Springer front ends have a long history of development with Harley-Davidson, not only in their first innovations but also in more recent designs. The springer front-end suspension epitomizes the way a real chopped bike should look, with a raked front end and super-long fork extensions. The springer front end became a trend in the '60s, first seen in such films as "Easy Rider." Harley-Davidson continues the trend today, combining the hydraulic fork with the springer front end.
The springer front end has survived from the Harley-Davidson Company since its conception in 1930, bringing about a revolution in the way front-end suspension was designed. This design trend became very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Instead of single fork design, the springer front-end suspension sported a double fork arrangement, with rocker pivots and wide triple tree braces. This additional metal contributed to the fashion of the all-chrome concept of the front end, which gave the bike more flash and flare. Some say the springer front end looks traditional, in a Gothic sort of way. Bike owners attest to its "old school" beauty, commenting frequently about its looks in various on-line forums.
Because of the springer front end's pivoting rocker design, it can accommodate long to very long fork extensions. The rockers have the ability to function with full movement regardless of the length of the forks. This makes them ideal for any customized bike, since performance stays the same. They work well on rake angles that even exceed 35 degrees. Their simple, no-nonsense design allows them to be lighter than regular tube forks, and with their clean lines, maintenance chores have been reduced to simple wipe-downs. Accessibility to the connecting hardware makes them easy to disassemble for storage or transport or when a chrome refinishing must be performed. Some modifications must be made when mounting fenders or other hardware.
The comfort of the springer front end ride can be attested to by its very design feature -- incorporating an extra shock and stress-absorbing device in combination with the standard hydraulic shocks. The springer front end works in tandem with the regular shocks by absorbing and equalizing the entire load on the front end suspension. Springer front ends further smooth out the ride and can absorb very heavy shocks and stress when the motorcycle hits ruts or large bumps. With the extra shock-absorbing qualities, the vibrations that travel up through the frame to the seat and the handle bars become greatly reduced, extending the time and comfort of the ride. Riding fatigue becomes less of an issue with such added shock absorption.
