Did both, 16x5;18x3. Plus chrome pully and shaved & powder coated calipers and polished EBC rotors. Stock front on 09 was 17. Even if (when, reallly) I had extend bags I'd do both, because you always will be able to see it and it'd bug me even if you couldn't. As others say, it's in the details.

 

Stock rear on baggers is 16x5 and the equivalent in a billet wheel is a 16x5.5. I like stock size rear as you have much better long lasting tire options. If you don't do a lot of miles it really does not matter but I do a lot of miles.

Something to consider when purchasing wheels.

 

This is the very reason I chose the Chrome Enforcers over the Agitators. I like both wheels equally but the 16" rear on the Enforcers opened the door to a lot more tire options than the 18" rear Agitator did.
And yes if you have the means I say do both. Others may or may not notice it but you will every time you walk up to your bike. Like stated before, it's all in the details.

2010 Limited with some stuff

 

I'll echo SBates. I believe there are many more tire options with 16/18 (or 16/16). Also, it will be easier to get a replacment when out in bfe with a dead tire. My next set will be pirelli night dragons because they come in 140/18 and I want to try a fat front.

 

Agreed - I got Agitators but plan to swap them out for either Enforcers or Impellers in stock sizes for an improved ride (taller sidewall) and wider tire choice..........not locked into HD branded Dunlops, seems doubtful anyone is ever going to make tires for that 18" rear.

 

I have a pre 09 bike. Swapped an Enforcer on the front, but they won't fit the rear.

 

The "improved ride" philosophy is not one that I buy into with a taller sidewall in tehse specific sizes. The difference in sidewall height between a 180/65/16 and a 180/55/18 is pretty minimal.

It really is all about tire choice and life in these sizes.

The best aftermarket long life tire in the 180/55/18 size is the Pirelli Night Dragon. Same load rating as stock and it is a reinforced tire and will not cost you an arm, a leg, and a hand and foot like the stock tire.

 

One of the first things I noticed after installing Agitator wheels was the harsher ride but they don't fall into turns so much. The trouble with the Pirelli is there isn't a matching front and the rear only has a 74W load rating when it calls for an 81H rating - a difference of nearly 200lbs.

 

I did the 21 inch P&M contrast cut front wheel. I did stay stock in rear but only because it would have been another 1700 hundred for a wheel you can hardly see. I used that money to buy the extended Top Shop bags and yaffe fender. Came down to one thing for me and that was the most bang for my buck. A rear wheel I can't see or bags and fender? was a no brainer. I may some day change my mind but I doubt it. Since this pic I polished the rear wheel lip and now it looks pretty damn good.

 

Thanks for the compliment Drew and the tip on the night dragon rear tire.