wide glide vs narrow glide

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Jan 6, 2025 | 09:24 AM

#11

AJSHOVEL

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 9,511

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From: Pa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racepres

Just so ya know...Rake is Unaffected by attitude of bike, ie longer forks etc.."effective Rake" however..has an Affect on Trail Numbers.. that damn raked WG tree reduces Trail considerably..but some bit longer than even the MoCo went, helps bring it back a bit. FWIW the deraked Duo-Glide tree, is Just Like adding Frame Rake.. plenty of Trail..
While in the middle..ie aftermarket zero rake/derake trees (wide) seem to me where the MoCo should have went...But...Like already said..It is Much more about Looks than Function...ask the FXR Guys about the original vs the ***** G versions..

You make some valid points. Part of the issue is nomenclature....."Wide Glide" front end is kind of generic, where maybe we should be differentiating between the original WG ( Duo-Glide FLs) or the much later FXWG style with raked trees and extended forks.

Jan 6, 2025 | 11:48 PM

#12

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,125

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From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y2K

NADA it's all about the preppie chopper look.
You don't see wide glides on race bikes for a reason. lol

Well these aren’t exactly race bikes 😁

Always been partial to wide glides on them, just feels more solidly hooked up than skinnies for my riding style. Love that wide 60mm inverted I have now.

Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Jan 6, 2025 at 11:51 PM.

Jan 7, 2025 | 09:14 AM

#13

Racepres

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Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 8,604

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From: Cental, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJSHOVEL

Absolutely..Proper Nomenclature...Terminology.. Not Made up Hipster ****!!! or worser yet, improper terminology thinking to Sound like BTDT.

Jan 8, 2025 | 08:02 AM

#14

Scrmnvtwins

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 2,664

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From: Indiana, USA

IMO - Most Wide Glides run a tire more narrow than the standard Narrow Glide or Sportster. (80/90-21 Vs 130/90-16)
For me its about the tire and as I live in rural setting I frequently find myself on gravel or dirt.
Wider tires always handle better on gravel than narrow tires.

Jan 8, 2025 | 08:22 AM

#15

1981 suprglide

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 874

Likes: 159

From: FLORIDA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrmnvtwins

I have to agree the narrow glide tire at 19 in is much smoother than that 21 in on the wide glide they to find every bump on the highway

Jan 8, 2025 | 11:55 AM

#16

Racepres

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Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 8,604

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From: Cental, MI

Note to Add...The FXWG, and all O.E. Wide front ends will accept the 3.50x16" Wheel and Tire.. on FXWG gonna prolly need a Fender!!
While I have had 16" with the WG fender..It is about Useless...and looks it..Just Run Without!!!

Jan 8, 2025 | 01:15 PM

#17

sbrmike

Road Master

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 1,161

Likes: 653

From: Potter County, PA

I will throw my two cents in. I agree the narrow glide 35 or 36mm 19 inch front ends handle very well. They look pretty good but not nearly as good as those big 41mm WideGlide tubes with massive trees. I have finally grown out of wanting that wideglide look. The difference in handling is that much better. I am a longtime FX rider, longtime!

Heck while I am at it I will add that the 2006 Softail Standard that I owned for a couple of years before selling to my step-son really came alive when I swapped out the 200 55 17 for a 130 90 16 rear wheel. It went from just being a bike to being a fun bike! Looks aren't everything, although I hate the look of those fat rear tires!