Hello, I have an 07 Springer Softail. My problem is that the front end is stiff, really stiff...no movement at all. I took the shock off and it seems fine. It's like the front end is a rigid.

Question edited to add Mr Davidson.
Question moved to model category.

60-65 ft lbs.

https://www.google.com/search?q=2004+Harley+Davidson+Springer+Softail+torque+spec+for+the+front+axle+nuts

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Duplicate question already answered

As far as the rear suspension, a softtail won't ride a smooth as one with a swingarm, as the softtail has less travel.

On the front end, Harley has three different "thicknesses" of fork oil, light, medium, and heavy, which gives different suspension dampening.

If the front forks are too stiff, you could try a lighter fork oil.

The end caps usually have a small set screw on the bottom side of the cap.

Regrettably, the Softail line of Harley machines are not the best handling bikes on the road. With the shocks being located on the bottom of the bike, it doesn't lend them to being adjustable like other designs. The only thing I can tell you to do is maybe go to a high performance shock setup. Just like with all the other bikes, there are people that make better shocks even for the Softail.

In my opinion, the best handling Big Twin that Harley-Davidson ever made was the FXR. It's unique frame design made the frame stiff and it's traditional suspension allowed for adjustment of the suspension pre-load. With the addition of a pair of high performance rear shocks and some tuning of the 39mm front end, the bike would corner as well as any Sportster on the road. Of course, the Sportster is no match for some of the sport bikes on the road today but Harley is in it's own class even if it is a slower class.

I have a 98 heritage springer. Took it to the dealer and said the front end shakes. Without looking at it, the shop manager asked how many miles I had. Just under 10k was the answer. He said "neck bearings, it's a known issue with springer front ends that the neck bearings go after 10k miles." Taking his word for it, I agreed to have the work done. Got the bike back, no change. He said, well it needs a new front tire then. Changed the tire, again, no change. Took it to another dealer. Explained my tale of woe and the manager actually got on it and rode it. Agreeing there was something wrong, they took it in, jacked it up and actually looked at it. Turned out the rim was bent. So after all the BS at the first shop, it turns out they replaced the neck bearings and installed a new front tire on A BENT RIM! Start with the simple stuff first. Check the front wheel balance and rim straightness before diving into bearings.

Sorry,I'm not up on newer hogs but here goes.Borrow or buy shop manuals and get spec on length of spindle.It's welded to bottom tree.If both models have same length it'll work.Check dia.of shaft cause bottom bearing is pressed on.If all measurements check out you can leave bearings in place.Shaft threads may be different so you'll have to use springer nuts.The only modification if all goes well would be brake hoses tor calipers.Length?In the old days you could swap out shafts but now you're talking modificatrions with a capital M.

You mean you pulled the shocks off and tested them. Or you mean when you drive it, it feels really stiff? If the second one then you won't really be able to do much about it. You have put more stress on the tortion bars, by cranking them up to raise the front of the truck. It's just going to be the nature of the beast if that's the way you want it to look.

I ride the same bike with 17,000 miles on it. I bought it new and it rode like a lumber wagon at first but gradually worn into a smoother ride. I never adjusted the front end but I always keep it greased and check the neck bearing every 10,000 miles with the bike off the ground. I look for any slop or binding when I swing the bars either way. Also grab the front wheel and try to give it a wiggle. Your HD dealer should help with any specific questions it you really feel the need to adjust it. Hope this helps..