Motorcycle guys, explain springer front forks

[scottmandue]

Sure they look cool (and they look like a PITA to clean/polish)
However they also look rather archaic, what is the comfort level of riding a springer front end with no hydraulic damping (shocks)?
Yeah, it is a slow day.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Try riding a rigid.

[LakeCleElum]

It just takes the same mentality as liking Ape Hangers and no mufflers.......Whatever looks cool parked at the Tavern....

[Gretch]

haters gonna hate. F 'em.

[afterburn 549]

After the Kool part.......comes the model T technology .
You want a straight axle in your cars front end?
They are for the T.T crowd .
There is a large population - To them, riding a bike dwn twn and back is all there is..

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

Is springer the same as leading link? if so, then there are anti-dive characteristics that make them useful in some circumstances. (though if forks forks are 2' over, I doubt it makes much a difference)

Leading link uses dampers - Can have a steeper fork angle that is an advantage if running a side car. (Turn quicker with less effort).

I always liked the "dive" of the teleospic telescopic forks. Tap the front brake, steeper fork angle, and turn quicker. Works great for a U-turn in tight quarters.

[Brando]

Cosmetic "dude-bro" value.

[on2wheels52]

They were about state of the art until shock absorbers were invented.
Even a Ural has shocks.
Jim

[afterburn 549]

Its a romantic step back into time.
Like lever shocks used on Brit cars.
blue dot tail lights
Kick start.
hard tails (OUCH)
Magnetos (and A/C engines are straight from a time machine)
Side shift (suicide )
All that crap is kool.
If you stare out the bar room window and never actually go anywhere.

[Jeff Higgins]

I can appreciate them when they are on motorcycles from the era in which they were originally used. They are a part of motorcycling history. What I will never understand is why anyone would want a set on a modern motorcycle, when far better solutions are available. They are a huge compromise in comfort, performance, and maintenance.

[John Rogers]

The 1963 Sportster I had had a Century Enterprises springer front end. That was the name of Arlen Ness' company back in the early 70's and it was designed to ride really smooth and was actually smoother than the stock Harly forks!

[scottmandue]

Just for reference my total motorcycle experience amount to owning a few 70's & 80's Honda's and a Trident that had loose handlebars and needed to be bump started.

It is just that when I watch the motorcycle build shows very often they throw a springer front end on the custom hand built chopper.

[5String43]

Is springer the same as leading link? if so, then there are anti-dive characteristics that make them useful in some circumstances. (though if forks forks are 2' over, I doubt it makes much a difference)

Partially answered above, but there's something else - leading-link don't tend to stand the bike upright when braking in a corner the way a telescopic fork does.

[Nostril Cheese]

Go ride a modern BMW and then something with a springer front end.

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by john rogers

The 1963 Sportster I had had a Century Enterprises springer front end. That was the name of Arlen Ness' company back in the early 70's and it was designed to ride really smooth and was actually smoother than the stock Harly forks!

'nuff said about the old Sportster suspension, eh?

[asphaltgambler]

No doubt it - all about attitude. Further, whether you like it or not, sometimes 'cool' takes precedence over function. The basic design is similar to the telescoping / hydraulic forks on a modern bike. Opposing springs using frictional drag instead of hydraulic drag. On well designed aftermarket springers the right neck height, proper rake and trail the bike rides and handles reasonably well. No different than if the same setup is used but where the long FE is telescoping.

Does it make sense? Of course not. Is it safe? It is if it's well designed, tuned and sprung properly....................... but only up to a certain point. No different than taking a drag race car canyon carving.

It is a tribute to a traditional style of motorcycling.

[futurefun]

Earls leading link design was used on some early British motocross bikes like Greeves. They used shocks with springs. They were replaced with Ceriani telescopic forks, few people looked back.