So, I am set on a Springer front end for my 97 Sportster. Anyone have experience with these? I was looking at TC Bros site (got my mids from them, amazing product) Keep in mind, this is purely a cruising fun bike, not a commuter or a utility bike. I am leaning towards rigid rear as well, but not too sure on that one.

I was also wondering if any of you run a springer without a front brake.

 

I knew a guy who ran no front brake..he's dead now.
And like was said in another springer thread, on a dyna or sporty with exposed rear shocks, a springer will make you look like a little kid on a rocking horse. But, a springer sporty with no front brake in New York should get your juices flowing.

 

Last time I did with something similar was in the mid-70s. 72 Sporty, grider front end with a Hallcraft front brake hub. Might as well have been no front brake though. Not much you can do or hope for with a brake about the size of a tennis ball. Kept the CHP off your azz though.

 

It only takes one time of needing a front brake and not having one.

 

Alright so after a lot of discussion with some friends and fellow HD owners, I have nixed the Springer idea. I will be heading in a different direction. I just want to clean up the front end, get some wheels and find the time to install the 1200 conversion.

 

I'll just leave this here..

 

I like the way it looks just as it sits.

 

Yup, wide glide front end on that looks killer, and relatively cheap to do.

 

Back in the 60s, had my first motorcycle. Mechanical drum brakes, front and back. The front wheel bearing seal had gone bad and gotten grease all over the brake shoes. So I decided it looked better without brakes on the front.

Not a week later, driving like a crazy 17 year old, I came upon a slow car in a turn in the mountains of WV. Hit my foot brake and nothing. I lane shared the double yellow line between two cars before I got off the road. The rear linkage to the back brake had vibrated loose and fallen.

You truely do not want to try that at home.

 

The local sales manager at the dealership just finished an 70's ironhead build. Just the drum rear and no front brake on the springer.

She is an accomplished rider and can out ride most men. She knows what it takes to bring it down and just rides accordingly.