23" front wheel mounting
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
If the wheel is to wide, then you need to change out your trees to a wide glide style. Myself I bought the FXDB (fat bob) ones in black. I rode with them for 2 yrs and then sold them as I am running a custom front end...but those trees have no rake in them and will give you the clearance you'll need...
The next step will be making sure you have the right spacers to have the wheel sit middle of the trees...then you have brake caliper issues, the fender issues, then just other issues....
Be prepared to throw $$$ at it....
The next step will be making sure you have the right spacers to have the wheel sit middle of the trees...then you have brake caliper issues, the fender issues, then just other issues....
Be prepared to throw $$$ at it....
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 200
Likes: 35
From: United States
FORGET That 23" wheel debacle and all the issues that will accompany it with Calipers,Disc's spacers and brake lines. The installation of such a ridiculous large front wheel will throw that whole bike into a non handling stupid scenario ....... and you'll ruin the bike . Seriously........FORGET That 23"wheel......!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 27
From: In the Pacific Northwest, a few hours east of Seattle.
http://battistinisusa.com
With enough money you can do nearly anything. One issue is whether you're prepared to dump a sufficient amount of money into a 2011 bike. The cost of mounting a 23" wheel on the bike will likely exceed the book value of the bike, depending on how many miles you have on it, etc. etc. For starters, you're essentially looking at a new front end - starting with new forks and adding new everything else. I used Battistinis forks on my build, however, (2017 FLTRXS) and am very happy with their quality.
While not as critical and negative as the previous poster, it is true that adding a 23" wheel can create a situation where the frame of the bike is no longer parallel to the asphalt - i.e. your front axle may sit two inches higher or so. The solution to that is not to lower the front end, which can mess with the suspension, but to raise the back end if you're dead set on leveling out the frame.
Or, you can just ride it. Many builds with extended forks have the same effect - it raises the front end slightly. The bike may be slightly top-heavy. Depending on how hard you ride, your riding environment or style, etc. this might matter and it might not.
There are many details you should consider, but probably the initial decision is whether you want to sink significant ching into an older bike. Best with it.
And welcome to the forums.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Maybe I have an unusual perspective but I always saw it the other way around. I PREFER to dump cash into fully depreciated vehicles. Never understood buying a new [whatever] and essentially rebuilding it. Except for shows that exhibit new product, of course. I take old, broken, worn out **** and make it (better than) new again. My whole family is lile that, tho, so it may just be a cultural/environmental thing.
Last edited by cggorman; May 6, 2018 at 07:07 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
I have 2 2012’s that I am putting money into. I don’t plan on selling anytime soon so it’s not a concern....
but out to the OP if your asking you probably don’t have the skills to do it yourself so if you want it your going to have to spend a lot of $$$ to make it happen
but out to the OP if your asking you probably don’t have the skills to do it yourself so if you want it your going to have to spend a lot of $$$ to make it happen
Trending Topics
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: aberdeen, sd
Im not understanding why you guys are so harsh on this guy and his question. Its reaaonable, can be easy to do depending on direction wanted, and frankly, its a good upgrade for looks.
I just got done doing this last year (as well as putting a 200 out back) and rode it a lot last summer. Had no issues, handles well. Doesnt accelerate as quick, but with a 103 stage 4 in it, its plenty fast already. Lol. Feels more stable in the corners than before. Its a bit heavier going into the corners, but it holds its line flawlessly.
For me, and what I would recommend to you, is order a custom wheel in a design you like. They will make the hub to your bike specs, and then brakes are the same, spacers are the same, etc. The only thing you would have to decide is what to do with the fender. (I ditched it and put in a fork brace). And as far as being 2 inches taller, yeah, obviously that is true as well. I lowered mine with a burley slammer kit. I may end up changing my springs out in the future to something that handles better, but for now it works.
there are so many ways you can do this, and its your stuff and your question, I dont understand why people had to slam you and your vision.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
Blacked out bob....he already has the wheel...he is asking How to make it fit as he has said it’s too wide....
yes easier to order one made made to fit already, but that’s not the case here.
yes easier to order one made made to fit already, but that’s not the case here.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 27
From: In the Pacific Northwest, a few hours east of Seattle.
Maybe I have an unusual perspective but I always saw it the other way around. I PREFER to dump cash into fully depreciated vehicles. Never understood buying a new [whatever] and essentially rebuilding it. Except for shows that exhibit new product, of course. I take old, broken, worn out **** and make it (better than) new again. My whole family is lile that, tho, so it may just be a cultural/environmental thing.
I had a traumatic experience with an insurance company and a 2004 Road King Custom that had a lot of mods added to it. After a total loss, the insurance company depreciated the bike so it wasn't worth anything and - since I hadn't added a separate add-on rider insurance policy for most of the upgrades - I took it in the shorts on the modifications. Part of the subsequent education in motorcycle insurance policies involved realizing that modifications performed by the dealer at the time of sale are listed on the invoice, and are covered by the policy at sale (but may require a separate inspection by the insurance company). Lots more lessons-learned, but the bottom line is if you're going to put lots of money into an older bike - and it gets burned up in a fire, stolen, or otherwise trashed, if you want the true replacement cost out of the steaming pile of wreckage you'd better have a rock-solid insurance policy with a rider. The bike will be depreciated hard, but if you have a separate policy that covers your upgrades you may get some salvage out of it eventually. Choose your insurance company wisely.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post