How will changing wheels affect handling?

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May 20, 2011 | 04:06 PM

Ozoneman

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Road Warrior

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From: Indianapolis, IN

How will changing wheels affect handling?

Thinking about changing my wheels to some nice chrome ones on my 2011 RGU. My stock wheels are 17 in front and 16 in back. How will changing to 18 front and 18 back affect the handling of the bike? I do mostly longer trips so how will it affect the ride? Another wheel I'm looking at is 18 in front and 16 in back. Would that make any difference?

May 20, 2011 | 05:40 PM

Texas Fat Boy

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From: ST. Louis

One inch more in the front and I don't think you should have any problems with handling.
However I would leave the rear a stock size, for seat height, side stand lean angle and gearing purposes.

May 20, 2011 | 05:41 PM

mkguitar

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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

If heavier unsprung weight ( combined tire, wheel, rotors) handling will worsen. Lighter is better.

More rotating mass will also contribute to gyro effect fighting your steering input.

Bigger wheel would probably require lower profile tire, and harsher ride, less sidewall to suck up some pavement irregularities.

Mike

May 20, 2011 | 05:45 PM

buggy

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From: Pittsburgh

An 18" rear will raise up a little bit . my 2011 sg has a 16 rear and 18 front i love how it handles.

May 20, 2011 | 06:11 PM

Hogpro

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The 18" handles great up front so don't worry about that. On the rear if you tour a lot I would stick with the stock 16" or go with a 17 x 6.25" (200/50-17 tire).

May 24, 2011 | 10:48 AM

Ozoneman

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Road Warrior

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From: Indianapolis, IN

Anyone else have any input?

May 24, 2011 | 10:54 AM

2004Sierra

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From: Alabama

I went with the HD Airstrikes because they allowed me to keep the 16" rear and go to a 18" front.

I wanted to keep the ride as comfy as possible for the wife.

As far as the 18" front, it rides great. I can't really tell any difference between the stock 17" and the 18".

I really liked the chrome Agitators and would have bought them, if only they had a 16" rear available.