Punch-Packing CVO Turned Big Wheel Bagger
Between-two-worlds premium bike requires custom fitting.
Fray Machine
Fitting large diameter front wheels on touring bikes is a somewhat controversial trend. The apex of that conversion is the 'Big Wheel Bagger'—a loathed and loved fad that has gained popularity. On the other end of the spectrum are 'Performance Baggers'—machines built for speed and handling. Somewhere in the middle of that fray is Thunderbike's 2020 CVO Street Glide.
Photos courtesy of Thunderbike.
Functional Show
Big Wheel Baggers are typified by a raked-out frontend, swooping bodywork, glitzy paint, and, of course, an audaciously big front rim. The general consensus is that they look like oversized toys. Most of these machines do not handle well and are relegated to being show bikes. Yet, some companies have staked their business on building functional versions.
>>Join the conversation about this CVO Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Aftermarket Appearance
Harley-Davidson is not immune to the trend. Over time, some 'big wheel' styling cues have crept into their touring lineup. Once a 16'' rim, the stock front wheel of all Motor Company 'baggers' now sits at 19''. In a subtle manner, factory-built, extended hard bags now suggest the drawn-out, tail-dragging appearance of many aftermarket bags fitted to custom machines.
>>Join the conversation about this CVO Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Fitted Motor
When applied with restraint, 'big wheel' styling makes for a great looking bike, and Harley-Davidson builds some of the best looking machines on the market. Also evident in Motor Company offerings is a move toward better performance and handling. In an exclusive range, the 2020 CVO Street Glide is fitted with the biggest Milwaukee-Eight motor available—the 131 add-on kit aside.
>>Join the conversation about this CVO Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Carefree Products
Without much explanation, German-based Thunderbike “thought it was a good idea to give the CVO a larger front wheel.” Their carefree rationale is that the bike came with “everything you could wish for,” so why not add something different to the complete package? Oddly, the 'big wheel' modification seems to work. It was also a clever way to show off some of their aftermarket products.
>>Join the conversation about this CVO Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Dedicated Shop
Thunderbike has a peculiar history, one that is shared with a few other European Harley-Davidson dealerships. They originated as a custom shop with a focus on racing. When Thunderbike became part of the franchise family, they retained some of their former identity. They currently still develop and sell their own aftermarket parts and have a dedicated shop that builds custom Harley-Davidsons.
>>Join the conversation about this CVO Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Catalog Wrap
The neck was raked to get the right stance on the 'big wheel' CVO Street Glide. The shop used their own triple clamp kit to achieve a 40-degree rake—14 degrees over stock. With the stretched-out front, a 26'' wheel from Thunderbike's own Daytona series was rolled into place. It was capped with a wrap around front fender, straight from the dealership's custom catalog.
>>Join the conversation about this CVO Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Adoption Roll
Caught somewhere between a King of the Baggers race at Laguna Seca, and a stereo-pumping beach drive roll in Miami, this between-two-worlds, big wheel CVO has it going on—all depending on personal preference. Given past trend adoption, it might also be a harbinger of things to come from Harley-Davidson—now there is a thought that will definitely require some custom fitting.
>>Join the conversation about this CVO Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
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