Springer. -2, +2 meaning?

[desmodromic]

What is the meaning of -2 and +2? is it that one is 2" bigger or shorter or something? I have a 2+ springer that I want to throw on my 81'. I am not concerned about the installation vs to what it does to the bikes geometry. Anyone running a 2+?

 

[livingdeadmc]

Its plus or minus the original stock length. I'm running a -2 on mine tho.

 

[desmodromic]

so -2 lowers it right

 

[livingdeadmc]

you are correct sir

 

[essexboydave]

so -2 lowers it right

Yeah that's right, the forks will be 2 inches shorter than stock length hence they'll lower the front of the bike.

 

[desmodromic]

I never rode a springer. is it a stiff front end? I will also be riding it in NYC and we have very bad roads any tips on how to adjust the springer?

 

[livingdeadmc]

Eye candy.... I've never riden a springer either but my last bike was a full rigid so I imagine this is heaven compared to that.... Lol

 

[1974jh5]

Springers flex like they are made of chewing gum. Not for serious riding or rough potholed roads.

 

[desmodromic]

do you know if these bearings fit on the xs650 neck.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DNA-SPRINGE...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5aeb9d9f49&vxp=mtr

from what Ive been reading that you need to install Harley bearings to make these springers work

 

[livingdeadmc]

I used the stock bearings and machined my own stem for this 60's springer I rebuilt....all of my friends love their springers and how they ride (worst rodes ever here in Michigan) so to each there own!

 

[SINKING78]

I don't think those will work. Those are for a HD neck which is standard size.
You need the ones like TC Bros put in their dna front ends. I looked around and Im not sure they sell them separately or not. Might be worth a quick email to them.. heres a link
http://www.tcbroschoppers.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=springer+neck+bearings

 

[livingdeadmc]

There is someone selling the set you need on cc's classifieds for 45$ shipped. Def a good deal.

 

[Reid]

There are several threads on installing a HD springer on here, I think the biggest thing is cutting down the nut under the top clamp. Also the +2 -4 +27 etc is length related to HDs possibly a specific model, and I have heard that -2 is the same length as a stock XS.

 

[XSLeo]

Origanally springers came at the right length for a stock Harley. When people started chopping and raking the frames the strock length was to short. Depending on how much you chopped and raked you need a 2 over, four over or 12 over. That's where the +2 Or whatever came from.
Our XS's use a shorter fork than Harley does so the -2 or 2 under is about the same length as the stock XS fork. This won't change the ride height or stance much if any.
Most Springers are made to bolt to Harley's or bikes built to use Harley parts. The Harley neck is a bit shorter than our XS's. To mount a springer or most any Harley front end, get a set of the tapered roller bearing kits for the XS650. Install the races in the frame. SEt the bearings on a shelf. Now use the bearings that come with your springer. Put the lower on the stem. put the stem in the frame. Drop the upper bearing in place, Screw the top nut on.
Being the stem is a bit short you may have to shorten the top nut.
Do a bit of research and you will find many threads on how to do this on this site as well as most any of the chopper forums, like the Chopper Underground.
Leo

 

[livingdeadmc]

I cut mine 2 under xs stock length... So - 4 I guess would be the hd equivalent