Front End

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.

Raw, unpainted rigid and spring forks for those who would like to assemble their personal Cannonball I-Beam Springer fork from individual parts.

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.

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 by Cannonball converts 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).

With these bobbed front fenders Cannonball went that extra mile because they are not just chopped-off stock parts, no sir. These versions have the embossed wing at the front and the correct sweep at the rear. That is difficult to make but looks so much nicer compared to the usual hacksaw method. Besides they feature the 3-piece constrcuction of original fenders with side panels which are spot welded to the center part. Premium quality!

These versions of the stock Springer front fenders have trimmed sides for a sleek look but still provide full protection. They look great on classic Bobbers with their embossed wing at the front and the correct sweep at the rear. Feature the 3-piece constrcuction of original fenders with side panels which are spot welded to the center part. Premium quality!

Very nice reproduction of the Nation Bilt aftermarket fender top trims which were very popular during the 40’s and 50’s. Not only do they look good but they’re also very useful to tie down your sleeping bag, rain suit etc. Will fit stock rear fenders of the era or similar. The mounting balls are made from chromed steel, the rails from brushed stainless steel.

Special axle for Classic Springer forks with 17 mm diameter which you can use for Custom wheel applications, especially the Cannonball MAG-12 wheels.

Most period Bobbers and many stock bikes had them: Flanders handlebars with matched risers and fork clamps. When they were introduced in the 1940’s the cool look and the resulting superb riding position made them an instant success. These risers (product design by Mark van der Kwaak / dbbp) are great reproductions of the legendary originals and show the manufacturer’s care and attention to details, underlined by the hex head clamping bolts. The offset clamps are sandwiched between Delrin rings to absorb vibration and still firmly hold the handlebars.