Wide glide vs narrow handling?

[someoldguy]

Lame question, but there has always been an aftermarket wide glide on my old fxr, I have a 39mm narrow fork and some cast spoke wheels. Would I get better handling/response with the stock style narrower front end? I do have Progressive springs in the wide front end and would do something similar with the other.
Thanks

[TomK]

I’ve had both and never noticed a difference. I suppose if you’re really pushing it (like you need knee pucks) the narrow glide would have more rigidity, everything else equal.

[TriNortchopz]

What is the rake on your frame? What width of tire you runnin'? 41mm tubes?

found this WG info:

Wide Glide Conversion

"Originally offered on the FXWG in 1980, Harley-Davidson Wide Glide forks and triple trees are a simple bolt-on conversion to most other Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including Panheads, Shovelheads, and Servi-car trikes.

In addition to the FXWG models, Wide Glide front ends were also fitted to 1980-1983 FWDG Dyna models, and several Softail models from 1993-2003. Since all Big-Twin Harley frames from 1949 and up have the same 1.00" neck diameter, the Wide Glide conversion is a popular front end swap..."

http://www.classic-motorcycle-build.com/wide-glide-conversion.html

[Down]

I've ran wide, narrow and super narrow 39mm front ends and can't tell much of a difference between them handling wise.

[1954bmw]

Got any pics of your old FXR???

[Tattooo]

What is the rake on your frame? What width of tire you runnin'? 41mm tubes?

Yep.........^^^^^^^^^^ Also how long is the front end???????? Stock???

[confab]

Put a 41mm wide glide on mine, same 19"wheel, and really don't notice a difference? Even with longer tubes. It is as sturdy as the 35's that were on it, Maybe more so. I could feel them move when you really leaned into it.

I added rake to it. That made a huge difference.

It turns much slower and more deliberately now.

I would guess a 41 at the same rake would be much stiffer, wide or not.

[1954bmw]

Does the aftermarket wide glide have the 3 degree rake the same as a stock Harley??

[someoldguy]

Got any pics of your old FXR???

I will have to figure out the rake tomorrow after work. And I just realized that the bike is tied down in that picture.