The Panhead & Flathead Site

Post by 1950bobber on Jan 30, 2006, 5:31pm

Ok guys...I'm thinking on running an OEM springer on my '50 Panhead (adding a Springer for vintage looks mostly and will ride this motorcycle for runs up to 300 miles per day MAX!). The frame is a '49-51 Wishbone. PLEASE chime in with suggestions (and it would help me to learn more if you explain your preference please) on what Springer I should look for: Inline vs. Offset? Thanks, I value greatly your collective knowledge and plan to act on your suggestions! Thanks guys, VERY much.
Jim in Seattle "1950 Bobber"

Post by panacea on Feb 6, 2006, 12:34am

I believe the offset was to increase the steering angle for more high speed handleing, less high speed wobble, and I thought the offset springer was only used for two years,47-48? MW

Post by Cotten on Feb 6, 2006, 12:56am

Late '46 through '49 ("package trucks").

Please consult your Palmers' for specifics.

..Cotten

Post by texasbobber on Feb 10, 2006, 2:51am

Jim, an in-line springer has about more rake than offset sprtinger. hope that helps answer you question.

Post by texasbobber on Feb 10, 2006, 2:52am

"about more rake"...should be "about 3 degrees more rake"

Post by 1950bobber on Feb 10, 2006, 4:23am

Thanks Texasbobber...AND how, in your opinion, does this 3 degrees more rake translate in the handling ability of an inline Springer? High speed wobble? More straight-line stability? ...Or...just a problem child thus HD went to the offfset? Mind you, this will be installed in a stock 1950 Wishbone frame, which to the best of my knowledge, is 30 degree rake (could be wrong on the 30 degree rake so if I am, please someone correct me on that!). Thank ALL!!!!
Jim in Seattle "1950 Bobber"

Post by texasbobber on Feb 12, 2006, 7:02pm

Imo the extra rake made it a hell of a lot better down the road machine, much better "straight-line stability" as you put it. Pretty sure your right, the wishbone frames have 30 deg rake.

Post by Panster on Feb 12, 2006, 7:50pm

Don't forget, the inlines run at 30* (as frame), extra 3* rake is a DE-rake so offsets look like frame has 27* rake.
Also, there are some concerns about what wheel size works ok with which setup, i.e. 16" or 19", I am afraid I don't have the answers you need, but these are things to find out.
In the real world you might not notice much difference, but H-D did change these combinations for a reason, (I think some were prone to wobble), so better safe than sorry.