Installing a Springer Front End On Your Chopper
Springer front ends have been an iconic front suspension used by Harley-Davidson for ages, dating all the way back to 1930. The classic old school look has been a choice for chopper builders and customizers to this day. Choosing the correct spring fork for you project is task number one.
Our personal favorite springer front end is the vintage styled springer front end. This is an extremely close replica to the Knucklehead springers of yesteryear. Manufactured by Mid USA, the vintage springer is styled with the iconic Harley cast style springer perch and triple trees.
At Throttle Addiction we fit the vintage springer up to one of our recent chopper builds. The evolution big twin chopper is sporting a Paughco frame with 30 degrees of rake. We are running a 21" wheel up from and a 16" wheel out back, so we chose the 22" length springer.
Additionally, we chose to run our own riser-less Throttle Addiction 11" T Bars. They give you a tight aggressive riding stance. A slight 2” pullback slightly relaxes the wrists for a more comfortable grip. At 26” wide, you'll have ample control without the "I'm about to hug a sumo wrestler" riding position that comes with wider bars.
Below is a breakdown of the parts used on this project along with links directing you to their respected page. The best part about it is you can get EVERYTHING you need right here at Throttle Addiction in one easy grab & go. Direct links to the parts on our website are listed below.
Vintage Harley Springer Front End - Black
21" x 2.15" Harley Black Spoke Wheel - FXST / FXDWG 1984-1999
Shinko - 21 x 3.00 270 Classic Motorcycle Tire
Rim Strip for 20" - 21" Motorcycle Wheels
275/300 - 21" Motorcycle Tube Center Valve Stem
HOW TO MEASURE
The lengths and measuring points on each springer is located on the individual product pages, and it's very important to measure properly and accurately before you break out your wallet and pull the trigger.
Everyone is excited to get their hands on such an important part of your bike build, but don't put the cart before the horse and end up with the wrong length. We suggest you have you wheels AND tires on hand, before purchasing your front end. Install your rear wheel, (with tire mounted) then block up the bottom of your frame so it sits level or is raked to your liking. Then, we like to use a broom handle or piece of pipe to stick through the neck. Next, put your front wheel (with tire mounted) out where it intersects and take that measurement from the bottom of the neck to the center of your axle.
This will give you the most accurate measurement for your springer.
It's very important to remember that springers are measured in an uncompressed state, and once you put the weight of your bike on them, the springers will compress and drop down. So if you're in between, or even directly on a size, we suggest going up to the next increment.
The lower cost option has similar styling to many front ends on the market, The fact remains that the majority of these offered under different brand names are actually the same exact front end, produced in the same factory overseas. They are a solid, lower cost option that features machined front leg yokes sporting a square look. At Throttle Addiction, we carry Mid USA branded springers. Their entry springer offeres 1" front legs and a machined spring perch. The rear legs are a single piece that extends through the lower triple tree. This set up is available in lengths from 6" under to 10" over stock and comes in chrome or black finish. It features a 1" stem which will bolt up most Harley Big Twin or Sportster frames, It includes the 3/4" axle and the top clamp.
For more springer action, check out another shop steed: the 1947 Knucklehead chopper 'Frankenknuckle.'
