How Crazy Wide ??
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 664
From: Central Texas
Wider wheels would make a big difference. Never understood why H-D paired a 205/65/15 tire with a narrow 15x5.5 wheel. A 15x6 or 15x7 will easily fit, with a -12 offset.
With a wider wheel, you could probably run a 215 tire.
With a wider wheel, you could probably run a 215 tire.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 472
From: CC TX
Wider tire or wheel is adding unsprung weight, it also increases the contact patch.
You currently ride a tri so you are already aware of the effects of the rear wheels as opposed to a 2 wheeler, you know that everything either of the back wheels touch on the road is felt all the way the handle bars.
As long as you know and accept the facts as they are, ehh, it's a choice and it's your to make.
On my Sport bikes, if you go too wide, it adversely effects your ability to turn, I don't suggest this to be the case on 3 wheels but, there is some consideration to give to it.
I used to put wider tires and wheels on my 4X4 trucks, as I transitioned to more hwy driving than off road, I started to reduce the width and improved handling and mileage, I know, that was a truck, but the physics still apply
You currently ride a tri so you are already aware of the effects of the rear wheels as opposed to a 2 wheeler, you know that everything either of the back wheels touch on the road is felt all the way the handle bars.
As long as you know and accept the facts as they are, ehh, it's a choice and it's your to make.
On my Sport bikes, if you go too wide, it adversely effects your ability to turn, I don't suggest this to be the case on 3 wheels but, there is some consideration to give to it.
I used to put wider tires and wheels on my 4X4 trucks, as I transitioned to more hwy driving than off road, I started to reduce the width and improved handling and mileage, I know, that was a truck, but the physics still apply
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 251
Likes: 39
From: Henderson NV
Damn Physics.... Thanks.. Spent too much $$ on improving driveability Rake, Shocks, Lift Kit....
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
From: ontario canada
You can get 18" rear wheels and install 45 width tires. Same height but 1/2" wider. I'm debating getting a set for my 13.
Last edited by oldtimershockey; Jun 6, 2018 at 01:08 PM. Reason: wrong year
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 664
From: Central Texas
For a small gain in unsprung weight, the increase in contact patch is a good trade. Staying with the same width tire, on a wider wheel, is not the same as going to a wider tire.
Or, just leave it alone and don't make any changes. It's already perfect,, right? Oh, wait! lol
Or, just leave it alone and don't make any changes. It's already perfect,, right? Oh, wait! lol