Softail front wheel/tire

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Feb 5, 2011 | 06:42 PM

opasnyder

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Stage I

Joined: Feb 2011

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Softail front wheel/tire

I recently purchased a 2008 softail Night Train. The tires need replacing, and I was wondering if there would be any harm in increasing the size of the front wheel and tire to 21" x 3" ? I realize that I will need to replace the front fender, but my real question is, will this negatively effect the handling of the bike? Other than expense, are there any other drawbacks to making this change?

Thank you, I'd appreciate your opinion.

Bob

Feb 5, 2011 | 08:12 PM

Blk and Chrome

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Joined: Jun 2008

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From: Connecticut

The stock wheel is too narrow for that much of a tire, the best thing to do is look for the tire size and then ck the wheel size recomended. I was looking to do a bigger ft tire and found the wheel not wide enough. It can be done but it rounds the tire too much

Feb 5, 2011 | 08:40 PM

Ash16

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

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From: Rowlett, Texas

I was wondering the same thing myself.

Feb 5, 2011 | 09:52 PM

Tx_Outlaw

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Joined: Sep 2005

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From: Aledo, Texas

From the post, he said wheel and tire....... If you're doing the wheel, go at least 3" and go for the 120 tire. Floats across the road grooves much better than the stock tire. I'm running a 140 on a 21x3.5 wheel and love it. Ran a 120 up front for a year before going to the 140......

Feb 5, 2011 | 10:28 PM

Mr. Lucky

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Delaware

Sure, you can go to a larger wheel/tire on the Train. Lot's of people have done it. Just remember that there are trade-offs though. While it's true that the wider front tire will make you more impervious to road imperfections and rain grooves, it also decreases turn-in response. You could always try the conservative approach like I did (also referred to as the "cheap" approach lol). I went up one size (from the stock MH90-21 to 90/90-21) and switched to an Avon tire. It's not perfect, but it's way better.

Feb 6, 2011 | 09:59 AM

tlb

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Joined: Apr 2007

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Didn't the 2009 night trains come with a 21 inch front tire? I think the changed the front fender, too.

Feb 6, 2011 | 10:45 AM

Dirty Fxstd

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 368

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From: Youngsville LA

Do it Do it Do it!!!! I love the look of the wider front tire!! I would think it would improve the ride, im sure it would handle a little different but i wouldnt think that much. Im about to do the same mod when i get back to the states, but i am thinking about going with the 23". Wish story would hurry up and slap those rims on his so i can check out that 23! haha