Hey folks,
I recently joined the H-D forum and being a newbie have lots of questions and few answers. So, I thought I'd ask a couple of questions on different topics in hope of learning. Here it comes:

Why are springer front ends not used as much as in past production models? Seems like the cross bones is the only one with a springer in 2011, yet looking at my 1999 HD owners manual (I have a 2000 FatBoy, not sure why I have a 1999 manual) it shows several models like the heritage and softtail available as springers. I really like their looks and would consider a new crossbones if I had the $. Comments from springer riders and others welcomed. Thanks and best regards from:
Butch

Butch,

H-D has been slowly shrinking the size of the different bike "families" for the past few years it seems. I think something that plagues the springer front-ends is that they don't feel as solid as a regular forked bike. I rode my bother-in-laws '06 Springer Classic for a week this past summer and although I LOVED the bike, I could tell the handling was very different(at least to me) and the front brakes were awful compared to almost any other bike.

The brakes on the Crossbones are very similar although they do feel a tad better(test rode an '11). Don't know for sure if any of this is part of it or not, just my .02cents.

Take care!

Had a couple buddies over the years with the springer frnt ends and we switch and ride a few times.
It always reminded me of mini bike handling and they'd get off my bike and comment on how smooth..
I guess its just different tastes, but the springers need way more cleaning and manintenance so demand might not be up with the standard forks.

This is the one of the overall problems with some Harleys. It seems that actually riding them is not MoCo's main focus. Let me explain.

I considered buying a 2005 CVO Fat Boy, that's the one with the 103-inch engine and the chrome seat pan. I could never close the deal, and the bike slipped away.

Recently I met a guy at the gym who owns one, so I quizzed him on the bike. He commented that it was a great bike for going to the tavern, kind of a bike we ride to Quaker Steak & Lube on 'bike night.' He finished with it is almost impossible to ride it for more than 75 miles.

Only 75 miles? Yikes, most times I don't even clear my head in that short a span. In fact, I think Badinfluence's driveway is longer than 75 miles.

Why build a bike that costs more than my Dad's first house if it cannot be ridden? Same with these springer models. Even my wife said I looked good on a Cross Bones. The sad fact is that with my shocks set up on the fifth setting and with a new seat (right off of the shelf) I think I can tour farther on my Sportster 48.

There's just a market for springers, so MoCo will keep building them.