I have a 2011 Heritage Classic and I am looking to change my rims after dealing with the wobble disaster with spokes that was mentioned by others as well as myself in earlier posts.
My question is do alot of guys change rim size? For example I see alot of recommendations for 18" wheels vs stock 16". Has anyone done this? If so does the ride change, handling,etc? Any advice or suggestions would be great on anything related. Thx.

 

I'm going 18" x 3.5 up front (40 spoke DNA) but am keeping the same width/radius with the new tire, so handling should be the same. I imagine the ride will be a bit firmer, but the steering should be a bit lighter, so it's a trade off. Plus it will look much better.

I'm not sold on an 18" rim in the back yet. I like to see plenty of meat back there. I'd more opt for a 17"/200 setup in the back.

 

Depending on the size of wheels you decide to go with things may change a bit. If you choose to go with two wheels that are the same diameter like 18"'s everything should pretty much stay the same in the handling department. You might sit a tad bit higher though although the sidewall on the tire is a bit lower profile. When you go with a larger front wheel like a 21" and get either and 18 or 16 on the rear you will be changing the geometry of the bike a bit. Most people choose to lower the front end a bit to compensate for the change in order to keep the geometry the same or similar. The tire for a 21" is also a 70 sidewall.

The brand of tires that you use will also affect the way the bike handles. We prefer the Metzeler's as they seem to be a bit more rounded than the stock Dunlop's and the bike falls into corners much easier.

 

Hogpro,
How about a 18 up front and 16 rear? Ride about the same? Also can you give me a price on a rc component widow front 18 and 16, and extreme stiletto same size both chrome finish. Thx.

 

You can do the 18 and 16 combo and you will be ab out the same. That is how the new baggers come stock. I think that would be a good combo. Since the sidewall on the 16" is much taller than that of the 18" you should be quite close to being perfectly level with the combination.

 

Hog
Any price yet?

 

Tire sidewall may be a factor as well: blackwall vs. whitewall.

One reason I kept a 16" rear was due to tire availability. I didn't want to be paying for a custom made whitewall every time I needed a new rear tire.

Decided to go with a 21" front too. I figure I'll replace my front tire infrequently enough that I'll be ok getting a custom whitewall.

As for ride height, it's about 1.2" taller than a standard wheel set up. 2.4" total diameter larger. Hopefully I don't feel like I need to lower the bike when my new kicks get here and mounted up.