Ironhead 23" wheel 4"over fork tubes

[class of 82]

Hi all,

putting the 84 project together and looking at wheels/tire combos

I have 2 over for tubes now 25 1/4" I was think of maybe setting it up with 4 over tubes or use a 23"x 3 wheel/tire. maybe both?

anyone run a 23" wheel or 4 over tubes?

trying to figure out the tire size for a 23" wheel. I run a 21"x2.5 wheel with a 80/90/21 tire and feel it is a little to skinny for my liking, considered goin to a 90/90/21 but saw the 23" for the 78-85 xl narrow frontend.

what tire size for a 23"x3 wheel without being too skinny?

I like the "look" it has now.
140/90/15 rear-10 3/4 slammer shocks
21"x2.15 wheel-80/90/21 tire but want about 2 more inches lift for the front and just a little more tire.

think I can change the wheel or forks to get the "look" I am after. maybe both will be to much lift up front for my liking.

or just to much chopper look?

opinions please?

[rocketnorton]

the big wheel fad cant pass quick enough imo
21 is pretty normal in the old chopper world
it is your bike tho
if you actually ride it, is the more important part to me
you did ask for opinions

[Monte03]

It will ride like a Gyro, I’m also of the opinion, a 21” with an AVON SPEEDMASTER can’t be beat, had them , I love the look and ride, how ever you Go, ride safe

[class of 82]

thanks guys, yes I did ask for opinions and respect all of them. I do reserve the right to agree or disagree.

I can agree the big wheel fad has not gone away soon enough also. I have saw some that I liked and most I do not care for. with that said, I do like a certain "look" on bikes & cars/trucks. I like lowered fat tires/tubbed & drag skinnys on my cars/trucks.

but in 82 (I was 18) and saw most shovelheads & sportsters were lowered with a 21" wheel maybe longer fork tubes? sat nose up like a chopper. just not anything over 4"

I have the rear 10.5 slammer shocks and 25 1/4 tubes on it running a 21" wheel duel disc brake. my understanding is stock tubes for my 82 xlh were 23 1/4 and the 82 xls were 25 1/4 stock. so 25 1/4" are either stock or 2" over depending on model.

I am real close to the "look" I am after and think another 2" - 27 1/4 tubes will do it.


saw the 23" rim and thought I could achieve the same result with a rim/tire change and not "look" to big wheelish.

my main ? is what is the tire size for a 23" - ?/?/23

I run a 80/90/21 and think I am going to run a 90/90/21 staying with the 21" wheel for more rubber and add 2 more inches to the fork tubes.

kind of a swing arm chopper look without being to chopper looking? XL-61 looking or more drag bike look? not sure what the "look" is called. stripped down Bar Hopper? I just don't want my ass to "look" fat as I ride by on it...

[joe s]

Here are your choices for 23" tires. Not saying to buy from them, but their selection is comprehensive. Looks like 130/60 is all unless you want a dirt bike tire.

https://www.jpcycles.com/motorcycle-tires/23-inch