... and replace their stock 16" wheels with .... (gasp) custom 16" wheels?

I'm looking at custom wheels and don't really see the need to go larger other than cosmetically.

I like the way my Street Glide handles just fine and the seat height is now perfect.

Don't want to mess with ergonomics or factory spec'd geometry.

So someone please convince me why I should go to 18" or 21"

Just wondering before I drop the $$$.

Thanks in advance to all responders,

Primo

 

A guy I know just installed 18" wheels on his Road King Custom.........and it looks great.

The front end really fills out nicely, it brings the tire closer to the fender and looks much better.

On a bagger you really can't see the rear wheel...........but I would go with 18" front and rear if it were me.

Steve

 

If you want the 16's......get 'em! I personally like the look of the 18's, but ANYTHING will look better than those butt ugly black wheels that the factory puts on these bikes.....


nogood o~`o

 

You got that right brother!

Just wondering if the 18"s raise the seat height any. I've read that they usually run a shorter sidewall making the overall OD basically the same as a 16" but need confirmation.

I'm fighting for every 1/4" of seat height with my 28" inseam.

(For the life of me I can't figure out why the good Lord decided to build my a$$ so close to the ground)

Primo

 

Im running 18 front and rear.No change in seat height as the 18s have a shorter sidewall which makes the overall diameter of the tire and wheel the same as the 16.The only negative is there isn't a negative to bitch about.

Edit to mention:

I sold those ugly *** stock wheels,rotors,and tires on e-bay for $550.You can do that and plan on covering part of 1 wheel anyway.I'm sure there's somebody out there willing to buy them.

 

Thanks for the info and ebay tip.

Primo

 

I second everything Oliver Clozoff said.

Pluses for 18" are:

You'll see those beautiful polished rotors w/ 18's
The bike will be more agile with the shorter sidewall
They are easier to get your hand in there to clean
18" tires aren't any different in price than 16" (21's are!)
Most H-Ds on the road have 16's how many do you see w/ 18's?

I rest my case.

 

I have been debating this also 18 has alot of pluses...1 negative on the 18's i have seen is if you need a tire while traveling none of the dealers i have asked keeps the 18's in stock but they all have the 16's. Those 18 sure do look good though.

 

Everyone is putting 18's on their ride. All the more reason to go with 16's IMO. It all comes back around. Lately it's been how fat a tire you can put under the *** end of your chopper. Won't be long til you see a 90 rear tire on one at bike week. Then someone is going to say, "Hey, look at that sweet retro chopper". Then the skinny tire craze will be on. It's already heading there with some of the more old school bob's. Granted the 18's are some sweet looking rims, I just can't see droppin that kinda coin when 16's have been doing just fine for years. Not to mention with all the 18 craze, you could probably round up a bargain on some 16's if you beat the bushes.
Just my $.02

 

Couldn't agree more. I'd do 18". I am still tossing the idea of a 21 in front.

The low profile look of an 18 (IMHO) is awesome.