Why Did Electra Glide Ultra change the front wheel from 16" to 18"
When I had my 1980 Electra Glide it had a 16" front wheel
Now I have a 2013 Electra Glide ultra Classic with a 18" front wheel
The 1980 Glide seem to ride better more stable and looks better with the 16" wheel than the 2013 18" wheel
So I'm Looking into changing the 2013 to 16" front wheel.

 

My 2019 has a 17" front wheel.

Why did they change it? because they can.

 

Cool story. Good luck finding a 16" wheel that isn't birth control.

 

The 16 off a trike should fit

 

I know I could just lace up a 16" to the 17 hub
I'm old school I like 16" wheels, I had a 21 on my old ironhead back in the 70's, and hated it.
I hoping to find out Why Harley whent to 17", and 18", to me they look like Crap.

 

Somebody has changed the front wheel on your '13. Stock size was 17".

 

Oops my mistake you are correct it is a 17 not the 18, I still want to lace up a 16 rim to the 17" i like 16" front wheel

 

So the front and the rear tires on the 2020's are 18's. I have a ridden an (Electra/Sport/Classic/Limited/Street) Glide of some sort for +30 years. The 18's front and rear are the best handling to date. Bike seems light on its feet (for a fat kid) and is stable at reckless driving speeds. Originally I was like wtf, but I am sold.... YMMV

 

Guess I will find out if the 17" stock 2013 ultra classic handling is better when I Lace up a 16" rim to the stock 17" hub.
Thanks for your info Jammerx, Glad you could Answered my question.
I like 16" wheels on my ride, I'll try to keep her under 100mph.

 

Notice that the trend on cars and bikes has been to larger diameter wheels and lower profile tires for many years??

HD was merely following the current style

i switched from 16s front and rear to 18s Fifteen years ago for the nimble factor mentioned above

ymmv