Front end question : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

cat5752 · 08-04-2008, 10:31 PM

All,
I have a 1985 FXRS that has an aftermarket 35mm wideglide front end on it (dual disc). If I get a set of 39mm triple trees (narrow glide), and the 39mm forks, will I be able to keep my dual discs? Looking at pictures, it doesn't look like there is enough room for all of that to fit. Also, my year used a mechanical drive for the speedo. I have heard yes and no on whether or not that will still work. Any thoughts? I appreciate all your time and answers,
Andy

LowRiderCustom · 08-04-2008, 11:26 PM

Put a wideglide frontend on it with 41mm forks and you will love it, plus you'll be able to use the dual discs.

cat5752 · 08-04-2008, 11:51 PM

The whole thing with the 39mm is that I have a line on a front end. Will it work or not? Thanks in advance,
Andy

Homesick · 08-05-2008, 03:06 PM

I can't answer definitively for you, but...

My '93 came stock with 39mm forks, dual disc front brakes, and mechanical speedo.

Maybe the wide glide brakes use different mount points than the FXR brakes? Is that your question? Seems a minor problem, money permitting.

joe

cat5752 · 08-05-2008, 06:03 PM

According to the place that has the front end, stock front calpiers from a 35mm will work on the 39mm fork lowers. I'm wondering about the sterring neck/jead, if i will need a conversion kit for the bearings.

Homesick · 08-06-2008, 04:48 PM

Let me first say I'm NO EXPERT. I'd be VERY surprised if the necks had different inner diameters. I'd think that a new set of bearings for a 39mm front end would a) be a good idea anyway, and b) fit right in. Can the dealer answer that question for you?

We need Springer to find this thread. He is the all knowing.

joe

LowRiderCustom · 08-06-2008, 06:26 PM

When HD built the FXR Low Rider they put a Sportster front end on a touring bike, so with that concept we can assume that all HD steering necks have the same diameter. I'll ask my buddy who builds custom bikes and repairs Harleys if this is true and let you guys know what he says.

cat5752 · 08-07-2008, 09:03 AM

Thanks for all the help. Looking back at my post spell check must have been broke...

FXRS · 08-15-2008, 12:13 PM

I'm doing the same same thing on my '83 FXRS. Get a dual disc front end, and some parts books. Axle size may be an issue if you want to use your original wheel. Calipers and rotors sould fit up to '99. Check the condition of the fork stop lugs on any salvaged lower tree.

Good luck, you got it easy. I'm still collecting parts.

shovelsled · 08-21-2008, 10:18 PM

You'll need a new axle (for 39 mm legs), and new spacers for the same. Look in the '88-up Harley FXR parts book and order those part numbers. Everything else will work.
I did this conversion on my '85 and went back to the 35mm. Didn't handle nearly as well with the 39mm. Get a fork brace for your 35mm and you'll be doin' 100 mph with no wobble and out-handling everyone!
Corey

hardluk1 · 08-22-2008, 04:48 PM

Shovelsled i am like others that wanted to change my 35mm tubes and after i installed new springs it was better than any harley i have had. I did find that there is also 2 different thickness of the tubes ,mine had to hav 23.5 mm springs instead of the 25mm. Maybe thats why some 35's are stiffer than others.

cat5752 · 08-24-2008, 09:00 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I finally had a chance to put about 300 miles on it yesterday. I think I am going to rebuild the 35mm front end and go with it. When you are doing like parking lot speed slow turning, it does turn a little heavy, but in the turns at normal speeds the bike handles super! I bought all of the mid controls from Elvis' Place, but the more I use the forwards, the more I like them. The only thing I would still like to do is get some stirrups (heel rests?) for it. I'm gonna have to do some research on that becaue most of the heel rests I have seen attach like the standard male/female part of foot pegs, and the pegs on my forwards are allen screwed to the billet "plates" that bolt to the frame.

Ty18769 · 08-28-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cat5752

Thanks for all the replies. I finally had a chance to put about 300 miles on it yesterday. I think I am going to rebuild the 35mm front end and go with it. When you are doing like parking lot speed slow turning, it does turn a little heavy, but in the turns at normal speeds the bike handles super! I bought all of the mid controls from Elvis' Place, but the more I use the forwards, the more I like them. The only thing I would still like to do is get some stirrups (heel rests?) for it. I'm gonna have to do some research on that becaue most of the heel rests I have seen attach like the standard male/female part of foot pegs, and the pegs on my forwards are allen screwed to the billet "plates" that bolt to the frame.

Let me know what you find out about the heal rests. My right knee is taking a beating. All I've found so far are these Kuryakyn & ISO style Foot Pegs with the rear heel rests made to them. Then you buy these spurs and add them to the iso's: LINK: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dixie...mZ170253705803
But as you say, the mounting doesn't seem to match up to what I have either. Any suggestions? I have considered finding the police footboards if I could find a set that would mount with my forward controls. Let me know if you come up with a solution.

Ty

85 fxrs · 10-12-2008, 09:14 PM

Can anyone help? I ordered new fork tube and progressive spring kit for my 85 fxrs, when i got them they were 23 1/4 and When I took my forks off the bike they were 25 1/4. Should I put the shorter tubes? Anyone know? note:my rear shocks are 11" - eye to eye.

???

cat5752 · 10-15-2008, 01:46 PM

Since I have an 85 FXRS as well, I would measure the front end for you. My front end is not stock however. My indy thinks it is from a late 70s FX.