Question on various wheel sizes
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 52
From: DFW
Question on various wheel sizes
After looking at all these beautiful Baggers with various wheel and tire treatments, I've decided I have to go another route beyond stock on my Street Glide as well. I'm hoping those of you who have gone that route can help with a few questions:
-I haven't even started looking so I'm not sure what the size options are. I'm pretty clear that 21" is the same size you'd see on a Dyna right? What are the other options beyond stock?
-For those who have gone beyond stock, what size did you go with and why?
-What else is required beyond swapping out the tire/wheels and rotors as far as fender fit, lowering etc?
-How is the ride affected from stock? Is it firmer, worse handling, better?
-Lastly, any particular brand reccomended and pictures of various sizes and style is always welcome.
thanks
Glider
-I haven't even started looking so I'm not sure what the size options are. I'm pretty clear that 21" is the same size you'd see on a Dyna right? What are the other options beyond stock?
-For those who have gone beyond stock, what size did you go with and why?
-What else is required beyond swapping out the tire/wheels and rotors as far as fender fit, lowering etc?
-How is the ride affected from stock? Is it firmer, worse handling, better?
-Lastly, any particular brand reccomended and pictures of various sizes and style is always welcome.
thanks
Glider
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,443
Likes: 586
RE: Question on various wheel sizes
I'll take a crack at a couple of your questions.
1) 16" is stock, 18" front and rear will fit without doind anything else, 21" front and 18" rear will also fit, but you might need to raise the stock front fender for clearance. I did. 21" are stock on Dyna Wide Glides, and Softail Standard/Deuce/Nightrain, but these are a narrow 21" wheel and 90-21 front tire. I put a 21x3.5" wheel with a 120/21 tire.
2) 21x3.5" front w/ 120/21 and 18x4.25 rear with 150/18. Tire size should dictate rim width. I went with these sizes because of cost and ease of install. The 90/21 tire is too small for a bagger IMO.
3) Stock rotors/pulley should work on almost all aftermarket wheels. Lot's of people change out the front rotors to match the custom wheel though. You might have to clearance the fender bolt holes on the front fender if you go with the 120/21 tire, and you might have to trim the lower belt guard if you go wider than I did in the rear.
4) I can't tell much difference in ride so far. The shorter side wall should make for a stiffer ride, but it hasn't been noticeable to me yet. Handling is about the same.
5) I'll stay away from recommending a brand. It's too subjective and people will simply recommend whatever they have bought in the past. I haven't heard of any one brand that should be avoided at all costs.
1) 16" is stock, 18" front and rear will fit without doind anything else, 21" front and 18" rear will also fit, but you might need to raise the stock front fender for clearance. I did. 21" are stock on Dyna Wide Glides, and Softail Standard/Deuce/Nightrain, but these are a narrow 21" wheel and 90-21 front tire. I put a 21x3.5" wheel with a 120/21 tire.
2) 21x3.5" front w/ 120/21 and 18x4.25 rear with 150/18. Tire size should dictate rim width. I went with these sizes because of cost and ease of install. The 90/21 tire is too small for a bagger IMO.
3) Stock rotors/pulley should work on almost all aftermarket wheels. Lot's of people change out the front rotors to match the custom wheel though. You might have to clearance the fender bolt holes on the front fender if you go with the 120/21 tire, and you might have to trim the lower belt guard if you go wider than I did in the rear.
4) I can't tell much difference in ride so far. The shorter side wall should make for a stiffer ride, but it hasn't been noticeable to me yet. Handling is about the same.
5) I'll stay away from recommending a brand. It's too subjective and people will simply recommend whatever they have bought in the past. I haven't heard of any one brand that should be avoided at all costs.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 52
From: DFW
RE: Question on various wheel sizes
ORIGINAL: Biggzed
I'll take a crack at a couple of your questions.
1) 16" is stock, 18" front and rear will fit without doind anything else, 21" front and 18" rear will also fit, but you might need to raise the stock front fender for clearance. I did. 21" are stock on Dyna Wide Glides, and Softail Standard/Deuce/Nightrain, but these are a narrow 21" wheel and 90-21 front tire. I put a 21x3.5" wheel with a 120/21 tire.
2) 21x3.5" front w/ 120/21 and 18x4.25 rear with 150/18. Tire size should dictate rim width. I went with these sizes because of cost and ease of install. The 90/21 tire is too small for a bagger IMO.
3) Stock rotors/pulley should work on almost all aftermarket wheels. Lot's of people change out the front rotors to match the custom wheel though. You might have to clearance the fender bolt holes on the front fender if you go with the 120/21 tire, and you might have to trim the lower belt guard if you go wider than I did in the rear.
4) I can't tell much difference in ride so far. The shorter side wall should make for a stiffer ride, but it hasn't been noticeable to me yet. Handling is about the same.
5) I'll stay away from recommending a brand. It's too subjective and people will simply recommend whatever they have bought in the past. I haven't heard of any one brand that should be avoided at all costs.
I'll take a crack at a couple of your questions.
1) 16" is stock, 18" front and rear will fit without doind anything else, 21" front and 18" rear will also fit, but you might need to raise the stock front fender for clearance. I did. 21" are stock on Dyna Wide Glides, and Softail Standard/Deuce/Nightrain, but these are a narrow 21" wheel and 90-21 front tire. I put a 21x3.5" wheel with a 120/21 tire.
2) 21x3.5" front w/ 120/21 and 18x4.25 rear with 150/18. Tire size should dictate rim width. I went with these sizes because of cost and ease of install. The 90/21 tire is too small for a bagger IMO.
3) Stock rotors/pulley should work on almost all aftermarket wheels. Lot's of people change out the front rotors to match the custom wheel though. You might have to clearance the fender bolt holes on the front fender if you go with the 120/21 tire, and you might have to trim the lower belt guard if you go wider than I did in the rear.
4) I can't tell much difference in ride so far. The shorter side wall should make for a stiffer ride, but it hasn't been noticeable to me yet. Handling is about the same.
5) I'll stay away from recommending a brand. It's too subjective and people will simply recommend whatever they have bought in the past. I haven't heard of any one brand that should be avoided at all costs.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern Michigan
RE: Question on various wheel sizes
I would also suggest to lower the front 1 - 1 1/4" if you go with a 21" front wheel. The tire will be 2 1/2" bigger, raising the front of the bike by 1 1/4", lowering the front end will keep the bike geometry stock. I went with the 1" HD lowering kit. The ride was about the same, but I did notice the bike handled better 
Of course, I did go with Metzler tires as well.
Of course, I did go with Metzler tires as well.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: St.Louis, MO.
RE: Question on various wheel sizes
I went 18" on both ends and I have to say I noticed a HUGE difference in the way the bike handled. It is now more responsive and handleslike a sportier bike without all the sidewall flex from the 16" tires IMO.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
