58 FL Frame 81 Sportster front end?

[George Greer]

Hi all,

yet another id10t question.

Other than mabey changing the neck cups and bearings, is there any reason that I would not be able to use a 81 sportster front end, (dual disk brake) on my 58 frame?

Thanks

George

[RUBONE]

The stem is a different diameter, but also a different length. So it will likely take a little more work than you describe!
Robbie

[George Greer]

Robbie,

Thanks!

George

[VPH-D]

Sportsters switched to a 1' stem in 78. I don't remember if the lower tree was the same as an FXE, though. If it is, the fork is a bolt on, just like any FXE fork assy.
VPH-D

[Bosheff]

Are ya sure it was 78? I'm thinkin it was after 84. In any case if ya use an FX lower tree (73 or later) with the existin XL front end you should be golden....bosheff

[RUBONE]

In '78 I believe they went to Timken bearings, however not 1". As I recall it was approx 15/16. The BT stuff still did not interchange. And Bosheff is correct in that the FX bottom tree works with any Kayaba or Showa front end from that era.
Robbie

[George Greer]

On the front end...

Only answer that I got from the seller was:

Neck short.....sorry.

Huh?

Anyway, looking at a 1986 one, and also asked ...

Diam of stem, and bottom of lower tree to bottom of upper tree distance.

George

[George Greer]

1986, 883 Sportie front end..

Stem Diam. 1 inch,

Bottom of lower to bottom of upper 7 inch.

Owner email me with the answers to my questions.

Now, with one question answered it leads to another unanswered

Can some one measure the bottom to top of installed forks on their pans?

I think that the one that I am looking at now will fit fine.

Comments?

George

PS, just for S & G's.... I went to my wl/kh project, took off the front end that came off a 78/79 XLS, 7 inchs, and 7/8 stem diam.

[CaptMike]

George, I think that will work. I measured the '58 Frame Neck this morning (for you). I'll post the (poor) drawing. (The i.d. of the neck bearing cups is 1.060".)

[George Greer]

Mike......and all who answered..

Thanks

Got a 1986 Sportie front end,, Complete, wheels, bars brakes...just as if it came off the bike just for a lube job on the neck bearings.

Good 200 USD spent, I think.

George

PS, and a generator to boot.

[awander]

George:
Building your own Super Glide, I see.....

[George Greer]