HD motorheads?

Question

can a springer fork from a HD springer ST be used on a FLHR? will the swapout be easy? thanks

Answer 1

I don't know what year bike you're talking about, but the answer is pretty much the same unless you've got something really old.

No, it's not easy.  The bearings and neck are different, and they don't swap out directly.  The better idea is to get a springer front end from an aftermarket source, such as Pachugo, that's designed for a Road King.  I've looked at their site and don't see anything, maybe you could email them and ask if they've got something to fit a FLHR.  They sell conversion kits for Dynas and Sportys but nothing listed for the FL series.  Arlen Ness doesn't list one either, but they might have one sitting around somewhere.

I believe there is one out there somewhere.  You can't be the first guy to want to do this.

The steering heads are significantly different and require different methods of service, the Springer uses a fall-away method to adjust and the Road King uses a three-swing method because it automatically centers itself.  You'll probably have to buy a new front wheel, too.  And a new front fender.

Answer 2

No. The fork stanchions on a Springer are AHEAD of the steering head. On a Road King they are BEHIND. The frame geometries are incompatible.

Answer 3

They went from springers to hydra-glides for a reason- handling. That little shock absorber don't make a noticable difference in the handling from a sixty year old springer.

The days of Harley having a wide spectrum of interchangability are over. Now it seems that everything is model specific.

Answer 4

The rake on a FLH is much shorter than a Softail. I think its 36 degrees as opposed to 42 on the FX. The Road King also has a self-centering front end. Could you make it work? Sure. Would it be easy? I don't think so.

Answer 5

just buy 2 bikes like i did!

  best of both worlds and no japanee