Heritage Springer

[hpbear101]

My brother is looking at a couple of Heritage Springers (1997) that are in his price range. He hade a Heritage Classic before. I have never ridden a springer, I have heard they take a lot of maintenance?? Are they a decent bike??
Wonder what others think of this bike?

Thanks

Tom

[greasy]

Great Bike No more maint. than the others. A lot of bling is springer only when you go to crome it out.

[iconicbikesrider]

I am not an expert and I had the same question when I was looking to buy an Heritage Springer Classic. Someone here suggested to got to http://www.heritagespringer.com/
This webpage is dedicated to ONLY this type of bike. They are very specific too. Only bikes from '97 to '03. Mine is '05. I was lookingto buy one only because in my  opinion is a great looking bike. A show bike. As a dresser, you could really load it w/stuff if that is what a  owner of this model likes. I do. I heard many things about the hight maintanance and different ride...well, it is not the best riding bike. I do have other 2 HDs for my long rides. But just to show off...this is a classic model and a beautiful bike, IMHO this is it.
Good luck to your brother with his next bike whatever he decide to purchase.

[seattledyna]

My wife bought this 97 FLSTS for herself, one of the nicest bikes I have riddin, great low speed manners and that evo motor was trouble free!

We sold it when we moved to CA, kinda wish now we would have kept it

[hpbear101]

thanks, I sent him the link to the heritage springer web site.

Should know tomorrow night if he gets the bike at the auction.

Tom

[One4Tone]

..rode a springer at a "test our metal" day at the local dealer last fall...I must say I was surprised how well the suspension worked..this particular model had a slight wine out of the primary which was music to my ears..really reminded me of my first harley  (a 56 pan)...which also had a springer but no comparison in ride quality to the bike I was testing..if the price is right I would buy one..at least whatever maintenance the springer takes ..I would tackle without hesitatation..replacing the odd bushing and regular grease jobs ..what could be easier?

[Greybeard Bob]

Springers do require more maintenance, I replace neck and rocker bearings in mine about evry 30 to 50K miles, I'm getting pretty good at it. Love the springer though. JMHO, YMMV, etc.

Bob

[shoveldog81]

Hey Greybeard - do you know the commercial part number (torrington, SKF, INA, etc.) of the tapered neck bearings?  My 92 Springer is due, and thought I could save a couple bucks buying it as opposed to the HD number.  And, did you pull the old ones yourself?
Dog

[kickstart]

I have an Fl and an FX. Love the ride no maintance issues on either

[Biscuit]

I have had my 2000 HS for almost 6 years.  I just had my bearings replaced at
somewhere around the 62,000 mile mark this past December.  The front end is about 50 lbs. heavier than most other Harleys and you will notice that difference when going
at a very low speed.  The neck will lock full right or left, so you sort of have to man
handle when you are doing a "walk-turn".  I love mine.  I bought it for the looks and hope to have her forever. 

Here's a picture of my baby.  I no longer have the stock handle bars.  Not comfortable for shorter arms.  Last year, I took off the stock seat and I sit even
lower on the bike. 

[hpbear101]

Well bad news is somebody at the auction wanted the Springer more than my brother did. SO the searchcontinues

Thanks for all the timely replies.

Tom

[Greybeard Bob]

The  bearing set (cup and cone) is Timken set 14, that crosses to other mfg's as well. I use a Dremel with a cut-off wheel to CAREFULLY grind a diagonal groove in the race,   then drive it out. The book says to lay a ring of weld around the inside of it, then when it cools it will fall out. I've never tried it so I don't know if it works or not. I think JIMS sells a tool for removing/installing them also, if you are so inclined. JMHO, YMMV, etc.

Bob