I've been looking at some new bikes lately and one thing I've noticed in motorcycle showrooms is the increasing number of cruisers with big front tires. What's the deal with the wide front tires on these things? Seems counter-intuitive to have as wide a steering tire as your rear tire. I would think a larger front tire would cause heavier steering and the heavier rotating mass, leading to harder turning and lower fuel efficiency. Plus it just looks chunky, but I suppose that's part of the appeal.
The bigger tire might absorb some shock, better than traditional thinner tires that is, but I still think from a performance perspective that this trend is ridiculous.
Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed this trend and what might be behind it, other than looks. Please post up if you have an idea about it.
Big front tires on cruisers?!
Started by TimC, Jun 09 2012 04:58 PM
51 replies to this topic
#1
TimC
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 04:58 PM
#2
dutchinterceptor
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 05:32 PM
I've often wondered the same thing. Figured it was due to the extra tonnage on the cruisers.
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Famous Quotes:
"Ride lots!" -- E. Merckx
"Dinosaurs were not created to lubricate motorcycles. They were created to eat each other. Mobil 1 is manufactured to lubricate motorcycles." -- Bent
"I usually just chop the throttle hard during a 2nd gear wheelie which results in my nuts being smashed against the tank and at that point I no longer care if they are hot and sweaty." -- Baileyrock
"As to my "former" screen name... Know why I picked it don't you? Cause Bitch was already taken!!" -- Nicole
"Of course, all of them caused the motor to seize, then I crashed and died, the bike burst into flames after sliding along the road and crashing into immoveable objects, then exploded, and I died all over again. It's really starting to piss me off, all this crashing, exploding, dying nonsense!" -- Enzed Viffer
#3
timmythecop
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 05:54 PM
they are usually 16 inchers and it adds to very low speed handling. I think it evolved by accident but the old HD electraglide with fat front and back was very nimble at 10 mph. It is also fashion. HD recently went to 17 inchers, so there must not be a true advantage to the whole thing. (it also helps reduce "chopper flop" on bikes with raked out front ends, where the bars like to swing forcefully to one side)
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#4
indianagenius
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 06:15 PM
I don't understand the entire "cruiser" phenomenon, much less what size tires they run. No helmets (or any protective gear for that matter) and 1950's motorcycle technology...go figure. But, cruiser riders are people, too. I don't ride with them, but I get along just fine and hope for their safety.
#5
KPerham
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 06:28 PM
I find the entire thing counter-intuitive, myself...I don't understand the entire "cruiser" phenomenon, much less what size tires they run. No helmets (or any protective gear for that matter) and 1950's motorcycle technology...go figure. But, cruiser riders are people, too. I don't ride with them, but I get along just fine and hope for their safety.
Kevin
#6
BonusVFR
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 06:33 PM
My Wing has a 130 - 18 and it turns much better than an older Valk/Wing with a 150- 17.
#7
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 07:05 PM
Interesting turn of events. Many of my "cruiser" friends are more interested in quicker response in cournering when riding with me, althought I'm a wimp, I still am quicker than them. Maybe it's an evolution thing. (no pun Intended)
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#8
Tamworth
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 07:24 PM
I don't understand the entire "cruiser" phenomenon, much less what size tires they run. No helmets (or any protective gear for that matter) and 1950's motorcycle technology...go figure.
snip
There's no more "50"s technology" on a modern cruiser than there is on your VFR
#9
indianagenius
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 07:26 PM
Dude, air cooling...really. I'm specifically talking Harleys, not metric cruisers.
#10
Tamworth
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Posted 09 June 2012 - 07:47 PM
Dude, air cooling...really. I'm specifically talking Harleys, not metric cruisers.
Actually you were talking about "the entire cruiser phenomenon" . Air cooling is no more 50s technology than water cooling. I don't think you understand modern cruiser engins. The harley engine is as modern in it's technology as any current year sport bike.
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