Cornering issues, need input
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,192
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From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: Cornering issues, need input
I have had no issues with the 21" tire/wheel combo as long as I am riding solo. I do notice a bit of a "push" in the curves when riding two up. However I think thatI have a different riding style when the old lady is on the back as well.Probably operator error on my part.
I have a friend who has the 19" tire/wheel combo on his "96 XL1200S and he can run the curves with the best of em. Strange thing is he is a cruiser and would rather have the custom look like I have.
I am a cruiser at heart and am fine riding a bit slower and enjoying the scenery. That's why I bought my Custom (besides all ofthe factory chrome goodies that came standard on the custom)
I have a friend who has the 19" tire/wheel combo on his "96 XL1200S and he can run the curves with the best of em. Strange thing is he is a cruiser and would rather have the custom look like I have.
I am a cruiser at heart and am fine riding a bit slower and enjoying the scenery. That's why I bought my Custom (besides all ofthe factory chrome goodies that came standard on the custom)
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: Cornering issues, need input
The "slightest bit of gravel" can cause havoc no matter what you have for a front tire. While I agree the custom is certainly more of a laid back type of ride, I can still drag my pipes in a curve so what am I missing?
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Joined: May 2005
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From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Cornering issues, need input
ORIGINAL: whaap
The "slightest bit of gravel" can cause havoc no matter what you have for a front tire. While I agree the custom is certainly more of a laid back type of ride, I can still drag my pipes in a curve so what am I missing?
The "slightest bit of gravel" can cause havoc no matter what you have for a front tire. While I agree the custom is certainly more of a laid back type of ride, I can still drag my pipes in a curve so what am I missing?
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RE: Cornering issues, need input
ORIGINAL: Thumper26
I agree with yourcornering capabilityof the "C"and the question you pose. However, my assumptionhas been thatdgates is more used to a sportbike's/cafe-style racer's handling and the "C" is not going to provide that. My assumption could be wrong about what he is used to and if so, straighten me out.
ORIGINAL: whaap
The "slightest bit of gravel" can cause havoc no matter what you have for a front tire. While I agree the custom is certainly more of a laid back type of ride, I can still drag my pipes in a curve so what am I missing?
The "slightest bit of gravel" can cause havoc no matter what you have for a front tire. While I agree the custom is certainly more of a laid back type of ride, I can still drag my pipes in a curve so what am I missing?
Actually you are wrong. I bought the bike to cruise not for the twisties. I know alot of folks love riding the curves but myself I prefer just cruisin. I certainly am not a sport bike rider nor do I wish to be. I was just curious if anyone else noticed this and if so what they did to correct it, such as a different brand tire. Like I said I have had a lot of different bikes, cruisers included and never experienced it to this extent. Thats why its such a wierd feeling.
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RE: Cornering issues, need input
ORIGINAL: Mark g
Sorry to say it,but it sounds like you bought the wrong bike for what you like to do.
Can you put a smaller,wider front wheel on it?
Sorry to say it,but it sounds like you bought the wrong bike for what you like to do.
Can you put a smaller,wider front wheel on it?
Na I bought the right bike for sure, I'm not a twisties guy I'd rather cruise.
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RE: Cornering issues, need input
ORIGINAL: Simon UK
I have to second what Thumper26said about 'R' versus 'C'.A large part of mydecision to getan 883R was theset-up -mid-mount pegs and controls; wide, low-rise handlebar; double front disc brakes; standard 19" front wheel- which I felt would make it the best 883 for zipping around the lanes and roundabouts (I believe these may be referred to as 'traffic circles' in the US - there'sloads of them over here) and dodging in and out of the heavy car/van/truck traffic that blights the area where I live.
Have you looked into whether it's possible tofitthe front end from an 883R/1200R, or a basic 883, to your 1200C?
I have to second what Thumper26said about 'R' versus 'C'.A large part of mydecision to getan 883R was theset-up -mid-mount pegs and controls; wide, low-rise handlebar; double front disc brakes; standard 19" front wheel- which I felt would make it the best 883 for zipping around the lanes and roundabouts (I believe these may be referred to as 'traffic circles' in the US - there'sloads of them over here) and dodging in and out of the heavy car/van/truck traffic that blights the area where I live.
Have you looked into whether it's possible tofitthe front end from an 883R/1200R, or a basic 883, to your 1200C?
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RE: Cornering issues, need input
ORIGINAL: GPHDXLC
Ohh I forgot to mention
You can put a 19" wheel and a 100-90 tire on a 2000 1200-C with no mods.
I dont know for sure, but I think a 07 is the same. The 19" will only drop the front about 3/8"- 1/2" the tire will be the same width as the fender, and there will be a small gap between the top of the tire and fender. I have seen this on 2 bikes and I think it looks o.k. Im doing it to my bike this winter, for the same reasons 'dgates' stated...
Ohh I forgot to mention
You can put a 19" wheel and a 100-90 tire on a 2000 1200-C with no mods.
I dont know for sure, but I think a 07 is the same. The 19" will only drop the front about 3/8"- 1/2" the tire will be the same width as the fender, and there will be a small gap between the top of the tire and fender. I have seen this on 2 bikes and I think it looks o.k. Im doing it to my bike this winter, for the same reasons 'dgates' stated...
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RE: Cornering issues, need input
dg: I put dual disc front brakes on my '04 Sportster Custom's 21" front wire-spoked wheel. The H-D parts man and the service writer told me it couldn't be done. I checked all the measurements, bought all the parts and did it my way. Worked like a charm. It was even easy to do. Still wasn't satisfied, so changed out the front tire/wheel to a 19" with a Dunlop tire. Now that combination really made the old Custom corner and stop both. I quit my development work because the Custom was an 883. I sold it and bought a 1200 Roadster. With a change in shocks and fork springs, the Roadster has become a real canyon carver.
If you are interested, I may still have a picture of the 883 Custom in the 'puter. Let me know. ........ BC
If you are interested, I may still have a picture of the 883 Custom in the 'puter. Let me know. ........ BC