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[amarillo_rider]

hey all

Just curious if anyone had ridden both 07 and 08/09 models to be objective on the "handling" differences ?
I somehow feel the 21" on my 07 model is perfectly stable on the straight - (bring here up to 185 Km/h last weekend as it still kept going very steady - no whobble nothing ) but on cornering , man it feels like too ridgid and it corners nicely if you tilt it under a significant angle (which scapes off pegs and jiffy ;-)
So I contemplate a 18" job over the winter but cannot bring myself to it w/o objective feedback . I like the 21' look BTW ..that's not the issue -

TIA

Rik

[kev]

I cant really compare apples for apples here but for what its worth,  I used to have a deuce which had the 21" front wheel
When I changed to my 08 springer with the 18", it just gives a bit more confidence on corners and braking, especially when wet,  different suspension apart I think it is just as much to do with the width as well as the diameter.
Perhaps an alternative could be to keep the 21" but go a bit wider, if its possible it might be a cheaper option.

[Air-Cooled]

This topic was reviewed sometime back—I asked the same question. We had endless replies by folks who thought their 21" or their 18" handled better, but not one had ridden both. Everyone with a 21" felt it was better than an 18"  and everyone with a 18" felt it was better than a 21". Every poster gave a theoretical reason why, but the bottom line was they were siding with what they had and had no experience with the other. I'm still curious!

[amarillo_rider]

Sounds all very reasonable folks - thanks for your insights .
I may have to arrange a test-ride on the '09 model than when local dealership gets it in (somewhere this month he said - but we'll see).

FWIW - I had a '06 springer classic with 160 rear-tire and 18" on the front and my impression is/was that the cornering was a lot more natural than on my current ride. This is clearly a crippled comparison as a consequence of the 200 reartire that also has a tendency to square out a lot faster than narrower types.
 like the 21" but I'm not a poser really - so function before style any time...keep you posted.

Rik

[amarillo_rider]

Had to do it - ordered the 18" kit today - will be another 4 weeks before the job is done - keep u posted -

Rik

[Spanish Flyer]

The 18" radial tire being a lot wider than the skinny 07 front tire makes the steering a bit stiffer but solid and safe. Front and rear wheels are more compensated; actually they resemble a lot the supersports bikes well known to us for great handling in general. Amarillo, you are bound to love the mod you are about to install. Only thing though as I mentioned, the steering will be slightly stiffer, but absolutely no wobbling or oversteering. You can let go of the bars, that the bike will just ride straight as an arrow.

Best Regards,
Spanish Flyer

[Air-Cooled]

Does the 18" kit include a CVO painted fender?

[amarillo_rider]

Nope - there isn't actually a real conversion-kit at all - the whole thing is based on customization - so still awaiting the actual cost to be honest , if it's too much i just opt out and stick with the 21-er to be honest .

Rik

[Air-Cooled]

Nope - there isn't actually a real conversion-kit at all - the whole thing is based on customization - so still awaiting the actual cost to be honest , if it's too much i just opt out and stick with the 21-er to be honest .

Rik

Will the factory paint a 18" fender in '07 21" graphics? This is the crux of the matter.

[Fired00d]

Will the factory paint a 18" fender in '07 21" graphics? This is the crux of the matter.

I've never heard/known the factory to paint any sheet metal other then OEM parts factory colors.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Air-Cooled]

I've never heard/known the factory to paint any sheet metal other then OEM parts factory colors.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Cancel the order.

[The Bolvine Gigolo!]

This topic was reviewed sometime back—I asked the same question. We had endless replies by folks who thought their 21" or their 18" handled better, but not one had ridden both. Everyone with a 21" felt it was better than an 18"  and everyone with a 18" felt it was better than a 21". Every poster gave a theoretical reason why, but the bottom line was they were siding with what they had and had no experience with the other. I'm still curious!

I'll jump in here only to say I have the 21" on mine , but I'm going to change it to an 18" because of the handling, for me high speeds were no problem where I had a problem was lower speeds or stopped it felt heavy to handle. And hitting an bumps in the road, I've chipped the fender twice now and had to have it repainted! it hits right at the engine guard, not as much clearence, my 02 cents I think you'll be happier.

Don.............

[amarillo_rider]

I've never heard/known the factory to paint any sheet metal other then OEM parts factory colors.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Indeed - that was my point when mentioning that the whole deal is a customization job - sorry if I was unclear on that account. I repeat - there is NO existing conversion-kit comprising a 07 front fender for an 18 incher, i.e. take it to a reputable painter and hope and pray he/she's up to the 07 graphics. I hope this clarifies the "crux".

BTW , I will also have the springer fork reworked to accept the 18 incher and I doubt if it'll work with the PM front-brakes etc ......so there is more to concider than a repainted new or remodelled existing fender to be honest.  I'll have a chat with an Indyshop next week to see how the overall budget requirements would evolve if I take this out of the "authorized stealership" track...

Rik

[Air-Cooled]

I may be wrong, but I think you could trade up to an '08 for less than that conversion would cost. Good luck!

[Midnight Rider]

Will the factory paint a 18" fender in '07 21" graphics? This is the crux of the matter.

In a word...NO!!!  The 18" fills the stock fender pretty well.  21" is a different story.

[amarillo_rider]

Yep - trading it in , that is another option of course ;-)
Trading in here in EU is less common than in US though - there's very few CVO models set aside for this particular neck of woods - but I could make some inquiries indeed.

Also , just to stand corrected from my end - the original idea the dealership had was that changing out against a 18" frontend was going to be easy - so I made the order (roughly 3K $) than he realized it wasn't going to be that easy after all and had to verify whether it was possible at all  so back to square one.

Rik

[Air-Cooled]

You know, I went through the same mental process as well. I have an '07. When I saw the '08 come out I was impressed and thought my bike was somehow not up to snuff. Now, when I look at the two models, I'm starting to like the big 21" front again, it has a great overall appearance. I'm going to hang on to my machine, it works just fine and the tribal flame graphics are fantastic.

[amarillo_rider]

this is indeed sensible advice - I start to reconsider my initial impulsive decision already - thanks for throwing some perspective into the conversation 

rik

[screaminfx]

While in most cases I'd opt for function over form, when we're talkin' about a Springer, well, it's a flippin' Springer! I don't care what front tire combo you use, it's gonna handle like a buckboard, and stop just about as well. I love my 07 for the old school look, which the 21 incher is a big part of. I did go with PM four piston brakes up front (replaced the rears too) just to give me a fighting chance with the cages. But if you want decent braking capabilities, don't look to a Springer, any of them.

For what it's worth I think the 09 model is pretty disappointing, the rear fender totally lost its classic "bobber" look, and as for tires, 200mm is enough, if the rear gets any wider it's gonna take on the look of every OCC wannbe luxo-chopper on the planet.

The Springer (any Springer) is a truly iconic bike, enjoy it for what it is, including its limitations. I'll take my Road King if I need to put on some serious miles.

[BLM777]

While in most cases I'd opt for function over form, when we're talkin' about a Springer, well, it's a flippin' Springer! I don't care what front tire combo you use, it's gonna handle like a buckboard, and stop just about as well. I love my 07 for the old school look, which the 21 incher is a big part of. I did go with PM four piston brakes up front (replaced the rears too) just to give me a fighting chance with the cages. But if you want decent braking capabilities, don't look to a Springer, any of them.

For what it's worth I think the 09 model is pretty disappointing, the rear fender totally lost its classic "bobber" look, and as for tires, 200mm is enough, if the rear gets any wider it's gonna take on the look of every OCC wannbe luxo-chopper on the planet.

The Springer (any Springer) is a truly iconic bike, enjoy it for what it is, including its limitations. I'll take my Road King if I need to put on some serious miles.

Doesn't sound like you've ridden an '09 with the 18 front 300 rear and wider swing arm or an old school springer with a properly tuned front end ......  Owned over 20 in the past 30 years and have never had a "buckboard" ride or a braking problem .... 

[Deuce Bigelow]

For what it's worth I think the 09 model is pretty disappointing, the rear fender totally lost its classic "bobber" look, and as for tires, 200mm is enough, if the rear gets any wider it's gonna take on the look of every OCC wannbe luxo-chopper on the planet.

Have you seen one and sat on it in person?

the pictures don't do it justice, it looks awesome in person!