Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[speeder]

I have never rode a bike with a Springer Front End, but am considering a 09 SE Springer. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages. How do they ride and handle
THANKS

[ice6900]

u wont notice 2much difference between a 09springer and the more common fork set up, there is a little less travel on the springer, i can easily bottom out on heavy braking, the springer needs more maintenance/ more often, tighten bearings and regrease hence the early 1st service period at 500 miles.
The 09 has a 4pot front brake which by what i^ve read in other threads is no better performance wise than the 2pot brake fitted on the 07 08models, i prefer the look of the 2pot, man u gotta realise this is not a rice burner  and does not have performance brakes.
But hell for the looks of the bike the extra work is well worth it. Ride it like u stole it! 

[miker]

I serviced mine after 70 or so years, no worn out parts and so far so good... a nice ride quality to them

[spydglide]

I serviced mine after 70 or so years, no worn out parts and so far so good... a nice ride quality to them

That's 'cause yours doesn't have that extra 'shock' and 'stuff' to weight it down... ....har!  spyder

[miker]

Mebbe....It is forged steel, solid, not tubular and heavy as a.....muffinstuffer...

[drogers]

u wont notice 2much difference between a 09springer and the more common fork set up, there is a little less travel on the springer, i can easily bottom out on heavy braking, the springer needs more maintenance/ more often, tighten bearings and regrease hence the early 1st service period at 500 miles.
The 09 has a 4pot front brake which by what i^ve read in other threads is no better performance wise than the 2pot brake fitted on the 07 08models, i prefer the look of the 2pot, man u gotta realise this is not a rice burner  and does not have performance brakes.
But hell for the looks of the bike the extra work is well worth it. Ride it like u stole it! 

I agree.About the only thing I notice is it bottoms easier and it stops like a bike from the sixties.Coming off of sport bikes,I was very surprised how well it handles.Braking and ground clearance aside.

[Happnin]

The springer geometry actually has great anti-dive characteristics.

It's a nice setup and mine handles fantastically.

[miker]

Mine hase the optional "ride control". The Oldster has a knob you turn to pre-load the upstairs spring...

[ice6900]

Mine hase the optional "ride control". The Oldster has a knob you turn to pre-load the upstairs spring...

i dont even have that option on my flat trakker, not even the extra damper as fitted on the modern bikes, its a hell of a fun 2 ride,

[spydglide]

i dont even have that option on my flat trakker, not even the extra damper as fitted on the modern bikes, its a hell of a fun 2 ride,

It's 'purty' too!  har.  spyder

[miker]

Its sure got a big ol motor init...

[harris48cars]

Requires early maintenance (500 miles) so front end can be readjusted and requires rebuilding at 10,000 miles ($800). Don't take my word for it just ask the dealer
   Gary

[Spanish Flyer]

The 07 and 08 Springers have a ONE pot brake; one piston that bites the disc against the other brake pad; by far not enough.... I finally installed a 4 pot caliper and even though I would prefer more, the 4 pot ( four acting pistons ) to be six, but then I might end up breaking something on the rather weak front supension. The original brake is SO BAD that you might as well carry an anchor and throw it every time yo need braking......

If you don't want to kill yourself, install a better front brake!!!

BR,
Spanish Flyer

[amarillo_rider]

Agreed on all accounts with the front braking experience - but hey - you got this bike stopped in no-time (providing reasonable dry wheather) if you get the front & rear activated in a say 20/80 ratio....big diff if you come a Duc 1098 like i did ;-) but I had ridden springers before and cannot picture myself on any other Hog anymore (actually I sold off my 08 Heritage Classis after having 3 months in which spent 25K on performance enhancers and what not - to find out it was still a boring ride ;-( - got a 07 FXSTSTE with 21" frontwheel (had 4000 Km on the counter) - what a joy again...springer for life for sure...

BTW , I have the PM's installed - and it somewhat enhances the braking - but predominantly the rearend - Frontend merely installed for looks and consistency purposes....but again , it takes some practice .

Rik

[Smiler]

I have never rode a bike with a Springer Front End, but am considering a 09 SE Springer. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages. How do they ride and handle
THANKS

You know when you brake on a bike, you tend to go down, well on the Springer you go don't because the action actually lifts.  After saying that the brakes on the 07 were 1 pot which is nothing to stop a 110 engine.  I don't know if they have been upgraded on the 09.