Softail Entire Front End Swap
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: WV
Softail Entire Front End Swap
I need some advice and hope I find someone that has done this project.
I am in love with 2 bikes, the Nightrain and the Fat Boy. I love the train’s looks but like the Fat Boys front end better.
After trying many different things, most recent being the 120/70/21, I am still not happy with the front end looks.
This winter I would like to replace the entire front with a Fat Boy set up. On page 114 of American Iron Mag is the look I am going for.
I have a 2006 Train and am looking at the 2007 Fat Boy front since that was the first year of the 17” wheel. Both front and rear should be 17’s then.
According to http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...NightTrain.htm
I have a 1.5 degree fork rake in addition to the 32 head, where the Fat Boy has only the 32 head rake.
My main concern is spending all this money to find I am not balanced right or run into handling problems.
I would not mind lowering the rear .5 to .75 if it came to it.
Does anyone know of this front swap being done or have any good advice on it?
I am in love with 2 bikes, the Nightrain and the Fat Boy. I love the train’s looks but like the Fat Boys front end better.
After trying many different things, most recent being the 120/70/21, I am still not happy with the front end looks.
This winter I would like to replace the entire front with a Fat Boy set up. On page 114 of American Iron Mag is the look I am going for.
I have a 2006 Train and am looking at the 2007 Fat Boy front since that was the first year of the 17” wheel. Both front and rear should be 17’s then.
According to http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...NightTrain.htm
I have a 1.5 degree fork rake in addition to the 32 head, where the Fat Boy has only the 32 head rake.
My main concern is spending all this money to find I am not balanced right or run into handling problems.
I would not mind lowering the rear .5 to .75 if it came to it.
Does anyone know of this front swap being done or have any good advice on it?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 56
From: Knoxville, TN
I have similiar feelings about the Night Train's front end. But I think I will be going to a Wide-Glide front end and sticking with the "standard" looking forks. The WG forks are 49mm instead of the Night Train's 41mm. Good Luck with your swap and post pics along the way.
Last edited by Shaved Ice; Sep 7, 2009 at 10:18 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 2
I havent done that exact setup but did change out my front end... Most front ends are interchangeable, having said that its the details that you must be concerned with.. i.e what size wheel is it the same axle size, hub size will the original caliper fit or need to change that out...
Rake and trail factors, but i really dont pay attention to the numbers if it handles well..
Shaved Ice has a point, maybe go from a 41MM to 49mm, it would make a big difference.... I have one for sale... : )
Rake and trail factors, but i really dont pay attention to the numbers if it handles well..
Shaved Ice has a point, maybe go from a 41MM to 49mm, it would make a big difference.... I have one for sale... : )
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 45
From: PA
Not sure about the newer bikes...but here is a 98 FXSTS with a Fatboy frontend...
Twas done when I got it but looking at the setup it looks as easy as taking off the bars and top of the triple tree...sliding the front end out. dropping in a new one and your done. You'll have to setup the neck bearings etc...but really no big deal.
Twas done when I got it but looking at the setup it looks as easy as taking off the bars and top of the triple tree...sliding the front end out. dropping in a new one and your done. You'll have to setup the neck bearings etc...but really no big deal.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities
first of all wv, you ever look into just buying the nacell cover and soup cans for your current front end thus giving you the fatty front end,,,,, second shaved ice, you have a wg front end, the mid glides have the 49 mm front end......unless the 2010s are diff
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 56
From: Knoxville, TN
I may have my models mixed up. Let me try to explain the look I am going for: The Dyna Fatbob front end has 49mm forks. The Night Train has 41mm forks. I want to put the 49mm Fatbob forks and triple trees on my Night Train for performance and looks purposes.
Last edited by Shaved Ice; Oct 9, 2009 at 09:18 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities
go in the dyna forum, i bet someone in there would love to trade wit ya.I had the 49mm on my old dyna and they are beefy
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, IL
I have had the same idea, but not sure of the details. Everyone says it is a simple swap. In the mean time, I have opted to swap in a smaller diameter fatter tire on the front end of my 2003 Deuce. Next I need to fit a smaller and wider fender. Not sure if I will stay with this or go for the full front end swap. I posted a few pics to my garage.
Last edited by scott060462; Oct 11, 2009 at 09:16 AM.
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