Fork Tube Lengths

[Hawg Ryder]

Here...maybe this will help a bit more:

Fork info

In the "old days" it was simple, because there was only ONE "wide glide"...the traditional FLH! And back in the old days forks were measured from the bottom tree bearing to the middle of the axle.

But nowadays, it's crazy. There are more than a half a dozen "wide glide" forks on a variety of HD models...the FLH...the FXWG...the Heritage...the Fatboy....the Dyna Wide Glide...etc, etc.

And everyone measures 'em differently...some go with the overall length of the fork from top of tube to axle...some go with the earlier method I spoke of...and what some use seems to be some sort of voodoo measurement from who knows what!!

Soooo, you kinda' need to know what you have first. If you know what exact "wide glide" you're speaking of, here are the lengths of the actual tubes, stripped and bare without lowers:

Stock '49 - 77 FLH = 20"
Late 77 - 84 FLH = 20 1/2"
'84 and up FLT/FLHT = 20 7/8"
'86 and up FLST = 22 7/8"
'80-83 FXWG = 24 7/8"
'84 - 86 FXWG = 24 1/4"
'84 - 99 FXST = 24 1/4"
'92 - 99 FXDWG = 24 1/4"
2000 up FXST/FXDWG = 24 1/2"

To DIRECTLY answer your question, a fully assembled and stock early FLH wide glide fork, when measured from the bottom of the lower fork cup to the middle of the axle will be 21 1/2" long.

Totally confused yet???


Fork lengths measured in inches from the bottom of the lower fork bearing cup (or a point parallel to it on the fork tube) to the center of the axle hole.With this list, you can determine the length of a set of tubes, a springer, a girder, or whatever, you need. By adding the stock length to the extension figure, you’ll then arrive at a reasonably close idea of how far the fork will raise your frame above the tire and pavement.

(Note : all lengths were measured on an unladen bike resting on a sidestand. Adding weight or changing springs will change lengths slightly)

Harley –Davidson

Standard springer.......................................... .19 1/2 in.
Xa springer.......................................21 in.
Vl springer........................................19 in.
45 springer........................................19 in.
standard glide (early FL)...................21 1/2 in.
superglide (FX)..................................23 in.
early sportster................................21 in.
early optional sportster (XLCH)........22 in.
late sportster...................................23 in.

And if you want to know how to ID the tubes...use this: