Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
From: Blaine, WA
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
I personally do not have any issues with turning at high speeds in fact I enjoy my FXSTS it has a 200 rear. I will admit it seems a little touchy or hard to maintain a tight line through turns, but that is in group rides. Solo on twisties, it is the bomb 60-90!!! I would think that the heavier forks should make it somewhat simpler? How long have you been riding Harley's? Maybe coming from a sport bike you are just noting the difference? It is like breaking in new boots... You notice every little thing... after a few days they are comfortable!!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
ORIGINAL: baitrunner
[align=left]two factors are causing what you're experiencing....[/align][align=left]1. rake (the longer the rake, the more difficult it is to turn)[/align][align=left]2. handlebars (tight (narrow) drag bars require more force to turn)[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]i think what you've described is normal. remember, to turn at speed push the handlebar in the direction you wish to turn. you don't have to lean more, just push more![/align]
[align=left]two factors are causing what you're experiencing....[/align][align=left]1. rake (the longer the rake, the more difficult it is to turn)[/align][align=left]2. handlebars (tight (narrow) drag bars require more force to turn)[/align][align=left][/align][align=left]i think what you've described is normal. remember, to turn at speed push the handlebar in the direction you wish to turn. you don't have to lean more, just push more![/align]
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
ORIGINAL: NW FXSTS
I personally do not have any issues with turning at high speeds in fact I enjoy my FXSTS it has a 200 rear. I will admit it seems a little touchy or hard to maintain a tight line through turns, but that is in group rides. Solo on twisties, it is the bomb 60-90!!! I would think that the heavier forks should make it somewhat simpler? How long have you been riding Harley's? Maybe coming from a sport bike you are just noting the difference? It is like breaking in new boots... You notice every little thing... after a few days they are comfortable!!!
I personally do not have any issues with turning at high speeds in fact I enjoy my FXSTS it has a 200 rear. I will admit it seems a little touchy or hard to maintain a tight line through turns, but that is in group rides. Solo on twisties, it is the bomb 60-90!!! I would think that the heavier forks should make it somewhat simpler? How long have you been riding Harley's? Maybe coming from a sport bike you are just noting the difference? It is like breaking in new boots... You notice every little thing... after a few days they are comfortable!!!
Everything's relative.... I knew my softail would handle like a pig compared to a lot of other bikes.I know I could push it but see no reason,I've spent enough time,and taken enough chances flying around corners,I was ready for a different sort of ride.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 95
From:
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
No issues with my Deuce. Actually tracks and handles very well. But I do keep pressure pretty close. I believe the only difference, as some have suggested, would be the Nightrain Beach Bars...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 4
From: Montreal, Canada
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
Being a tubeless tire it would lose air at the spoke
holes.
holes.
ORIGINAL: Citoriplus
Why do you have to change the rims to useradial tires?
ORIGINAL: Crazy Canuck
Change your front tire to a radial tire. Sure you'll have
to change from spokes to an aluminium rim. But there's
a big difference in handling. More stable all around.
Change your front tire to a radial tire. Sure you'll have
to change from spokes to an aluminium rim. But there's
a big difference in handling. More stable all around.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
ORIGINAL: nine11c2
No issues with my Deuce. Actually tracks and handles very well. But I do keep pressure pretty close. I believe the only difference, as some have suggested, would be the Nightrain Beach Bars...
No issues with my Deuce. Actually tracks and handles very well. But I do keep pressure pretty close. I believe the only difference, as some have suggested, would be the Nightrain Beach Bars...
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
I have had my bike through just about every road condition you could ask for, down pours, hours on end on gravel roads, mud coated construction, blasted rock (not fun), washboard and pot hole hell, pit run (small rounded boulders packed with dirt) mountain twisties and prairiestraights with heavy side winds. I have no problem with the 21"er seems solid to me. I think it boils down to what your used to previously until you get used to your current ride and adjusting your riding style to the road conditions, speed and the style of your bike. Lets face it our harleys are no race rockets. 
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 95
From:
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
ORIGINAL: Crazy Canuck
Being a tubeless tire it would lose air at the spoke
holes.
Being a tubeless tire it would lose air at the spoke
holes.
ORIGINAL: Citoriplus
Why do you have to change the rims to useradial tires?
ORIGINAL: Crazy Canuck
Change your front tire to a radial tire. Sure you'll have
to change from spokes to an aluminium rim. But there's
a big difference in handling. More stable all around.
Change your front tire to a radial tire. Sure you'll have
to change from spokes to an aluminium rim. But there's
a big difference in handling. More stable all around.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
I went from a classic to the custom, there is a difference, esp. with the 21" and the 200 rear. Classic was a road hugger, till you scraped something. Just takes a little getting used to.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 4
From: Montreal, Canada
RE: Stability on bikes with 21" front tire
Good point nine11c2. The rear is a radial from the dealer. But they put a bias in the front. I just don't get that. I guess it's all about the after market...
ORIGINAL: nine11c2
Want to make sure we're giving complete facts here. I don't think the tire is a problem, but if you change to a radial on the front you should (MUST?) change the rear to a radial as well. It is never recommended on any two or four wheel vehicle to mix bias and radial tires. This means going to a front radial will require front and rear tires and a new front rim.
ORIGINAL: Crazy Canuck
Being a tubeless tire it would lose air at the spoke
holes.
Being a tubeless tire it would lose air at the spoke
holes.
ORIGINAL: Citoriplus
Why do you have to change the rims to useradial tires?
ORIGINAL: Crazy Canuck
Change your front tire to a radial tire. Sure you'll have
to change from spokes to an aluminium rim. But there's
a big difference in handling. More stable all around.
Change your front tire to a radial tire. Sure you'll have
to change from spokes to an aluminium rim. But there's
a big difference in handling. More stable all around.