Any advantage to 18" wheels?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I went from a 17 front/16 rear to the Agitator 19 front/18 rear. I love the feel and the handling. My speedo was reading about 2 mph fast and the diameter change was just enough to dial my speedometer in to reading exactly with my gps. My front Agitator is also 5 lbs lighter than the stock wheel/tire/rotor, and I do notice the 5 lbs less of unsprung weight during low speed maneuvering.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
if you're talking stock wheels, the big advantage is looks. the 18'' with the lower profile tire just looks a lot sportier than the 16'' stock. plus with 'mags' vs spokes, you'll have the added benefit of being able to keep yourself on the road if you get a flat.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
There is a small difference in handling, the larger being more firm an lighter. The bigger difference is look. I personally like the big fat tire look of the smaller wheel.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I'll be following this one. I'm also considering an 18" front, but mainly for looks. Thinking about new wheels, and I don't want a big rotor hiding them.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 243
From: Maine
As previously mentioned; looks, lighter feeling slow speed maneuvering and less unsprung weight.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,673
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
What about tire selection? Or, if I am stranded at a dealer and need a tire; HD dealers carry 18" tires?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
If going with both front and rear 18"'s (18x3.5 front and 18x5.5 rear) you will maintain teh same steering geometry as stock since the bike will still be level. The 18"'s will sit you a tiny bit higher than the stock 16"'s. Probably not even noticeable unless you keep rack but it should handle equally as good. I prefer being a little higher off the ground as I get a little more ground clearance for cornering.
The main reason people go with larger wheel sis that they look so much better, especially on a bagger where you have dual disc rotors in the front that block a large portion of the front wheel.
The main reason people go with larger wheel sis that they look so much better, especially on a bagger where you have dual disc rotors in the front that block a large portion of the front wheel.