26"--30" wheels
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 320
Likes: 21
From: Central Iowa
Dont do it dude. Go 21" its a tasteful upgrade that will always be in style. I respect the amount of work that go in to those big wheel baggers but the trend is definitely fading. the next trend is a fat tire/wheel up front which will eventually fade as well.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,044
Likes: 336
I also went 21" on my SGS, love the look of larger wheel on the front - I wouldn't go any bigger than that but that's just my personal take - I understand the handling really drops off when you go over 23" and we have lots of great twisty roads out here to ride
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
if i were you, i would research hiw much you will need to change and modify given you have an 04 and a batwing fairing.
things that could occur include front end wobble due to changing the trail from a big wheel. need to replace parts of rear swingarm such as busings bearings. need to add a rear stabilizer etc.
i big wheel in front will bring to light every handling problem associated with a bike of your vintgage, those you create and those the factory created. high and low speed handling will be impacted. listento grbrown when he gives advice on wheel size. he has consistently been on target with handling thoughts.
a big wheel is exactly that a big wheel, its more for looks than riding. if you ride more than 5k a year, you may want to consider a 2nd bike or staying with something that could actually be serviced in a dealer on the road.
hope all works out
things that could occur include front end wobble due to changing the trail from a big wheel. need to replace parts of rear swingarm such as busings bearings. need to add a rear stabilizer etc.
i big wheel in front will bring to light every handling problem associated with a bike of your vintgage, those you create and those the factory created. high and low speed handling will be impacted. listento grbrown when he gives advice on wheel size. he has consistently been on target with handling thoughts.
a big wheel is exactly that a big wheel, its more for looks than riding. if you ride more than 5k a year, you may want to consider a 2nd bike or staying with something that could actually be serviced in a dealer on the road.
hope all works out
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 779
Likes: 29
From: AMERICA
Very few people pounding any long rides on a big wheel. You just can't pull up to a dealer and get a tire changed. They are mostly show bikes that people crowd around and look at. Guys that put in miles, we say no thank you.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 702
Likes: 44
From: McHenry, IL
My honest opinion is do what YOU want to do that will make you smile when standing in your garage with your beverage of choice just looking at your ride or cruising down the road enjoying the wind. I prefer both.
If done right a 23 or 26 will ride fine in a straight line, but gets a little more challenging on slow maneuvers in a parking lot. Ride fine does not mean as good or comfortable as a bike built for touring. That is a personal decision based on riding style.
I went through becoming interested in the big wheel bagger look, but every time I had the opp to invest in my bike I have decided on other better bang for the buck spends based on what I like to do. Big wheels alone will cost thousands of dollars.
First came a 21" front wheel and new suspension. Rides fine for the thousands of miles I put on, but I do feel the cracks in the road more.
Then came custom paint. Much better spend in my mind.
Then came a Fuelmoto 107" - 110hp - much better spend in my mind.
Mix in the thousands I've spent on accessories, and I smile all the time, and can ride anywhere, anytime I want, and still be an attention grabber at bike nights and shows. By no means does it get as much attention as the big wheel baggers around, but I feel it is an all around great bike. That's what matters to me - looks good, runs good(and fast), and I love it.
If done right a 23 or 26 will ride fine in a straight line, but gets a little more challenging on slow maneuvers in a parking lot. Ride fine does not mean as good or comfortable as a bike built for touring. That is a personal decision based on riding style.
I went through becoming interested in the big wheel bagger look, but every time I had the opp to invest in my bike I have decided on other better bang for the buck spends based on what I like to do. Big wheels alone will cost thousands of dollars.
First came a 21" front wheel and new suspension. Rides fine for the thousands of miles I put on, but I do feel the cracks in the road more.
Then came custom paint. Much better spend in my mind.
Then came a Fuelmoto 107" - 110hp - much better spend in my mind.
Mix in the thousands I've spent on accessories, and I smile all the time, and can ride anywhere, anytime I want, and still be an attention grabber at bike nights and shows. By no means does it get as much attention as the big wheel baggers around, but I feel it is an all around great bike. That's what matters to me - looks good, runs good(and fast), and I love it.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 688
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
23 on mine and rides just fine, just got back from over 2500 mile ride to Colorado and back, lots n lots of twisties including million dollar hi way and no problems what so ever, to each his own, ride what makes you happy.
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bigreds1963ss
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Jul 18, 2011 09:29 AM