My 2009 Road King was in need of new tires and I ran across a good deal on a set of New take off Enforcer wheels with less than 10 miles on them. I really hated the knuckle wheels. Before I had a chance to put them on, I purchased a 2016 Road Glide Ultra. Prior to taking delivery of the Ultra i had them remove the Impeller wheels and install the Enforcer wheels.

I found the bike to be very agile with the 19 inch front wheel.

I was rear ended last September and the bike was totaled. I was also dealing with a flooded house from Hurricane Harvey so a new bike was not a priority.

Four weeks ago I purchased a 2018 FLTRU and it of course has the 17 inch front wheel. I've noticed the ride isn't that much different as far a smoothness. But, the bike doesn't seem as agile.

I'm I missing something or does the 19 inch wheel improve handling that much?

Again, I'm not impressed with the impeller wheels. Thinking about another set of Chrome Enforcers of maybe even a set of the Agitator wheels. How would an 18 inch rear wheel effect handling?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Rapier.

 

All the front wheels Harley has used on their Touring models over many years are remarkably similar. The 16", 17", 18" and 19" rims all carry 130mm wide tyres and have as near as matters the same rolling diameter. The major difference is the profile of the tyre and height of the sidewall - the larger the rim diameter the smaller the cushion of air we ride on. I'm going to stick my neck out and say that will provide different feedback to the rider and is where you can sense the change. A similar comment will apply to changing from a 16" to 18" rear rim.

 

What brand/size/model 17" and 19" front tires are you comparing?

All things being equal, your motorcycle should handle BETTER with the 17" wheel as compared to the 19" wheel.

All things being equal, the 17" wheel would lower the front one inch, which would decrease rake and trail, which would improve the handling.

There are WAY more good 17" tires available than 19" tires.

 

As stated above the front wheels all have similar rolling diameters, because each larger rim uses a smaller aspect-ratio tyre. The following are the stock sizes used by H-D::

16 x 130/90
17 x 130/80
18 x 130/70
19 x 130/60

Compare other dimensions on your favourite website's website.

 

FWIW, In his particular Touring Wheel/Tire comparison (OE 130/60-19 vs. 130/80-17) ... the 17" OD is only .070" smaller (virtually the same as mentioned above)


TO ADD: posted before seeing post just above


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That's why the first four words of my sentence were "All things being equal"

 

The rolling diameters of all those front wheel sizes ARE equal - or as near as damn-it! Any difference in handling is likely to be down to the reduced sidewall, not any change in rolling diameter. I suspect the tyre for the larger rim will have a stiffer carcass, to compensate for the reduced air volume. Ride comfort may well be better with a 17", due to the greater air volume hence cushion effect of that tyre. I haven't seen a comparison of the four sizes I mentioned above.

 

Actually prior to that ... the first sentence in your post asked ... "What brand/size/model 17" and 19" front tires are you comparing?"

I just informed you of the sizes and why they wouldn't be 1" different


Your words... "All things being equal, the 17" wheel would lower the front one inch"... do NOT apply to the OP's situation.



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All things being equal, includes the tire's aspect ratio, width, brand, and model. A 120/70R18 would be one inch shorter than a 120/70R19.

 

Those are NOT what the OP Touring bike HAS ... He is asking about his particular case ... Don't you get that?



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EDIT: After "Thinking" more ... Maybe the confusion for some may start with the slightly "Coded" Original post.
("Coded" because if you aren't familiar with the OE Terms "Enforcer", "Knuckle", "Impeller", something may be "Lost in Translation")

I tried to Decode the Original Post Below (focusing just on the FRONT Wheel) ... Hope it Helps


And You say ... (after it was mentioned that they all have virtually the OD)


Now, In regards to the OP's specific question (situation) ... Do your Posts really provide any answers? ... No

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