23 inch wheel questions
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 96
From: fort walton beach
23 inch wheel questions
i am on the fence about what size wheels to go with. i really like the look of 23 inch front wheel but i think for piratical use a 21x3.5 inch wheel would ride better. if there is no significant difference in bike handling i think i would like to go 23"
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: Montreal
when I did my 23" swap ......that size rim with a tire is heavy.....almost double the stock 21" spoke that was on the NT . I did however have 6 degree trees on the bike .....so that combined, changed the "turn in" characteristics at low speeds. I got used to that pretty quick and have no regrets with the swap . at highway speeds I could not see any change from stock.....I could let go of the bars with the cruise on and she would track straight no problem . as far as looks go......I love it .
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 12
From: north jersey
Go 23 dude. It would look good on your ride, especially with them apes. Only reason I didn't do a 23 on my rocker is because the HD wheels I wanted don't come in that 23 inch size. I would venture to say that if HD ever decides to make them Ina 23 I would replace my front end just to get one.
Just do it the right way, get yourself a set of raked trees to keep the handling the way it should be. HHI has a great product, they have everything you need and they are freaking grest on the phone if you have any questions during installs.
It's an extra $400-$500 bucks but it's absolutely worth it man.
When I first got my rocker I went from the stock 19 inch front wheel to a 21 without changing the triple trees to accommodate for the bigger wheel. Although the ride and handling wasn't awful it was pretty annoying at slow speeds having to wrestle with the front end cause the rake was off.
Fast forward 5 years later to last fall when I replaced my wheels and went with the HHI raked trees. I can't begin to tell you how big of a difference the handling makes. Soooooo much easier and lighter steering. Plus when I put the bike on the kick stand with the wheel pointed straight ahead I dont have to worry about the front end slamming over to the left as I start walking away ..... Lol.
I'm assuming your front end is not set up for a 3.5 inch wide rim, check out HHI.
Just do it the right way, get yourself a set of raked trees to keep the handling the way it should be. HHI has a great product, they have everything you need and they are freaking grest on the phone if you have any questions during installs.
It's an extra $400-$500 bucks but it's absolutely worth it man.
When I first got my rocker I went from the stock 19 inch front wheel to a 21 without changing the triple trees to accommodate for the bigger wheel. Although the ride and handling wasn't awful it was pretty annoying at slow speeds having to wrestle with the front end cause the rake was off.
Fast forward 5 years later to last fall when I replaced my wheels and went with the HHI raked trees. I can't begin to tell you how big of a difference the handling makes. Soooooo much easier and lighter steering. Plus when I put the bike on the kick stand with the wheel pointed straight ahead I dont have to worry about the front end slamming over to the left as I start walking away ..... Lol.
I'm assuming your front end is not set up for a 3.5 inch wide rim, check out HHI.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 7
From: Liverpool UK
I've got a Softail Deluxe and had a 21'' fat spoke on for 2 years, and I've changed it to a 23'' recently .. no change of trees or raking etc , Standard fender fits just the same, although sits a little closer to the tyre, but still not a problem , as for riding, well theres little or no difference to tell, it looks amazing, all spokes, One of my winter mods will be lower the front, to just finish the job .
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 96
From: fort walton beach
I havent thought about doing a rake on my bike. I always thought the more rake the worse the slow handling. I will probably swap to a 23 inch mag wheel. I want to get away from spokes cause I am tired of cleaning them
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 12
From: north jersey
In my experience the raked trees made a positive change in the handling.
I think the bad handling characteristics you're refferring to with raked bikes is when you have 6 foot long fork legs lol.
I'm obviously exaggerating but I'm sure you get my point.
I think the bad handling characteristics you're refferring to with raked bikes is when you have 6 foot long fork legs lol.
I'm obviously exaggerating but I'm sure you get my point.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 96
From: fort walton beach
My bike has wide glide trees on it and I would stick with rake trees for wide glide. I imagine a I would have to do is swap spacers and a fender to fit a 23 inch wheel.
Alain what rake kit did you go with
Alain what rake kit did you go with
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: north jersey
Takes all the guess work out of it.