Yes....with the 21" wheel the tire has a much smaller section width (think o ring) which makes for less stable front traction in high speed turns. Also with spoke wheels, you can't plug a tire out in the middle of nowhere like you can with a tubless tire...... could result in a big problem....
Thanks. My 2005 XL1200C has a mag style wheel on the back and the 21 inch spoked on the front. What size tire would you put on the 19 inch wheel to get the best handling? What's the best place to get the 19 inch wheel? Used from an 883 on ebay? When you go to the 19 inch wheel did you have to make any other modifications, such as suspension?
I used a 100/90-19 Dunlop D401F to match the rear Plenty of wheels on Ebay, that's where I bought mine....and sold the 21" wheel/tire No other mods needed to put a 19" wheel on...
If someone is looking for a set of mids, I've got a set off of a 1993 883 Sportster I'd sell cheap. I had mine a few years ago and traded it off on my Road King. I've been itching to get another one for a project bike, just haven't came across the right deal yet.
I'm liking the color. Wishing mine wasn't black. too predictable. May have to change it over the winter......
So many of the Customs I see have the powder-coated engine. I much prefer the polished cases like bdonley's bike has. Do folks swap&shop engine covers, too? Sarah
Just something classical about the polished alloy cases. I even have been using Neverdull on them, just for old times sake... I know HD has them in their catalog. I suppose if you found one you liked otherwise, you could have them stripped and polished. I've had that done to a couple snare drums, they came out well and it was fairly cheap.
You know, I have often lamented the purchase of my first bike, a 79 sportster. It was an absolute POS. I can remember the foot pegs rattling off, the bike going through 3 poorly designed starters, the electronic ignition failing and moving to points, going to the movies and having to push start the fucker, etc. Even remember one time a girl at a party who was trying to get touchy feely with me wanting a ride but I was too embarrassed to try starting it. Sportsters today aren't what they were then with AMF running the show. And really, those hard times only really made me appreciate running down the beach roads in Pensacola that much more. They have character and feel awesome, though they aren't really the performance kings they used to be. They have a very edgy and raspy insanity about them that gives them an almost cocky character.. Most younger guys start off on newer bikes that give them little trouble, and I think many never get to feel that visceral experience of an older bike. I guess with all the problems behind me I am glad it happened that way. Sorry for the sentimental ramblings- it seemed like the place. If its what you want, go for it. Fun bikes..
That's a lot of the attraction. Tactile feedback, no plastic fake covers, just the facts, please. I like tequila straight up, un-diluted, too!