Springer Front End?

[cwright856]

Hey guys, just seeing if anyone has ever put a springer front end on their cb750.  I'm not talking about something crazy. Just standard sizes. Any info on performance/handling would be awesome.  Also, if you've got a brand that you like, I'd love to hear about it.  

Thanks!
-Chris

[Lucky 1]

I would not recommend a springer for the CB750 frame unless it was the stock rake.
The frame is only 1/16 thickness.

People have done it.

I think Cycle-X has conversion head stock bearing set ups to convert to HD forks.Sportster?

[shinyribs]

Do they make short springers? Like the length of stock forks? I thought they were all pretty long. A springer going on a bike with stock rake and neck would cause negative trail,or at least very little trail,I would think. Depending on how much offset there is on the axle mounts for the springer. These bikes already run 4'' or less of trail. Anything less than that could cause some really twitchy steering.

[rrgunslinger]

I put 4 inch over tubes on my 69 back in the 70's and it was ok.   Will handle top heavy but I also had drag bars on it, highway pegs and a king queen seat.  You could ride it all day no problem. Here's a picture.

http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo172/grandpaslinger/Me/IMAG0012.jpg

 

On Tue, Sep 18, 2012 at 12:26 AM, shinyribs [via Honda CB750'S] <[hidden email]> wrote:

Do they make short springers? Like the length of stock forks? I thought they were all pretty long. A springer going on a bike with stock rake and neck would cause negative trail,or at least very little trail,I would think. Depending on how much offset there is on the axle mounts for the springer. These bikes already run 4'' or less of trail. Anything less than that could cause some really twitchy steering.

Montvale,Virginia
 Piute said it best:  "wheres my 10mm?"
Hellbilly-"that is a great way to tell if you have come to your senses, when you start drilling random holes in things... "

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[Lucky 1]

The rake an trail on a springer is measured differently because the offset is ZERO.

The front fork legs are in line with the steering head bearing.
The trail is measured from the distance where the steering head line meets the ground with the line that intersects the center of the rockers pivot point.

See how the bottom example has no offset?

[shinyribs]

I get the offset at the steering neck,yep! But when I was talking about offset I meant the offset of the front axle from the "tubes" or in this case the legs of the springer. You still measure trail from the steering neck center line to the front axle centerline intersect point on the ground,right? Or does that math not relate to springers?

[Lucky 1]

It does get a bit more complex depending IF there is offset.

Type in rake and trail into Google and then click on IMAGES. You will see other diagrams that are more sophisticated.

Here you go..http://www.google.com/search?q=rake+and+trail&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=vg9aULfHBeKsywHakYDACw&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=982&bih=550

[Piute]

  Hey CW
Show me what you are calling A springer front end,The reason I ask is some consider a girder the same witch is way different,H.D. still hasn't went back to there perfected springer witch was there VL from the 30s,WL 44,UL came out in 45.Harley lesson school is now over. Have test road lots of there springer front end bikes over the years ,would take lots of time (couple months)say 2 thousand miles before I'd go riding switch-backs or along with a few friends.Can be done and would be cool even if it was just looks,what the heck most don't ride any-how.

[cwright856]

Hey plute, I've seen the girders too.  I actually bought a manual on how to build one.  I've just seen more springers up for sale.  And although I know how to weld, if a weld broke....well, I wouldn't be around to write a follow up post.  Are you saying that a springer is a perfected version of a girder?

Also, I'm still a little confused as to why a springer or a girder front end has to be longer than stock to function properly.

[Piute]

  A true springer you can adjust the tension or the rockers and the springs ,this I do know ,but never owned one to tell you how,as far as having to be long bull you do what you believe will fit you ,Just keep looking but were and at were they are being used. Most on this forum are 1st time riders or 1st cb 750 like myself,NOT MANY PUT lots of miles on there bike ,but are still building to do so."E" some builders they like to brag about there builds. Just give it time like I'm sure you will.

[Hellbilly429]

I really dig that settup RR, simple yet really effective

[Lucky 1]

A springer is also called a leading link front suspension.
With leading link suspension(springer), as the wheel bounces up the wheelbase does not get shorter like it does with telescopic front forks.

The first Hondas used them a lot.

[cwright856]

Gotcha. So would there be a difference in clearance if you were to add a fender on?

[Lucky 1]

Yes...The clearance for the fender must be right.
Most Springer forks already have the mount bolt holes in the proper height for the
springer forks fender.

Notice how that Honda fender is sort of deep on the sides.
Check out the higher fender on the front of this retro creation of a trail 90 Honda.


Two more examples below.
The Cotton Cobra and CB92.

[Lucky 1]

I have used two  springer front forks both were DNA's.
I liked them and they seemed well made.

[Lucky 1]

I have used two  springer front forks both were DNA's.
I liked them and they seemed well made.

[Piute]

  mYSELF HAVE NOT SEEN A USEABLE FENDER ON A SPINGER (opps)
 In order for a fender to work up front it has to go over and come down some in front to catch the rooster tail ,Ya see the tire throws it forward and wind blows it right back in yo face,IF the fender doesn't point it down 1st,As I said find those that ride useing a springer or go to a dealer N try 1.
  They look great But use is use-less to me. Thats cause I ride mine and put on lots of miles.Not for looks or Seee what I got,SO where ya taking it.

[shinyribs]

Good point on the fender Piute. My chopper doesnt have a front fender and it takes very little water to get a face full. Fenderless is not so bad on a stock bike- the engine catches it- but with a long front end it comes right at your face. Yummy! Road water!