Differences in ride
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,143
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From: Wichita, Kansas
Differences in ride
So let's say we have two identically equipped 1200 Sporty Customs, the only difference being the front wheel and tire (one having a 19", the other a 21"). Would the two machines have appreciable differences in ride quality and handling? 
I'm guessing the 19" bike would ride better and outhandle the 21" bike. Those of you with experience please advise. I appreciate it.
I'm guessing the 19" bike would ride better and outhandle the 21" bike. Those of you with experience please advise. I appreciate it.
Last edited by F4Phantomsphorever; Jan 19, 2010 at 03:16 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,904
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From: Streetsboro, Oh
From what I gather the 21" is the same diameter over all as the 19" the 21" tire just has a shorter side wall. Sure shorter side walls give a stiffer ride on car, but most bike tires have a very stiff side wall as it is. My bike has the 19" front and I have not rode a Sporty with a 21" front. One HD service manager said the 21" wheel will bend easier from pot holes and what not due to the short side wall and it makes sense, but not sure how true that is? I'm sure there is a sight differance in feeling from the 19 to the 21, but over all i'm sure it's not a huge one. maybe someone that has had both can give better input then me.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 5
From: Berwick, Pa
Assuming you mean the difference between a 21" laced spoke wheel, and a 19" solid spoke wheel, in stock configuration. The 19" wheel does have more sidewall, plus it is a bit wider than the tire on the 21" wheel. More rubber to the ground will mean better handleing.
I have had both on my bike, but I didn't notice a really big difference. But I do not ride that hard, and do more cruising than twisty roads.
I have had both on my bike, but I didn't notice a really big difference. But I do not ride that hard, and do more cruising than twisty roads.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
One of the best things I did to my 1200C was to dump the 21" wheel for a 19".
First, I DO ride the twisties, and the handling is much better with the 19". More rubber on the road.
Second, the 1st two 21" tires I went through only lasted about 7,000 miles each. The 19's are going about 25,000 miles.
Third, with a cast wheel vs wire spokes, you stand a chance of plugging the tire if you get a flat.
First, I DO ride the twisties, and the handling is much better with the 19". More rubber on the road.
Second, the 1st two 21" tires I went through only lasted about 7,000 miles each. The 19's are going about 25,000 miles.
Third, with a cast wheel vs wire spokes, you stand a chance of plugging the tire if you get a flat.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
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From: Nashville, TN
There ya go. First time cHarley and I rode the Dragon together, he had a difficult time keeping up with me with his 21 inch front tire. After he got the 19", I have a difficult time keeping up with him. My bike always had the 19" tire.
Maybe will be different this year, with my new found horsepower and torque.
Maybe will be different this year, with my new found horsepower and torque.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
There ya go. First time cHarley and I rode the Dragon together, he had a difficult time keeping up with me with his 21 inch front tire. After he got the 19", I have a difficult time keeping up with him. My bike always had the 19" tire.
Maybe will be different this year, with my new found horsepower and torque.
Maybe will be different this year, with my new found horsepower and torque.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,904
Likes: 9
From: Streetsboro, Oh
At first I liked the looks of the 21" on the sporty's, but now that I have mine and the more I see the 21's looks almost too big for a sporty IMO. I'm glad I have the 19"
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
One of the best things I did to my 1200C was to dump the 21" wheel for a 19".
First, I DO ride the twisties, and the handling is much better with the 19". More rubber on the road.
Second, the 1st two 21" tires I went through only lasted about 7,000 miles each. The 19's are going about 25,000 miles.
Third, with a cast wheel vs wire spokes, you stand a chance of plugging the tire if you get a flat.
First, I DO ride the twisties, and the handling is much better with the 19". More rubber on the road.
Second, the 1st two 21" tires I went through only lasted about 7,000 miles each. The 19's are going about 25,000 miles.
Third, with a cast wheel vs wire spokes, you stand a chance of plugging the tire if you get a flat.
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