What's So Special About Springer Forks?

Since the first time you ever saw or heard about motorcycles, you've heard about Springer forks. Most people just think of Springer as a brand name of forks.

That is not, however, the case. The Springer is a design. The design may be found under many different branding such as Wyatt Gatling, Road Max, Mid-USA, and tons of others.

There are basically two types of motorcycles forks: Springer and hydraulic forks. It's not a case of which came first, the chicken or the egg. Springer fork designs were around longer before the hydraulic fork. The concept of the hydraulic fork was first present on the Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide in 1949. Well, since Harley has been around since 1903, that's a lot of years that Springer forks were the only game in town.

The difference between the Springer and hydraulic forks is just what the name says: springs. Springer forks have two springs to soften the ride, allowing the bumps of the road to be absorbed somewhat before reaching the rider's hands. The hydraulic forks, filled with pressurized fluid, perform the same function, but with a much different feel on the road. The Springer ride is bouncier and has a more flexible feeling on the road. Some riders strongly prefer the feel, while others say it is too spongy and prefer hydraulics. It's really a matter of personal preference when it comes to the way the different fork styles perform on the road.

Springers have long been popular for use on custom choppers, in part because they look so great. Those big chrome springs draw attention to the top of the forks, bringing the eye up to the handle bars, mirrors and rider. They are also quite popular because they work so well in extended fork configurations on racked frames.

Springer forks can be found from stock to the ever popular 2-inch over stock length to the drastic 22-inch over length. However, anything over 18-inches over stock is pretty scary to ride and the turn radium is simply ridiculous. A lowered frame with 8 over Springer-forks and zero degrees of rack is a low seated, high handle bar custom styles that is often seen.

So, is the Springerfork for you? That's another one of those questions only you can answer. If you like a stock performance ride, you'll probably prefer the feel of the hydraulic, but if you like that soft, Captain American feel and radical look, then Springers may be the best choice for you.

Just remember, the longer over stock you choose those Springer-forks, the more turn radius your custom chopper requires. It can take a parking lot to turn around! Sometimes, things can just go a bit too far except for show purposes - in which case the more radical, the better!

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