30" Wheels On Baggers
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
To me,it's function over form. A vehicle has to be able to perform it's primary function, which is to move a person,or people from point A to point B, even if A is Miami & B is Fairbanks. If it cannot do that efficiently & comfortably, but looks "pretty", then it's totally useless (kinda like a real HOTT lesbo) & IMHO, loses all it's aesthetic appeal no matter how fantastic the build is, and should be dismantled & built to be used. Good example is this. I think a NightTrain looks better than a RoadKing,but because a RoadKing performs it's function better than a NightTrain (long distance comfort) it has become more aesthetically pleasing to me than a NightTrain. Which is why I now own a RKC & no longer have a NightTrain. However, if I lived on say,Hawaii, where coast to coast is only a few miles, the NightTrain would be my first choice & be more appealing. In that case, you could choose form over function.
Did I make any sense? I dunno!
Did I make any sense? I dunno!
But the point I was trying to make is that these bikes do fulfill THEIR function. They are to showcase the builder's talents, creativity, grace magazine pages, be roped off on raised pedestals at bike events, and probably spend a lot of time in a trailer when traveling long distances. But that said, that is what the builder designed them to do. I guarantee if you asked Sinister to make a long distance touring bike, it would not have a 30" wheel (I can equally guarantee they will put as big of a practical wheel as possible in it, but not 30").
Right now baggers are the new choppers. So everything that seemed "silly" on a chopper will be seen on a bagger in the future. Some will be more practical than others, some will be just built so the builder can say "see, I told you it could be done".
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
I think the same think will happen that did with the fat back tires, they just kept getting bigger to the point of being absurd. I love show bikes, but the need to out supersize everyone else seems a little much to me. If I had that type of money to spend, I would be buying a sportscar or another toy to use, rather than something that looks great at the bike show, but probably spends most of it's life in the garage, or in a display somewhere.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
I am sure I had seen a thread in here, where slothy went to NFLD Canada and back with his 26" front with no issues or bottoming out, I believe we talking close to 10K miles in one summer or better. If I am not mistaken he put 1600 one day and night. So form and function is a reality.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 734
Likes: 3
From: NE Ohio
Are u guys really this ignorant? There show bikes, built to SHOW. They're not an actual bike that tours...
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Saint Joseph Mo
Choice
It cracks me up that people start these threads just to bash what someone else likes. If you don't like thats fine, but just because you don't like it does it make it stupid? It's a good thing everyone doesn't like the same thing or we would all be riding black bikes with no personality. I think they are kinda neat to look at with the giant wheels, but I would want to ride one. So let everyone do to their bikes what they want and stop bashing geez. BTW I do have a 21" on front and I love the look and if you don't tough S&%$ I payed for it.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
I just dont get it either. Why would someone want to take a brand new bike and turn it into a custom? Maybe so it doesnt get lost in a sea of black street glides? Maybe is a form of self expression?
Why do people put lift kits on trucks?
Why do people put air bags on trucks?
Why do people put stacks on trucks?
Why do people put 24"+ wheels on Caddilacs Escalades?
Why do people superchargers on cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles etc etc
I will tell you why........... Becasue its their motorcycle and their passion to make their bike one of a kind thats why. Do you people have any idea of how big the aftermarket world is for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats etc etc. Its endless!
Why do I have a custom bagger with a crazy stereo, big wheel, 120r and a procharger? Well the answer is wanted something different, oh and I have a small *****
Why do people put lift kits on trucks?
Why do people put air bags on trucks?
Why do people put stacks on trucks?
Why do people put 24"+ wheels on Caddilacs Escalades?
Why do people superchargers on cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles etc etc
I will tell you why........... Becasue its their motorcycle and their passion to make their bike one of a kind thats why. Do you people have any idea of how big the aftermarket world is for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats etc etc. Its endless!
Why do I have a custom bagger with a crazy stereo, big wheel, 120r and a procharger? Well the answer is wanted something different, oh and I have a small *****