wishbone frame

[ridgerider]

i asked this in general,,,

i have a stock wishbone frame...not sure how to tell what year it is..

knowing the first year was 1948 is it possible it came out with a springer??..

i am using a panhead wide glide front end with a 21" front wheel..\

i want to match the stock length, so as to sit level..and from what i've heard springers were shorter than glides..

[wreck74]

instead of the 21" put a 500-16" that should level it out.

[panz4ever]

The length of of a stock HD big twin springer is 19 1/2, the length of a glide is 21 1/2 inches (measurements taken from the bottom of the lower fork bearing cup to the center of the axle hole) roughly 2 inches. The difference between the 16 and 21 wheel is about 5 inches circumference and about 2 1/2 inches of radius. So...depending on the rake of each wouldn't it just about be a wash meaning there would be little or no noticeable difference?

[CraigArizona85248]

Actually, the difference in size between a 5.00x16 and a 3.00x21 is very small.  Less then an inch.  This is because even though the rim is 5 inches smaller, because of the tall sidewall on the 5.00x16 tire, the two are very similar in height.

-Craig

[Pzokes]

I agree that the 16" and the 21" are similar in height.  I think that the 21" has quicker steering response due to it's lighter weight.  The 4.00"x18" used on pre-'40 Harleys has more height than a 5.00"X16".  The spriingers come two different ways, pre '47 straight or '47 & '48 offset.  The offset springer kicks the forks back towards the frame and will give you more height on the front of a '48 frame, and some reverse trail.  The '47 and later frames have more degrees of rake than earlier frames.  There is also the XA springer, which is not offset, and is several inches longer, and is now being reproduced.  Soooo the offset, or XA springer with a 21" front wheel will give you a classic '60's look.  The offset springer with a 4.00"X18" will give you a '50's look.  And to answer your question: To get the stock height that you asked for, use the offset springer with the 21".  Or, for a more desirable kicked out front end look, use the XA with a 21".  I think that the XA springer, on a post '47 frame, with a 21" wheel is one of those special combinations that creates a look that causes most people to do a second take.

[ridgerider]

thanks for the input....

how can i tell what year the frame is ?...

i heard that the springer frame would not have a horn mount as the horn was mounted on the springer,,

but i don't know where the horn was mounted on a hydraglide frame??

[Little Al]

the month and year of the from should be found on the upper motor mount. you may have to look really good to find it.

it would be in the format of 8C for example which would mean 1948, march was the date of manufacture. you'd have to know the approximate year since the digit for the year is only one digit.

[Pzokes]

I don't think that some of the early Panhead frames have date codes on them.  The best thing would be to pick up a copy of Palmer's Harley restoration book and read the chapter on frames.

[ohio-rider]

Craig is correct. Not much difference in the way the bike sets between a 16” tire or a 21” tire. Check it out. Same bike different tire size.


Sets nice and level with the 21" tire as well.

[stroker800]

  I believe HD brought out the 18" wheel as a cure to stop the wobble caused by reverse rake springers,,tryin to remember..I know on my buddies 39 knuck the 18"s were an option ,, can't remember if trees were reverse or it was 28 degree frame,,do not have my resto book with me.
Dave

[CraigArizona85248]

18" wheels were standard on big twins up through 1940.  In 1941 16" wheels became standard equipment.  Palmer's mentions that you could still order the 18" wheels as an option.  The offset springer was used from 1946-1948 (and 1949 sidecar models).  I don't believe there is any correlation between wheel sizes and the offset springer.

-Craig

[Pzokes]

Harley switched from 18" tires to 16" tires to get a softer ride.  Indian kept the 18" tires on their Chief, because it's rear sprung frame already gave a good ride.  The 18" tire bikes do have better ground clearance.

[Speeding Big Twin]

Panhead rigids had wishbone frames 1948 through mid-1954. And straight-leg frames late-1954 through 1957. The style of top engine mount shown below was introduced for 1952 and the factory began stamping date codes on the mount for that year and later. On the rigid below, the 6 denotes 1956 and the F represents June. If your frame is a wishbone but has a different mount it should be 1948-1951. As Pzokes mentioned, Palmer's book has a chapter on frames and it has a year by year breakdown.     Eric

[ridgerider]

thank you all for the input

thats what i needed to know if i had a frame made for a springer or a latter one made for a hydroglide so i can adjust my tube lengths..since a springer is shorter...or.... if i put a springer on a later model i would go xtra length on the springer..