Fork, Chassis, Brakes, Seats

The retro custom bike builder scene sometimes likes to experiment with parts of different brands on the same bike project. For example Indian parts are installed on Harleys and vice versa, with often astonishing results. Among the most positive mergings was the combination of an Indian leaf-spring fork with an H-D Big Twin rigid frame. This type of fork was used by the Wigwam in the 1910 to 1945 period which proves that this was a very successful suspension principle with excellent driving chracteristics.
Of course, the stock item doesn't fit a Harley frame without major alterations, so W&W decided to produce its own version which allows such an installation without many difficulties. But, of course, not another quick and dirty copy with ugly welding seams and wrong rocker geometry. The Cannonball fork is a professionaly made part with a design as close as possible to its original pattern, manufactured by expert craftsmen in Italy. The first complete prototype was rigorously tested during W&W’s winter tour in Northern Canada and after that sent to the German technical authorities for a certificate of stability (included). Both tests were passed without any flaws. After that production started.
All test rides were performed with a rigid frame, 30° neck chassis, with which both handling and braking characteristics proved well balanced and stable.
The Cannonball leaf spring fork features a fork stem with two Ø1” bearing seats for the use of 1949-up Timken bearings and leg tops to accept the 36-up Springer handlebars (inline). A horizontal bracket to mount the headlamp is also there. The fork is wide enough to accept disc brake or drum brake systems. Rockers are drilled for 17 mm axles but can be enlarged to 19 mm. Neither axle, spacers nor brake are included and must be purchased or fabricated separately. Each fork is shipped preassembled to insure proper function and fitment, however, all components are bare and require painting or plating.

Once upon a time when there weren’t any custom parts you could buy from your local shop, the VL fork was a very popular item because it made your Knuckle or Panhead bobber different from the next guy’s scooter. Besides you gained half an inch of length compared to 1936-up Springer forks for improved ground clearance and a more stretched look. Now it’s time to revive those days of the golden 40’s and 50’s with the Cannonball version of H-D’s VL type fork.
Manufactured just like the original, which means I-beams and connecting braces are drop forged on a huge 10 meter forge hammer. This is the only procedure that guarantees these components stand up to the job.
The problems with installing the OEM fork were the large fork stem and the handlebar mounting so the Cannonball fork is modified here. It features a Ø1” fork stem that works with the centering collar (available seperately) for 1936-up ball bearings. Moreover the stem also features two Ø1” bearing seats for the use of Big Twin tapered roller bearings without any modifications. The leg tops accept the 36-up Springer inline handlebars. This makes installation a snap compared to the original counterpart.
Certificate of stability for 4-speed Big Twins thru 1986. Length is measured from axle center line to seat of lower steering head bearing.
Although these Custom forks are intended for 1936-1957 rigid frame Big Twins they can be mounted with later frames, too, provided you have/install matching frame head bearings. The builder has to consider rake, trail, overall chassis geometry, brake function, etc.

Damn! Rolled past the bar again!
If you are looking for significantly more stopping power, you should consider replacing your classic drum brake system with a disc brake.
After extensive 3D simulations on the computer and countless test kilometers on any terrain, we can now rightly claim that this brake meets our high requirements.
This kit developped by Cannonball converts Harley-Davidson models with Big Twin, Servi-car or WLC Springer forks from drum brake to disc brake. Each kit includes a dual piston caliper with pads, caliper bracket, 10” disc rotor, brake anchor, wheel hub adapter, and all small parts necessary for final assembly. Brake lines and handlebar master cylinder are not included and must be ordered separately.
Kits that are delivered without axle reuse the OEM axle (pls see article details).

Leaving the road on your Sporty you risk the underbody of your bike being rock blasted by nasty gravel particles. There are ruts and potholes just waiting to scrape your frame. Fallen tree branches, beetles, manure – many dangers for the nether parts of your bike are lurking out there. Good for the motorcyclist who can defy them with the BATES Skid Plate for Sportsters. Easy to install, this beauty protects frame and engine from encounters of the unexpected kind. If you see a certain similarity between this skid plate and the LeBeef skid plate we can tell you: they are not only similar, they’re virtually identical and are designed to the same level of toughness, but they’re made of lightweight aluminium. LeBeef keeps supplying us with his handmade steel skid plates; by agreement with LeBeef we source the aluminium version where it is being made to our high quality standards to earn the right to bear the BATES name.
For adventurous Sportster riders who keep an eye on the weight of things (usually that of their bike), this skid plate could be a welcome alternative. Friends of steely stuff will continue to find the original version from Sweden in our catalog.

In the 1970s motorcycle designers became more and more spirited and the familiar lines and appearance of two-wheelers were radically remodeled. Daring tank and seat combinations, mostly realized in fiber glass, soon freshened the bike scene and some ideas were even picked up by large manufacturers. The Beefy Body derives from a design by the legendary Californian company Tracy, which was an industry leader in this field back then. Gas tank, seat, side panels and rear fender form a single unit and completely transform the bike. Just add a fancy paint job and your scoot will stand out in the crowd, guaranteed. The whole body is made from fiber glass covered with a VE Flex gelcoat, which provides a smooth and clean surface for painting. The original fender struts can be omitted and the Beefy Body bolts directly to the frame. A seat base plate for building your own custom seat comes with it.