Lighter Wheels
Whole bunch of questions
So, on the bottom of this page was an add for southern motorcycle works. They have a set of wheels that I actually like and I swear they answered my email before I moved the mouse off the send button 
I've definitely got to give them point for the quick response and straight forward answers.
Anyway moving on, they said the wheels in question are 23lbs. That's more than double the BST wheels, but about half the OEM wheels right? However I didn't specify a size when I asked, and they didn't offer one but I assume they are probably talking about 16" since I would assume the smallest wheel would be the lightest. Everybody's wheels seem to be 3.5"/ 5.5" wide though, I guess that must be a common size for somebody but if I stick with the stock size tires they are a 1/2" wider than the ideal width. Are there any pros or cons to a slightly wider wheel I'm not thinking of? Theoretically that would translate to a wider, but also flatter contact patch right? Realistically it's only ~1/4" though isn't it so I assume it's a negligible difference?
What about radial tires? They are lighter and grip better so they seem like the logical choice to upgrade, but the interwebz seem to think that may not be recommended. But as usual provide no real detail one way or the other, is there any reason I should stay with bias ply tires? Would the suspension be to soft or would I need to change anything? I'm not even sure if anybody makes radial tires in the OEM sizes but if I could find an 18" set that is close to the same overall size that would probably be a much better performance choice.
***Discuss***
I've definitely got to give them point for the quick response and straight forward answers.Anyway moving on, they said the wheels in question are 23lbs. That's more than double the BST wheels, but about half the OEM wheels right? However I didn't specify a size when I asked, and they didn't offer one but I assume they are probably talking about 16" since I would assume the smallest wheel would be the lightest. Everybody's wheels seem to be 3.5"/ 5.5" wide though, I guess that must be a common size for somebody but if I stick with the stock size tires they are a 1/2" wider than the ideal width. Are there any pros or cons to a slightly wider wheel I'm not thinking of? Theoretically that would translate to a wider, but also flatter contact patch right? Realistically it's only ~1/4" though isn't it so I assume it's a negligible difference?
What about radial tires? They are lighter and grip better so they seem like the logical choice to upgrade, but the interwebz seem to think that may not be recommended. But as usual provide no real detail one way or the other, is there any reason I should stay with bias ply tires? Would the suspension be to soft or would I need to change anything? I'm not even sure if anybody makes radial tires in the OEM sizes but if I could find an 18" set that is close to the same overall size that would probably be a much better performance choice.
***Discuss***
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 3
From: Corona, CA.
Thanks a lot, this is the sort of information I was trying to find. To clairify if the overall size of the wheel and tire combination stays the same then the trail shouldn't change right, it's the overall size not the wheel size that would change it right?
Would 18" wheels offer a better selection of tires then?
Would 18" wheels offer a better selection of tires then?
I know we all feel it differently & yada yada but most riders probably wouldn't notice the trail difference at all. After repeated back to back comparison, (16s & 18s) the difference was very noticeable to me, but I felt it was mostly due to tire width.
Over freeway rain grooves, tar snakes, and botts dots at 85-95, the 16s were just flat out better in my opinion. In fact, they were so much better, it was the determining factor in my deciding on a Fat Bob.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
Get you some Avon Cobras. Radials and you can throw a 200 on the rear and 150 up front on 16" rims. There are so many opinions on Radials vs Bias that you'll never get a straight answer. Alot of times its hard to find matched tires. As in both radials or both bias plys in the size you are looking for from the same manufacturer. I know guys that run bias in the back and radials in the front and visa versa. But overall I believe radials are better performance wise. I think the radial construction runs truer and wiggles less when riding over tar snakes and road grooves. But Im sure someone will tell you I have no idea what Im talking about. lol. I like the Southern wheels too. Thinking about picking up a set of their Poker rims. Since they make the wheels, they should be able to reccomend the optimal width of the tire to go with them. There is usually a range. Dont get to hung up on "perfect" because just like truck tires, actual size can vary from whats stamped on the sidewall.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
That's sorta right. a switch from 2 16s to 2 18s will increase trail but not rake. A larger front only increases both rake and trail. I don't think there is any reasonable 18" tire with the same diameter as the fat 16s. 18s IMO will definitely give you the widest selection in tires.
I know we all feel it differently & yada yada but most riders probably wouldn't notice the trail difference at all. After repeated back to back comparison, (16s & 18s) the difference was very noticeable to me, but I felt it was mostly due to tire width.
Over freeway rain grooves, tar snakes, and botts dots at 85-95, the 16s were just flat out better in my opinion. In fact, they were so much better, it was the determining factor in my deciding on a Fat Bob.
I know we all feel it differently & yada yada but most riders probably wouldn't notice the trail difference at all. After repeated back to back comparison, (16s & 18s) the difference was very noticeable to me, but I felt it was mostly due to tire width.
Over freeway rain grooves, tar snakes, and botts dots at 85-95, the 16s were just flat out better in my opinion. In fact, they were so much better, it was the determining factor in my deciding on a Fat Bob.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Front 16" - 25.21"
Front 18" - 25.47"
Rear - 16 - 25.82"
Rear - 18 - 25.82"(180mm)
Rear - 18 - 26.79"(200mm)
That's sorta right. a switch from 2 16s to 2 18s will increase trail but not rake. A larger front only increases both rake and trail. I don't think there is any reasonable 18" tire with the same diameter as the fat 16s. 18s IMO will definitely give you the widest selection in tires.
I know we all feel it differently & yada yada but most riders probably wouldn't notice the trail difference at all. After repeated back to back comparison, (16s & 18s) the difference was very noticeable to me, but I felt it was mostly due to tire width.
Over freeway rain grooves, tar snakes, and botts dots at 85-95, the 16s were just flat out better in my opinion. In fact, they were so much better, it was the determining factor in my deciding on a Fat Bob.
I know we all feel it differently & yada yada but most riders probably wouldn't notice the trail difference at all. After repeated back to back comparison, (16s & 18s) the difference was very noticeable to me, but I felt it was mostly due to tire width.
Over freeway rain grooves, tar snakes, and botts dots at 85-95, the 16s were just flat out better in my opinion. In fact, they were so much better, it was the determining factor in my deciding on a Fat Bob.
I'm getting to the point where if I can't find what I'm looking for I'll just keep what I have but I'm sold on 16" wheels now
Get you some Avon Cobras. Radials and you can throw a 200 on the rear and 150 up front on 16" rims. There are so many opinions on Radials vs Bias that you'll never get a straight answer. Alot of times its hard to find matched tires. As in both radials or both bias plys in the size you are looking for from the same manufacturer. I know guys that run bias in the back and radials in the front and visa versa. But overall I believe radials are better performance wise. I think the radial construction runs truer and wiggles less when riding over tar snakes and road grooves. But Im sure someone will tell you I have no idea what Im talking about. lol. I like the Southern wheels too. Thinking about picking up a set of their Poker rims. Since they make the wheels, they should be able to reccomend the optimal width of the tire to go with them. There is usually a range. Dont get to hung up on "perfect" because just like truck tires, actual size can vary from whats stamped on the sidewall.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think there is any downside to radial tires (except perhaps the selection of performance types availability of sizes, at least Harley sizes)
Everything I can find says if it was designed for ___ tires there may be differences that could cause problems if you switched to the other type. I can understand the noncommittal warning but somebody has to know what would be different or dependent on a particular type of tire? If I knew the specific areas of concern I could decide how severe they really are or probably correct them if necessary.
I called the dealership, but the guy who answered sounded pretty confused. He said I could put any tire I wanted on but I got the impression he didn't really understand the question.
As for the tire size, I like how it rides now so I want to stay within the OEM specs... and I have no intention of cutting stuff to make 37's fit this time around
Sssssoooo much cutting to get those giant *** tires on
A set of Avon Cobra's in 18" sizes (130 and 180 will be the same and nearly the same diameter as your 16" EOM rubber, this would be a 130 front and a 180 rear, if you go to a 200 it will be about an inch taller on the HD stinger wheels like those in my sig photo. They are radial and work quite well IMO>
Front 16" - 25.21"
Front 18" - 25.47"
Rear - 16 - 25.82"
Rear - 18 - 25.82"(180mm)
Rear - 18 - 26.79"(200mm)
Front 16" - 25.21"
Front 18" - 25.47"
Rear - 16 - 25.82"
Rear - 18 - 25.82"(180mm)
Rear - 18 - 26.79"(200mm)
I assume the speedometer is dictated by the rear tire right, so if they are the same that's great. As for the front 0.26" probably isn't enough to notice
Are these what you are running now, what did you notice changed?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Thanks I thought the cobras were bias plys, gonna go check their site again now.
I assume the speedometer is dictated by the rear tire right, so if they are the same that's great. As for the front 0.26" probably isn't enough to notice
Are these what you are running now, what did you notice changed?
I assume the speedometer is dictated by the rear tire right, so if they are the same that's great. As for the front 0.26" probably isn't enough to notice
Are these what you are running now, what did you notice changed?
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In theory at least the lower profile tires should be lighter and stiffer, plus I assume the wheels are lighter so all of that should translate into easier turn in.
If I am understanding broken wing though I believe he feels the 16" combination is much better for day to day real world driving though, I assume primarily due to the street manners and comfort right?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 3
From: Corona, CA.
Thanks again. You're right I haven't been able to find any tires for 18" wheels that are the same diameter as the OEM tires. It is the overall size that would determine a change in the rake and/ or trail though right, for the sake of argument if there were tires available that were the same size then there would be no change right?
I'm getting to the point where if I can't find what I'm looking for I'll just keep what I have but I'm sold on 16" wheels now
I'm getting to the point where if I can't find what I'm looking for I'll just keep what I have but I'm sold on 16" wheels now
In theory at least the lower profile tires should be lighter and stiffer, plus I assume the wheels are lighter so all of that should translate into easier turn in.
If I am understanding broken wing though I believe he feels the 16" combination is much better for day to day real world driving though, I assume primarily due to the street manners and comfort right?
If I am understanding broken wing though I believe he feels the 16" combination is much better for day to day real world driving though, I assume primarily due to the street manners and comfort right?
I place a very low priority on peg scraping my 700 lb, cast iron road pig through the twisties... 'cause I don't do that on this bike.
The shop was cool enough to let me test ride every bike I asked to ride. (2 of 'em twice!) It took me 2 weekends. I LOVED the 21" Wide Glide look, but hated the squirrelly front end at speed. The point is my input is really only aimed at those with similar priorities.
Damn that WG was purdy....
