Hello all,

I know this has been discussed in the past, but all the threads I have read are from 4 years ago. I know we have had new bolt on suspensions and trees since then.

What I really want to know is...how is the difference in the comfort of the ride between a 23 and a 26? Is there anyone who has ridden both? Has someone gone from a 23 to a 26?

I go on long rides and do not want to compromise comfort for cosmetics.

Thanks for all your input.

 

I don't have experience with either, but I do ride a lot and frankly hardly ever see 26 inches wheels anywhere but bike shows and local hang out. That does not appear to be a good long distance riding option. Suspension travel with the rake does not look good either. But I could be wrong. Will be interesting to see the feedback.

 

I haven't seen hardly anyone in this forum with huge wheels. Personally I wouldn't go bigger than a 21. I think the bigger wheels look very silly.

 

True - you don't see many big wheel bikes here on the forum - have you thought about finding a local shop that does this and chatting them up?

 

i run a 23, and a buddy runs a 26, we regularly run long haul trips, I love mine, no regrets, he says the same, just more effort in the corners, but he keeps up dont get me wrong.

I say if you dig it then do it. Im happy with my 23, but occasionally wish I had done a 26.


but do yourself a favor and do it right from the get go, dont cut corners with your setup.

 

Not a "Touring", but here's a 26 on a Softail

 

Check out choppedbaggers
I'll get more info that u need from there, not here

 

You should have asked for replies only from people who actually have a 23" or 26" wheel because now you are going to hear from every big wheel hater who has absolutely no experience what so ever with one and is gonna just talk out there a$$ about ride and handling and blah blah blah. I have a 21" on my 14 SGS but have ridden friends bikes who have 23, 26 and even a 30 for hours at a time on long distance trips we have done of 800+ miles . As JonnyVegas said 23 will handle better than a 26 but not tons better. The real sacrifice of going 23 or 26 is slow speed maneuvers, parking lots, u-turns etc. My personal feeling after riding a friends 30" for about 300 miles is no thanks but that's just my opinion, he loves it and rides it long distance all the time. At highway speeds no real difference between 23 or 26 especially if you set the bike up properly. Through the twisties the bike tends to handle a little slower is how I would describe it, but nothing you wont get used to after a day or two in the saddle. If you are the type who likes to go out and constantly drag pegs stick with stock or a 21. Something that tends to get overlooked with going to a 23 or 26 is what happens when you have a flat, maybe you can use fix a flat and keep going, but if you need to replace the tire your up **** creek unless you're in a major metroplolitan area, cause no Harley dealer or indie is carrying a large selection of 23 or 26's. So now you can have one overnighted from somewhere or your trip is over, just something to think about. I am doing a 26" in another month, I am going to use the McBagggers bolt on kit, I researched all the kits from KewlMetal, American Suspension, etc and really like the McBagger the best. Anyway if you like the look and want to do it go for it and ignore the comments you'll hear from people with no actual experience who have no idea what they are talking about. 23 or 26 that's your call, but if you do the 23 in about 6 months you'll probably want the 26, lol, who knows. For some really informative feedback head over to : http://choppedbaggers.com/forums/forum.php? .You will find out everything you could possibly ever want to know on the subject there. Good luck in your decision.

 

Didn't say a thing about riding or handling. Just appearance.

 

Yeah sorry wasn't criticizing you was telling him to be ready for the ones who will tell him how they will handle with out ever riding one. Looks is definitely a personal opinion and as I said if he likes it that's all that matters just like any mod.