer are no t as close to the wheel as they are on the stock set up.
I mostly ride highways, and state routes, which aren't too bad around my section of Ohio.
I owned a 2001 Heritage Springer and now own a 2007 Springer Classic with 20K on it, and recently rode my friends 2006 RKC with less than 6K on it, and was very surprised how much they felt the same over rougher roads (I actually thought my Springer was nicer) but that could be because I'm use to the ride. I would have to agree with your comment about the Springers, and also on the highway it is beautiful! Keep in mind, in 2012 I changed my neck/rocker bearings as normal maintenance.I've owned two, 05' FXSTSI and now my 06 FLSTSCI.
I personally think that the ride of a springer feels the same as any other bike. To me, ride quality depends on the road conditions ( smooth, road debris, pot-holes, etc) and not based on the type of front end your bike has. You may notice a slightly heavier "feel" to the front end while making turns from stops at first but after the first week you'll forget about it. My Heritage Springer is pretty comfortable and I dont have any issues with long hauls.
Springer front ends add a certain look to a bike that simply can't be replicated or beat!
The front fender on my '07 SC is a called a "free floating fender" which is mounted though the wheel axle and 1 bolt mounted to the left side of the rigid fork, but does sit high enough to see the full wide white walls.I think a springer on a softail frame is a classic retro look.
Thinking about it now, I think your right. The front fender sets higher. The tire is off set from the center line of forks and moves somewhat independent of the fender.
I don't believe you will have any issues with a Springer front end as far discomfort…but keep in mind H-D is the only Springer front end with a shock absorber, after market Springer front ends do not have a shock absorber (I believe it is an H-D patent) That being said, I have ridden my SC without the shock and it wasn't as stable/controlled on rougher roads, but believe it or not, is wasn't a dramatic difference, only over serious bumps/holes was were I noticed it the most. Swapping the front end should not be a difficult task.I'm considering putting a Paughco (or other brand) springer front end on my 97 FXSTC this winter. Just about the only thing giving me second thoughts is that I've been told that Springers make for a rougher ride.
My question is for anyone that's owned a springer, how much rougher is the ride? As a lot of members know I've been through more than a few abdominal surgeries and I'm kinda concerned about spending all this money, then not be able to handle the ridde.
Also how difficult is the installation?
Paughco Wide Springer | 230-538 | J&P Cycles!
Was the $3K quote for a H-D Springer front end?You guys are killing me. I want a springer so bad. Actually, I would LOVE to find a springer front end for my Super Glide (I check Craigslist every day). That would look so good. I priced it out at Strokers and it would be an easy $3k. That just hurts.
My brother's neighbor traded his for an FLH front end even up. How I wish I had been there for that.