Lighter Wheels
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
As I did on my FXDXT, I will probably go with 4.25X18 or X17 wheels on my FXDF...much better selection of tires. If the fat sidewall can flex enough to soften the ride appreciably, then it's gotta screw the handling royally. PM wheels are light and strong, but kinda "pimpy" looking for my tastes.
As I did on my FXDXT, I will probably go with 4.25X18 or X17 wheels on my FXDF...much better selection of tires. If the fat sidewall can flex enough to soften the ride appreciably, then it's gotta screw the handling royally. PM wheels are light and strong, but kinda "pimpy" looking for my tastes.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 3
From: Corona, CA.
Changing to 17s will change the trail slightly on a FB. But the bigger difference will be the TYPE of available tires.
17 inch is considered primarily a road racing wheel size. This means most all (if not all) 17" tires are Z rated (soft compound, more flex, larger footprint, lower fuel mileage, more expensive, and far less tire mileage.) There are very few, if any 17" choices that are not Z rated.
Worth considering before making such an expensive decision.
17 inch is considered primarily a road racing wheel size. This means most all (if not all) 17" tires are Z rated (soft compound, more flex, larger footprint, lower fuel mileage, more expensive, and far less tire mileage.) There are very few, if any 17" choices that are not Z rated.
Worth considering before making such an expensive decision.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 3
From: Corona, CA.
Changing to 17s will change the trail slightly on a FB. But the bigger difference will be the TYPE of available tires.
17 inch is considered primarily a road racing wheel size. This means most all (if not all) 17" tires are Z rated (soft compound, more flex, larger footprint, lower fuel mileage, more expensive, and far less tire mileage.) There are very few, if any 17" choices that are not Z rated.
Worth considering before making such an expensive decision.
17 inch is considered primarily a road racing wheel size. This means most all (if not all) 17" tires are Z rated (soft compound, more flex, larger footprint, lower fuel mileage, more expensive, and far less tire mileage.) There are very few, if any 17" choices that are not Z rated.
Worth considering before making such an expensive decision.
Would 18" wheels offer a better selection of tires then?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Im going with 18s on my Fat Bob. Not too big but still looks and handles well. And there are plenty of tire options out there. BTW Crash, your screen name seems really familiar. You on any other forums?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
DTX maybe?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Right on. Didnt realize you rode. Anyway, if you want to get new rims and keep the good handling of the FB then I would stick with a 16-18" rim. Personally I think 18s look the best and there are alot of different tire options. You can keep the overall diameter the same by choosing a lower profile tire and the lighter wheel and tire combo will improve your handling over the stock set up. If you go larger on the overall tire and wheel combo, your handling WILL suffer. How much depends on how big you go. Its just physics. Anyone who says it wont is full of ****. The more rotating mass you have, the more effort it takes to change direction. The less unsprung weight you have, the better and more responsive your suspension will perform. It will never handle like a sport bike ofcourse but the Fat Bob is arguably the best handling Dyna made. In general, wider tires do turn in slower. But it has more to do with the profile of the tire. Some wide tires have a flatter center section which takes more effort to get it lean over and fall into turns. Mostly this applies to rear tires. The stock front FB tire is pretty wide but if you look at it you can see it has a nicely rounded profile. That combined with a lack of rake allows the bikes to turn in nicely. So do your research before you pick a tire. I think people who are under the impression that lighter wheels are unstable are confusing "unstable" with quicker steering with less input.