"....LONG TIME NO HEAR. Well I think i'm getting another FXR. But this time it's a FXR2. I've been reading you posts( Because I thik you are an expert on FXR's) and I was wondering if the wheel size makes the 2 handle differently than the 3. Maybe you can give me son advice. I did reaad that you changed yout to a 19" but did you like the handling difference? Thanks Tim, I hope to hear from you soon. George. PS: I didn't get the FXR2 yet....."
Hi George....
You have said some kind words....there are of course some wonderful people here that have lots of input....it's just that I must type faster....LOL....
Anyway....thank you for your kindness.
I have indeed made a change over from the 21" 40 spoke wheel single disc on my FXR2 over to a 19" 40 Spoke Wheel dual disc and having run a 2003 Dyna Low Rider with a 19" Wheel, running the 99 FXR2 with the 21" 40 Spoke Single Disc, and now with the 19" 40 Spoke Wheel Dual Disc I would never go back to the 21" set up. I like the 19" set up much better, for several reasons:
~more tire patch on the surface, thus it gives more grip in the corners....all be it a small amount of wider tire patch the wheel seems more stable and beefy.
~the 19" absorbs more and is a more comfortable ride.
~the 19" with the dual disc set up provides more stopping power and the 19" wheel handles that perfectly.
I personally like the FXR2 better for my personal flavor because of the red paint on the tins, the rear wheel (chromed fat boy style) and I like the blacked out engine more than the silver engine....I was bored with the Thunderstar wheel...as I ran the 19" thunderstar for several years on the Dyna Low Rider and it was like ok I am over that after awhile....it's just a boring wheel design to me....so given that it is on the front and back of the FXR3 designed bike, and given that the FXR4 has the silver engine....(although the FXR4 features dual disc brakes and a 19" wheel, and twin cam front calipers and rear caliper, I am still over all much more excited to still own the FXR2.
All of them are wonderful bikes and very nicely appointed....in fact the 1993 FXR modeled bikes would be my next choices...but as long as I can get a FXR2 or FXR3 I would lean in that direction.
Bottom line to your question, in my opinion, I prefer the 19" front wheel, whether you purchase spokes or go with a mag...I feel makes less difference because unlike the weight of a touring bike, given the total weight of a FXR2 is 565 lbs the front end is not affected by the merits of a 40 spoke wheel comported to the functions of a much larger bike the touring bikes...which I prefer mags over spokes.
Stay in touch....
Hope you get exactly what you are searching for.
Regards,
Tim