Read this if your front end is extended

[Mtngoat]

I am wanting to extend my front end just a bit but I can't decide on 2"or 4". If anyone can post pics of any Softtails with a 2 or 4 inch extension, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!!

Robin

[Ramirez24]

I am considering the same modification. I would go with 2" over stock, unless you went with a 5 degree rake on some triple trees,then I would go with the 4". I guess you will have to supply the photos after you have it done.

[Alvin]

I can't send you a picture as of yet, but I put 4" over tubes on my front end and lowered the rear 2 1'2 inches. Looks are awesome!! And the bike tracks like it's on rails. I wouldn't bother with only 2 inches over---I think you'll like the 4 inch over. It does raise the front of the bike up a little bit, but I like it that way.

[Ramirez24]

Did you have to alter the kickstand with the additional height added to front of bike ? Also what brand tubes did you go with,did they include the 4" spacer to make up the difference from stock ? Would appreciate that photo when you can get to it.

[Alvin]

I didn't alter the kickstand at all. It leans over a bit more, but not enough to hurt anything. I only found one company that does the extended tubes anymore--I think it's Custom Chrome--you can find them listed in JP Cylces or Dennis Kirk's catalog. They do include the spacers that go on top of the springs. Very easy install. I now have pictures that I can send you, so if you send me your email address to catsfarm@interl.net I'll email them back to you. Much like Mtngoat, I was running a ridgid panhead('54) back in the late 60's and early 70's with a AEE springer. First one was 10 over(I think) and after my crash(lady turned in front of me) I rebuilt it with a 15 over AEE Springer. I always loved that look and tried to get some of that with this bike. I just got the photos of my bike done on Friday and sent them to Mtngoat. So I'll be happy to send them to you also, now that I have them stored in my PC. I wish I could post them here but the file is too large and I can't seem to be able to get it to work correctly.

[Alvin]

One thing I forgot to mention. On the '02 FXST(and also the Duece) Harley made the neck angle 32 degrees---and the triple trees have a 2 degree rake in them, bringing the stock fork angle to 34 degrees. They stopped doing this in '03, for some reason, but in the accessory catalog they talk about this back in the section about entire front ends. Anyway--stock is 34 degrees, overall. I measured this with a level gauge that I have at work and it agrees. After I put the 4 inch extentions on the front and lowered the rear of the bike 2 1/2 inches(without anyone sitting on the bike) the measurement is now 40 degrees of rake. This also makes the front of the frame sit a little higher. I saw a bike that had a 7 degree rake on the triple trees and 4 inch over front forks and the bike frame was just about level again, and, of course, the wheel sat farther forward than mine. Just for your information.

[gilesie]

hope this helps

[Ramirez24]

posting pic for Alvin of his bike , in case anyone else is interested in this bike mod.