front crusier tires

[orlean1]

I wanted to know what is the performance difference on crusiers that have the fat front tires and crusiers that have the normal size front tires and which tire performance would be better for a new rider.

Thanks

Orlean1

[Sev]

Very few bikes have what can be considered a fat front tire. But hypothetically speaking, a really fat front end would improve braking by providing a greater surface area on which to stop. However, it would negatively impact your ability to steer.

On the back end a wider tire helps acceleration, but also limits your ability to turn.

You're better off with a smaller tire while learning, in my opinion.

[dieziege]

Some of the cruisers have really fat looking front tires. Kawasaki has a few, especially on their bloat-boat cruiser-style touring bikes. They look like hell so I assume there is some technical benefit... I too would like to know what it is.

[TechTMW]

Sev Covered it, you get better braking and stability, both which would look beneficial to the potential "bloat boat" buyer.

Of course you do trade maneuverability and handling both at low and high speeds. (much worse at low speeds)

[jmillheiser]

the bigger cruisers and touring bikes also have the wider front tires to help support the weight of the obviously very heavy bike.

if the fat front tire is the stock size it normally has no negative impact on handling as the bike was designed to run that tire. a 150 is about the fattest tire I have ever seen on front end of a bike, that would be considered small for a rear tire anymore.

[orlean1]

Thanks all for the input

[Scott58]

Larger tires will also effect your mpg. The less rolling resistance the better.