Changing just the front wheel?
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 6
From: FT Bragg NC
Changing just the front wheel?
Receintly I've noticed, (or should I say reciently I've started paying attention) that alot of bikes on the street and even in magazines such as Hot Bike Baggers and American Baggers, that guys have changed out the front wheel but left the rear wheel stock. Not talking size but the actual stock wheel. After all the custom work done on the bike I'm sure it's not a money thing. (I'd hope) Is it acceptable to not change out the rear wheel on baggers cause they're hidden by the bags?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 14
From: Tiskilwa, Illinois
IMHO whatever you want to do with your bike is acceptable. People will take a look at it parked in the parking lot, glance at it as they walk into walmart, or take a look with the guys as it's parked in front of the saloon. You are the one that is going to walk out to the garage and gaze at it, polish it, sit on it. and spend all the time on it. Some will like it, some won't and some will be jealous. Bottom line, it's your money, time, and your bike. If it looks good to you, DO IT. If your's is a little different, all the better. I know that I've done a couple things with mine that some wouldn't. Go for it.
Hmm...never really thought about it like that. I bought my 2005 UC used and the prior had put Chrome wheels front & rear. Unfortunatly they look like he hasn't cleaned them since the day he put them on, pitted & peeling. I would like to put new wheels on it, but the cost for front & rear is a bit much. I paid over $2500 for wheels on my Nightrain, but now that you mention it...no one even sees the rear.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
I could see changing the front only. Especially for guys who have lowered their bikes and have stretched bags and what not that block the rear wheel from view anyway. I powder coated both front and rear wheels, but when it came time to polish the rotors I only polished the front.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
I'm ok (for now) with the stock wheels on my 2010 FLTRX Road Glide Custom, but I've considered changing them. If and when I do, I'd probably only change the front, since its really cosmetics, and you can barely see the rear wheel. And ye$, the co$t i$ a factor. More ca$h for other $tuff!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,149
Likes: 2
From: Irwin, Pennsylvania
I only put a custom wheel on the front of mine. Sorry, but I could just not justify spending the money on something that you can see very little of as seen, or, "Not Seen" in the below pic. 
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
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I'm glad someone asked this before I did as I am sitting with the catalog in front of me looking at wheels and was wondering the same thing. Front wheel only equals more cash for more bling. Can always come back and do the back later if it bothers you, say when you need a new rear tire.
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Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,723
Likes: 0
From: New York
Have to agree I am looking to change my wheels soon and planning on doing front only, bike is not a show bike and can't see spending that mush cash for something no one is ever going to see.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: MD
I went back and forth on the issue for a bit...I finally decided to do both, I used the stock rear rotor and polished on the front. If I was short on cash, I would have done just the Front and done the rear later.
A lot depends on the type of wheel you put on also...Some of the 2 tones the stock rear hidden by the bag will look fine. I decided because of the chrome I Wanted both...also makes it a lot easier to clean than the original's
A lot depends on the type of wheel you put on also...Some of the 2 tones the stock rear hidden by the bag will look fine. I decided because of the chrome I Wanted both...also makes it a lot easier to clean than the original's