What
To Look For When Buying A Springer Front End
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Even though many
think that using a springer adds that popular "old school"
or retro look to their chopper, today's bikes are very different.
Frames and motors are bigger and the finished bike weighs
more.
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| Guys put $$$$ into
their chassis and motors and then scrimp on a springer. Be as
safe as you can. I've always been a believer that the front
end is the most important part of the bike. You ain't going
nowhere without a front end dumb ass. |
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| When looking for
a springer for your bike or chopper here are the main things
you should look for. |
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| 1. Is there undercut
on the welds? |
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2. Are there any
holes where water can get into the fork tubes?
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3. Are the triple trees and spring plates strong enough?
Thin triple trees look good and are lighter but dude it's
your life.
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4. If the bottom triple tree is welded to the fork, has anything
been done to reduce the stress on this weld?
Don't even go there if it's not welded unless there's something
besides the clamps to hold it in place.
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| 5. Does it have inner springs top and bottom? |
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6. Check the diameter of the spring material.
Remember that the closer each spring section is to the
other the less compression length you have.
I could say it's not a springer with shocks but seriously
though shocks are only needed to dampen the ride if
the spring setup is incorrect.
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| 7. Does the top tree accept any aftermarket handlebars? |
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8. Is the rear section
beefy enough for the size of the motor?
Big motors deserve a little beefier rear section. Some guys
say look at the weight but that motor won't even feel it. Lightweight
sometimes isn't the answer, reason being they tend to POGO. |
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| 9. What warranty
comes with the front end? |
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10.
Is it the correct length?
Most people don't do enough homework when they are deciding
on the length of a front end for their bike whether it is
a glide or a springer. And some front end manufacturers compound
this by only offering lengths in multiples of 2 or 3 inches.
Also there are two "stock" lengths so when you order
a "2 over" make sure you know what "stock"
is.
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| Jeri Exner, a Journeyman
Tool & Die Maker by trade, started building springers back
in 1968. He formed Jeri's Springer Front Ends in 1999. |
