Softail Front Tire - Anyone know?...
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 115
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From: Pataskala, Ohio
I am going to get a set of Reaper wheels anyway this winter, so I want to make sure that I put a wheel and tire on that might feel a bit better to me.
Oh yeah, any pics of your bike with the wider front tire?...
Last edited by John Bernard; Aug 31, 2009 at 07:32 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Put bluntly, the FX front end sucks. To really get it working better, look at a set of Ricor Intiminators and a good fork brace. The larger tire and wheel will help dramatically.
I'm very happy with the inverted forks I have, but I think I still need to add a brace.
I'm very happy with the inverted forks I have, but I think I still need to add a brace.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 115
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From: Pataskala, Ohio
As for the wider wheel and tire, are you running them on your Night Train? If so, did you have to go with a wider fender? I'm debating over trying the 120/70/21 sized tire on my stock rim (if that is even recommended), or getting a larger Reaper wheel and then going with a wider tire.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: 'Noke, VA
I'm running a 120/70VR21 Metzeler ME880 on a 21x3.5" wheel. I'm running a larger Klock Werks fender. I would strongly advise not trying to mount a 120 tire on the stock width wheel. You'll end up bowing the sidewalls out which will seriously compromise handling.
Interesting that Ricor isn't recommending a fork brace. That combination is money on a Sportster.
Interesting that Ricor isn't recommending a fork brace. That combination is money on a Sportster.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Leander Texas
here is a web site that gives you the original size and other good info
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...ilStandard.htm
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...ilStandard.htm
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Pataskala, Ohio
I'm running a 120/70VR21 Metzeler ME880 on a 21x3.5" wheel. I'm running a larger Klock Werks fender. I would strongly advise not trying to mount a 120 tire on the stock width wheel. You'll end up bowing the sidewalls out which will seriously compromise handling.
Interesting that Ricor isn't recommending a fork brace. That combination is money on a Sportster.
Interesting that Ricor isn't recommending a fork brace. That combination is money on a Sportster.
Thanks for the link TK. That is a good page to bookmark.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 115
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From: Pataskala, Ohio
Last question is, I have read elsewhere on this forum that a lot of guys feel that the handling of the bike can be improved by decreasing the rake of the front end. They do this by getting it lower as a result of going with a shorter wheel to match the height of the rear wheel. Do you agree with this?
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 279
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From: WV
The 120 does handle a lot better but not as well has a Fatboy. I am currently using my orginial fender that DOES fit but only with 1/4" clearance.
I think this winter I may change the entire front over to a Fatboy just to get the look I want.
I think this winter I may change the entire front over to a Fatboy just to get the look I want.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: 'Noke, VA
I wanted a fender that snugged up to the tire better than the stock one, and I didn't think the stock one would work with the larger wheel/tire. Regardless, I thought it would look silly even if it did work. In hindsight, I do kinda wish I'd gone with a 19" wheel/tire in order to get the bike lower without sacrificing suspension travel. Who knows, I've got a spare rear wheel, I might just sell the set and pony up for a new fender.
Then again, I like the look of the 21 up there, so who knows......
Then again, I like the look of the 21 up there, so who knows......
Did you change the fender specifically because the original one didn't work with the new wider wheel and tire, or did you change it for cosmetic reasons? Also, do you have any photos of your bike posted anywhere that show it from the front, so I can see how much wider the new tire and wheel actually look?
Last question is, I have read elsewhere on this forum that a lot of guys feel that the handling of the bike can be improved by decreasing the rake of the front end. They do this by getting it lower as a result of going with a shorter wheel to match the height of the rear wheel. Do you agree with this?
Last question is, I have read elsewhere on this forum that a lot of guys feel that the handling of the bike can be improved by decreasing the rake of the front end. They do this by getting it lower as a result of going with a shorter wheel to match the height of the rear wheel. Do you agree with this?