Hello all, new user here. Please excuse this question if it seems dumb but I have not been able to find the answer while poking around this site. I am highly considering a newer FLHTP and noticed that the wheels and tires are smaller than on the other touring models. I understand that this will make low speed handling much better, but most of my riding will be on back roads and highways. To those of you with experience on this bike, how would you compare the handling to other touring bikes?

I had a 2017 Street Glide Special and loved the way it handled. I am currently on a 2018 Goldwing DCT and am seriously thinking about coming back to HD.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

I have a 2009 FLHTP. I came off GoldWings and found the handling different but not at all bad. It felt to me as though the front end steered more easily into corners. There was an acclimation period for me, enough that I took a Ride Like a Pro class.

Out here in the Prescott AZ area there are twisty mountain roads good for beveling your floorboards. That was a change from Michigan. The bike does fine on these mountain roads where there are many second gear hairpins. It has good stability on the 75 mph freeways here.

I found the police bikes were a great way to get into a bagger without all the crap or cost I did not need.

 

the wheels/tires may be smaller, but the larger wheels have lower profile tires, with the end result being that the rolling diameter is almost exactly the same. the 18 inch rear tire is a little larger than the 16 inch rear tire, but raises the rear about 3/10''. the smaller wheels, with the higher profile tires provide more cushioning and will have a 'plusher' ride than the larger tires with less sidewall. the price you pay for looks.

 

What year FLHTP are you looking at? Is it “new” or been in service? Has it been converted to civilian use?

 

I'm thinking about ordering a 23 from the dealer. I know there will be a 90 day wait. Trying to get my concerns figured out before I go any further.

 

No worries at all, it will handle as well as any touring bike. They used to come with run flat tires only rated for 1 up, dont know if its the same. I went thru a couple of cop bikes and really enjoyed them. I took a 2009 FLHPI for a 6400 mile jaunt in 2 weeks, handled great and really enjoyed riding that bike thru Yellowstone and Glacier back then.