Larger wheels
Larger wheels
I have been seeing a lot of mods to 18-19-21" wheels. Question is-are these just for show or is there some handling, performance gains to be made with the larger wheels?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
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a weight reduction in the wheel would be an advantage in handling - quicker turns , less upsprung weight.
mike
a weight reduction in the wheel would be an advantage in handling - quicker turns , less upsprung weight.
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 2, 2012 at 01:46 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
In the case of touring models, Harley has sold new bikes in recent years with 16", 17" and now 18" front wheels. The 16" were the same size and load ratings that Harley have used since way back when.
With the introduction of the wider rears in 2009 they seem to have revised load ratings to better match a fully loaded bike, so the fronts have been down-sized a little. All those three wheels have a similar rolling diameter.
Once we get to a 19", either rolling diameter goes up or tyre width goes down, both with a reduced load rating. So IMHO it becomes more of a challenge to equip a bike to run fully loaded, with a custom front wheel.
With the introduction of the wider rears in 2009 they seem to have revised load ratings to better match a fully loaded bike, so the fronts have been down-sized a little. All those three wheels have a similar rolling diameter.
Once we get to a 19", either rolling diameter goes up or tyre width goes down, both with a reduced load rating. So IMHO it becomes more of a challenge to equip a bike to run fully loaded, with a custom front wheel.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: anacoco, la
cvo: 130-60/19: overall diameter=25.39, overall width=4.93, load rated for 567lbs
2010 rgc: 130-70/18: overall diameter=25.27, overall width=4.91, load rated for 600lbs
so yeah, on the 19'' tire, the diameter is larger (.12''), the contact patch is larger (.02), and the load rating is less (33 lbs), but not by much.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
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From: Southern WV
Well.... the 21 on the SG looks really cool and doesn't ride any worse than stock. The 18 on the Ultra was a noticeable improvement over the 16 in riding the twisties. Feels a lot more sporty in the curves.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 944
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From: Ct
I'm putting a 26" on my Road King.
The guys I have been talking too that have done it and are riding with them say they are touring lots and lots of miles with no wobbles or handling issues, it is different but once you get used to it like anything else it is fine.
I think it looks cool but adds some length to the bike.
There now doing 30" front wheels.
Lump
The guys I have been talking too that have done it and are riding with them say they are touring lots and lots of miles with no wobbles or handling issues, it is different but once you get used to it like anything else it is fine.
I think it looks cool but adds some length to the bike.
There now doing 30" front wheels.
Lump
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
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From: Indian Land, SC
I'm putting a 26" on my Road King.
The guys I have been talking too that have done it and are riding with them say they are touring lots and lots of miles with no wobbles or handling issues, it is different but once you get used to it like anything else it is fine.
I think it looks cool but adds some length to the bike.
There now doing 30" front wheels.
Lump
The guys I have been talking too that have done it and are riding with them say they are touring lots and lots of miles with no wobbles or handling issues, it is different but once you get used to it like anything else it is fine.
I think it looks cool but adds some length to the bike.
There now doing 30" front wheels.
Lump
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