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Nub looking for advice

Discussion in 'Pull up a chair and sit for a spell' started by wvak47, Nov 5, 2007.

  1. wvak47

    wvak47 Active Member

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    Ok the weather gods have finally driven my sporty to the garage. Time for some more of that REAL fun I had earlier with her :D .

    Here is the advice I would like from some of you folks with more time in more saddles than I.

    I have a 2005 883C Sporty. A fellow on another board has "1995 Harley springer frontend. Tire,wheel,handlebars. no headlight or fender. $650 obo". Being as I have never rode a springer but love the look, would this be worth while? Since the listing came from a 4wheel drive site and I have a 76 CJ5 that I no longer have money to fix up (something about a new addiction with 2 wheels LOL), and this person isn't far from me and may be willing to do some swapping.

    Questions include:
    Tech guys will there be an issue with Fit? I am ok with redoing wires, cables and lines, but if it won't fit the frame not much point.
    How different is the ride on a springer to a standard Sporty front end?

    Obviously I have more questions for ol boy about his front end. #1 being WHY take it off and replace it? Any issues with it? That sort of thing, but just wondering what everyone's take would be on the idea here. Some reason I kinda like the folks here and value the input. Thanks folks.
  2. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    the biggest concern is neck size. im not sure on the newer mods, but back in the day, hogs had a 1'' neck and piglets had 3/4. next issue is overall length from center of axle to bottom of the neck. if the springer is longer, the bike will sit higher in the front....if shorter, the oposite. the springer will give a stiffer ride than the stock glide. i liked every springer i owned....but they were all old originals......:) they were also noiser...
  3. wvak47

    wvak47 Active Member

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    The neck size was one of my concerns then I got to thinking I have seen wideglide fronts put on Sportys. The springer and wideglide both fit the Dyna or Softails so I was figuring that Harley finally stopped that 1" - 3/4" stuff.

    If ol boy don't answer my email it isn't going to matter no how LOL.

    I want to build a bike so I figure if I can get this front it is simply the First Piece of the next one LOL. Nothing against you BIG NOSE guys but I really don't want to do the Chopper. I am more the Bobber fan.

    Thanks for the info and answers Chuck, tis appreciated.
  4. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    I like the look's of the wide glide on the sporty , & A bobber sporty with a springer might look real good as well , The only springer I rode was a aftermarket one called a randy springer & it was a longer then stock way back in the 70's it had way to much bounce to it :witsend:
  5. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    a bobber sportster with a springer....medium apes....solo seat....upsweeps...medium sissy bar..........yow,wee, sweet!!!!!!!
    oh ya....needs to be "primer black" with some red pinstripes.......:D :)
  6. wvak47

    wvak47 Active Member

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    [​IMG]

    This is about as close to what I had in mind as I can get with that software. I already have those pipe and AC cover. That is as close to my XL-C tank as they have and I won't be making her a rigid, so the seat will be higher of course and the sissybar (which I already have) will be up a bit higher for mounting but this is close. I have the factory solid rear wheel, which may get shot with paint or powdercoat, not sure yet. Losing the turnsignals, may try to figure out how to use those switches to turn on my LEDs (I know not bobber style but these will be equal to a light under the hood of your cage. So I can see to work on strategic areas more than show off). Issue now is ol boy still hasn't responded to my email LOL. This all may be for not, but nothing ventured ;) right?
  7. Hot01

    Hot01 Active Member

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    Both Dynas and Softails are big twins, so the logic doesn't really work - unless I've misunderstood you.

    Have you heard back from the guy?
  8. wvak47

    wvak47 Active Member

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    You missed a part Hot01, I have seen wideglide fronts on the sporty, the springer will fit the dyna (wideglide) so if A=B and B=C the A must = C. Atleast that is my logic, which means I am thinking and working without tools :roflmao: . Heck if not then I will still have a nice start to my NEXT Scoot, I am pretty sure there will be more in my future. Worse than alcohol for me, in me blood and I likes it ALOT.

    Nothing from him yet. Still got anything I can cross crossed. Explains some of me spellin', can't type for crap with me fingers and eyes crossed :rolleyes:
  9. mwelych

    mwelych Active Member

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    Gotta love that logic... Unfortunately there are times that logic will work only on paper and nowhere else... Seen it happen before and it was back to the ol' drawing board... Is there a way for you to get on over there and measure it??? That'll be the best way to handle it...:)
  10. fiddyfofoad

    fiddyfofoad New Member

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    Springers tend to pogo on bumps and they are alot heavier than tube frt end.You'll probably have to do something with wheel spacing. Also, on long rides your hands and fingers may go numb. Whatever, If I was going to re-do my Sporty, I'd go bobber style too. Stubby with apes and upswept fishtails.
    Fiddyfofoad
  11. wvak47

    wvak47 Active Member

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    Ok ol boy hasn't been on the 4X4 site since 10/29, may be why no answer to email. Been doing some planning thought I would run the preliminary by you guys see what you think.

    [​IMG]

    Flat Black base coat. Black Cherry /w Gold Flake (maybe silver as well) side of tank, wide stripe down tank and rear fender, oil cover, battery cover, center or rear wheel (no flake on wheel), air cleaner. Front fender match rear but remove when not wet out LOL.

    Leave the polished AL around rear wheel only paint center, use wide white wall tire. Paint caliper black, make pulley match wheel.

    Bobbed rear fender, chrome frame covers (factory), leave shocks Chrome (factory).

    Keep current factory seat and sissy bar I have now.

    Black out handlebars but leave all fittings factory mostly black plastic, silver or chrome. Leave the Trees alone and the head light. Add Gaitors from 08 nightster, black out forks once reflectors are removed. Keep factory 21" chrome spoke with standard black tire.

    Keep Vance&Hines exhaust, use HD Flames insert package (Derby, Timing cover, Air Cleaner, Caliper inserts)

    I think that about covers it, what ya think?

    OOPS forgot blacking out the covers on the bottom of the motor so the chorme HD inserts show up better. Also covers up stains on the right side (stupid leaky carb)
  12. Slimjim

    Slimjim Active Member

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    You got it bad;) . You know that bike will let you spend as much on it as you want to and never say a word.:) I sounds like you've got a good plan and you'll have a really nice one of a kind bike. Chuck can give you some good advice on the paint job. He might even do it for you:cool: . Good luck and keep us informed on how it's going.
  13. drillsarge

    drillsarge Active Member

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    It is getting to be winter project time here in KY too. Keep us posted on the progress. I have some plans for my shovelhead such as mini gauges, paint and other things in my head but not on paper yet. chucktx, I concede the avatar war to you. Just tell me where you find em:D
  14. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    hey sarge, really good to see ya back posting!!! i just google em....use the "images" option and turn off the family filter........piece of cake!!!:)

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