OK I have on 07 1200c with the 21" narrow front tire. The problem I have is on tight curves or the slightest bit of gravel on a turn and the front of the bike is all over the place. I got into some good curves the other day and I swear the front end felt like it was going to slide right out from under me. Now my friend that I was riding with has an 2000 sporty with the 19" tire, which is much wider than mine, we swapped bikes and that baby whips right around with no problem. Anyone else experience this? Are these factory tires just crap or what?
I have ridin with tires this size before and never noticed this issue like I notice it with this bike.

 

What tire pressure are you running? I keep mine at 30-32 lbs and it handles fine.

 

It depends how you ride and what you want in a bike. The 1200C is a great cruiser and I thoroughly enjoy its ride. However, my heart is into carving out the twisties and "pushing the envelope" while doing it, which is why I bought the 1200R. This thing snakes thecurves like my old '60's TR6-C Triumph -only faster,and it can still cruise all day (with a Mustang saddle, of course).

 

30 lbs also

 

What I want in a bike is to go around a corner without the front end sliding out from under the bike. Ive ridin alot of bikes in my day and never had one that handled as bad as this thing does.

 

You nailed it yourself, "skinny 21" front tire" does not have the contact with the road that an 18-19" larger section tire does. I run a 21"x 3.50 on the front of my chopper and it does tend to "wash out" on corners. You'll never see a sport bike with a skinny 21" for that reason. I don't brake hard with the front brake going into cornersbut get on the throttle exiting to keep the weight distribution on the rear tire not the front. Tire patch is the key.

 

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?

 

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?

 

[sm=exactly.gif]You bought the wrong model for carving up the corners.

 

I have found the 1200c a great feeling bike in twisties. Sure there are some that are better so you may have to adjust your riding/cornering style a bit. I don't know anything about your style of riding but if you tend to lean inside when cornering, you may try sitting up straight as the bike leans into the corner instead of leaning your body with the bike. The sport bike riders that you see hanging off and draggin knees are doing that to keep more of the tire on the road for traction by not leaning the bike as much, which is necessary at the high speeds they ride at. For public street speeds this is not necessary or preferred. Also, I would not lower the air pressure in the tires lower than recommended psi. That can cause loss of bead, tire cupping, and even blowouts. 40 psi works for me front and back. Slowing a bit before a curve and accelerating through it is crucialto keeping traction and control and more shock travel so keep your revs up. My riding style through really tight twisties like the Dragon (hwy 129 in TN and NC) is to make very few throttle adjustments and use my back brake slightly to adjust speed. This technique is called trail braking. It takes practice so work up to it if it is something new to you.

I am sorry if this advice is toorudimentaryfor you but I don't know anything about your skill level andam just trying to be helpful.