I've decided to put a Elite3 160/80B16 ( 154.9mm wide) on the rear of my '07 Ultra .

But undecided on front. stock or 18 inch ??

Dumb questian 1 ;Bolting on a 18 inch rim on front....will stock rotor and brakes work ? Would lower front to compensate for taller tire.

What will i gain ?? Would i lose in handling ? Is it just for LOOKS only ?? If so...i'am better off keeping the stock tire. ( 16" ) I know the '09 's are running a bigger front tire...must be a reason.

 

Basicly i'm looking for the best handling , longer lasting tire combo for touring ( about 4K a year). I've budgeting enuf for tire/rim change in my rebuild...just looking for sizes for optimum perf.

7K on stock rear tire was disappointing.

 

I have 18" on the front and rear. Handling actually improved I think from the stock 16". If you leave the rear wheel stock, I believe you have to adjust the suspension somewhat to compensate. Not sure how that would affect the handling, but I believe someone on here has done that.

Stock brakes and rotors worked fine on my btw. I'm not sure if you'll get much more mileage out of your rear tire though. The stock Dunlops are a much harder compound than the 18" tires (your choices are really only Metzler and Avon I think). Both tires are better handling (softer compound), but you usually use longevity as a result. I've got about 5k miles on the tires, and both look like they have a ton of tread left, so your riding style might be harder than mine or something.

 

No need to lower the front with an 18" IMO. I have dual 18's as well, so can't answer the question re: 16/18. My answer would be that the increased tire size is mostly for looks and to show off the custom wheels. I don't believe there is a great deal of improvement in handling with an 18" front and back over the 16"s, In fact there is a bit more leaning required to negotiate turns than with the stockers, and even more so if you went with a 21" front. You will also give up a bit of plush ride comfort when you take off the fat 16" tires. For my tastes I have to have something other than the stock 16"s on my bikes for looks, but I believe they are oversold when it comes to claiming superior performance. Pics above with the swapped out 18" front and before the Kilockwerks wrapped fender. Signature pics are before with the 21" front.