Convertion from fork to springer, 2000 1200xl
#1
01-02-2014 | 04:01 PM
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Muskegon, MI
Convertion from fork to springer, 2000 1200xl
I was hoping that i could get some feedback from those of you that have converted a sporty from stock forks to a springer front end. I have a 2000 XL1200 that i love but just want a longer front end and thought converting it to a springer front end with a +4 or +6 would be the way to go. Here are my concerns.
1: Would a DNA +6 spring front end include the rake to push the wheel forward?
2: What handling issues crop up with extending the front end and adding a springer system
3: i believe i will need a new front brake caliper for the springer or will the stock work?
In advance Thank you
1: Would a DNA +6 spring front end include the rake to push the wheel forward?
2: What handling issues crop up with extending the front end and adding a springer system
3: i believe i will need a new front brake caliper for the springer or will the stock work?
In advance Thank you
#2
01-02-2014 | 07:13 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Navarre Florida
Before making a conversion like this, do a little research on the effects it has on "rake and trail" . As a starter, http://auto.howstuffworks.com/choppers2.htm
Understanding rake and trail will help you make a better decision. You will have to modify the front brake to use a springer. There may be adapters that will let you use a Harley caliper. Look at close up pics of a few and you'll see how they are configured.
Understanding rake and trail will help you make a better decision. You will have to modify the front brake to use a springer. There may be adapters that will let you use a Harley caliper. Look at close up pics of a few and you'll see how they are configured.
Last edited by TonyGinFla; 01-02-2014 at 10:39 PM.
#3
01-02-2014 | 07:50 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 669
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#4
01-02-2014 | 09:42 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
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From: Richmond, VA
I was hoping that i could get some feedback from those of you that have converted a sporty from stock forks to a springer front end. I have a 2000 XL1200 that i love but just want a longer front end and thought converting it to a springer front end with a +4 or +6 would be the way to go. Here are my concerns.
1: Would a DNA +6 spring front end include the rake to push the wheel forward?
Answer: No. DNA Springers are zero degree rake. The wheel would physically be farther forward because of the springer rockers as well as the fact the forks are longer than stock. But not because of any added rake.
2: What handling issues crop up with extending the front end and adding a springer system
Awful handling. Your whole motorcycle would be tilted towards the rear with a 6 over springer. Not only would it look ridiculous, it would be very top heavy and loose feeling. A 4 over would be right at he most I would ever put on a stock rake bike. Stock length or 2 over would be perfect. Also, Springers, especially the bottom of the barrel DNA Springers bounce and rattle. I have run two DNA's in the past three years. One on my Shovel and one on my Dyna. They are very poor quality to say the least.
3: i believe i will need a new front brake caliper for the springer or will the stock work?
There are a couple company's that make a bracket to mount the stock caliper on a DNA springer.
In advance Thank you
1: Would a DNA +6 spring front end include the rake to push the wheel forward?
Answer: No. DNA Springers are zero degree rake. The wheel would physically be farther forward because of the springer rockers as well as the fact the forks are longer than stock. But not because of any added rake.
2: What handling issues crop up with extending the front end and adding a springer system
Awful handling. Your whole motorcycle would be tilted towards the rear with a 6 over springer. Not only would it look ridiculous, it would be very top heavy and loose feeling. A 4 over would be right at he most I would ever put on a stock rake bike. Stock length or 2 over would be perfect. Also, Springers, especially the bottom of the barrel DNA Springers bounce and rattle. I have run two DNA's in the past three years. One on my Shovel and one on my Dyna. They are very poor quality to say the least.
3: i believe i will need a new front brake caliper for the springer or will the stock work?
There are a couple company's that make a bracket to mount the stock caliper on a DNA springer.
In advance Thank you
I believe this one requires a lot of modification as mentioned in their video:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-2-Under-...e3abdd&vxp=mtr
I think these two are bolt ons:
http://www.sportsterspecialty.com/cu...ront-ends.html
http://www.paughco.com/2008-catalog/...-springers.pdf
Most springers are set up for big twin necks. Make real sure your buying one that will fit a Sportster neck. Or be prepared for a lot of extra work. There is one other company but I just couldn't remember it off the top of me head. Either way, spend A LOT of time researching and call your seller. Make sure you get the right one, not a basic DNA.
Last edited by bikerlaw; 01-02-2014 at 10:09 PM.
#6
01-06-2014 | 06:49 PM
Bikerlaw, which springer would you recomend?
Lastly, you need to know that the basic out of the box DNA Springers WILL NOT bolt to a Sportster without a lot of modification. You can get a DNA "type" springer that's been set up to bolt right on.
I believe this one requires a lot of modification as mentioned in their video:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-2-Under-...e3abdd&vxp=mtr
I think these two are bolt ons:
http://www.sportsterspecialty.com/cu...ront-ends.html
http://www.paughco.com/2008-catalog/...-springers.pdf
Most springers are set up for big twin necks. Make real sure your buying one that will fit a Sportster neck. Or be prepared for a lot of extra work. There is one other company but I just couldn't remember it off the top of me head. Either way, spend A LOT of time researching and call your seller. Make sure you get the right one, not a basic DNA.
I believe this one requires a lot of modification as mentioned in their video:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-2-Under-...e3abdd&vxp=mtr
I think these two are bolt ons:
http://www.sportsterspecialty.com/cu...ront-ends.html
http://www.paughco.com/2008-catalog/...-springers.pdf
Most springers are set up for big twin necks. Make real sure your buying one that will fit a Sportster neck. Or be prepared for a lot of extra work. There is one other company but I just couldn't remember it off the top of me head. Either way, spend A LOT of time researching and call your seller. Make sure you get the right one, not a basic DNA.
Last edited by Rob Robb; 01-06-2014 at 07:00 PM.
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