17" to 16" wheel conversion opinions

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Nov 2, 2014 | 10:54 AM

Crazy

Thread Starter

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,556

Likes: 1,846

From: Albuquerque, NM

17" to 16" wheel conversion opinions

Hi guys, 2007 Street Bob. When I first got this bike in 2009, I didn't care for the 17" rear wheel. A year or so later I disassembled the wheels to powdercoat the rims and hubs. As soon as I finished I was kicking myself for not changing to a 16" rim.

This coming winter I'm going to do some work to the bike including a FL front end. I'm tossing around the idea of changing the rear to a 16" at the same time. On the other hand, the selection of 17" tires is way better than it was 5 years ago, and whitewalls aren't a consideration for me.

So, any opinions on the pros and cons of this? It's work I can do myself, but I think I'd rather not.

Nov 3, 2014 | 06:44 PM

Crazy

Thread Starter

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,556

Likes: 1,846

From: Albuquerque, NM

Just a bump. I know it's been a while since I've read about it, but some people here have done this conversion. Who knows, perhaps they're not on the forum anymore?

Nov 3, 2014 | 07:20 PM

Oldman - New Iron

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 275

Likes: 0

From: SoCal

16's

Ok, a few years back I did go to a 16 on the rear & a 21 on the front. At the time nobody made a 16 for a dyna, fatdaddy anyways. Called a guy on ebay & he said he could do it, got it. but last year went to have a tire installed on the rear & tire guy says most of your spokes are loose/ yes sure they were. Had to order new one but this time I went with a ridewright, not the cheap *** DNA, also went to a 16 on the front, ( ridewright ) Not sure what year your FL fork your getting but a 16 will probably be easier to find than the rear. Not sure what rims your looking for try ridewright, or Hog Pro. Do what I did search & call around. There is good selection of 16s.

Nov 3, 2014 | 09:59 PM

Crazy

Thread Starter

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,556

Likes: 1,846

From: Albuquerque, NM

Thanks. I've already got a 16" for the front. I build my own wheels, so it's just a matter of getting the rims and spokes if I do it. My question is if it's worth doing any more now that there is a good choice of 17" tires? Would the 17" rear and 16" front be a weird mix, or no problem? Thanks again

Nov 4, 2014 | 05:04 PM

wag_oh_neer

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 149

Likes: 6

From: wichita, ks

I did 16's front and rear a few years back. The main reason I did the rear was I don't like the look of having a bigger wheel in the back. It makes the bike look like its running down hill. From a handling perspective I don't think you would notice any big difference. There's pretty good tire selection on the 16 as well since the new baggers run a 180/65-16.

Nov 4, 2014 | 05:34 PM

Crazy

Thread Starter

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,556

Likes: 1,846

From: Albuquerque, NM

Thanks everyone. I decided today that I'm just going to do it the right way and rebuild the rear wheel with a 16" rim.

Nov 4, 2014 | 07:44 PM

wag_oh_neer

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 149

Likes: 6

From: wichita, ks

I think you'll like the look better with a 16 rear. I wouldn't go wider than 5" or you might have caliper to wheel clearance issues. The good news is 16x5 wheels are easy to come by, that's what they put on the '09-up touring models.