Choosing the right wheel size for your motorcycle is not just about looks—it is about performance, comfort, and control. Choosing between 19 vs 20-inch wheels has always been difficult. These two sizes offer distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your riding style, type of bike, and the kind of performance you desire. Let us explore the differences between 19-inch and 20-inch wheels, and how each one affects comfort, control, and the overall look of your bike.
At Mototeks, we understand that the right Harley Davidson wheels or custom Luxor wheels can drastically improve both the look and feel of your motorcycle. If you are looking for better comfort during long rides or enhanced control on tight curves, the wheel size plays a significant role in these aspects. We will guide you through, so you can choose the perfect size for your motorcycle.
What Exactly Do We Mean by Wheel Size?
Before diving into 19 vs 20-inch wheels, let us first define what wheel size refers to. When you hear the term “wheel size,” you are typically hearing about the diameter of the wheel. This measurement is key in determining the overall performance of the bike. The size affects how much air the tire holds, how the bike handles on different surfaces, and even the overall ride comfort.
The two main factors influencing your choice of wheel size are comfort and control. Larger wheels like the 20-inch wheels offer more stability and a smoother ride, especially on highways or rough surfaces. Smaller wheels, such as 19-inch wheels, are often chosen for their agility and responsiveness, offering a more engaging and quicker ride, especially on winding roads.
Understanding the Differences: Ride Comfort and Stability
When deciding between 19 vs 20-inch wheels, comfort and stability are important factors to consider. How a wheel size affects these elements depends largely on the tire’s ability to absorb road bumps and imperfections.
19-Inch Wheels: A Balanced Ride
19-inch wheels are popular for offering a balanced ride. While they are large enough to offer good comfort, they are not so large that they lose agility. The size helps absorb bumps and road imperfections without making the ride feel too soft or sluggish. The additional air volume in the tire helps smooth out vibrations, ensuring that the bike feels comfortable even on uneven road surfaces.
When compared to smaller wheels, 19-inch wheels offer better comfort over long distances, making them a good choice for both long touring rides and everyday commuting. If you are cruising through the city or on a long stretch of highway, 19-inch wheels offer a smooth, stable ride that does not sacrifice responsiveness.
20-Inch Wheels: Smoother and More Stable
On the other hand, 20-inch wheels offer a more comfortable ride, especially for long-distance riders. The increased diameter allows for a larger tire surface, which increases the contact area with the road. This larger contact patch means better grip and more traction, which results in a more stable ride. 20-inch wheels are especially favored for highway riding, where the increased size helps absorb bumps and other road imperfections, offering maximum comfort.
Larger wheels help reduce vibrations at higher speeds, and the larger tire circumference means that the wheel can better handle obstacles on rough roads. If you prioritize smoothness and stability, particularly for long tours or off-road riding, 20-inch wheels are a great option.
Handling: Agility vs. Stability
Handling is another major factor when choosing between 19 vs 20-inch wheels. Larger wheels tend to offer better stability at high speeds, but this can come at the cost of quick handling. Smaller wheels are more agile and responsive but may sacrifice stability at higher speeds.
19-Inch Wheels: More Agile and Responsive
If you are looking for a quick, responsive bike that handles sharp turns and winding roads with ease, 19-inch wheels might be the right choice. These wheels offer excellent agility, making it easier to navigate through tight corners or congested traffic. The smaller wheel size allows for quicker acceleration and more nimble control, which is ideal for riders who value a sportier and more engaged riding experience.
If you are zipping through a city or taking tight corners on winding mountain roads, 19-inch wheels allow for quick changes in direction and enhanced responsiveness. The balance of comfort and agility makes them perfect for riders who want an all-around performance without compromising too much on either factor.
20-Inch Wheels: Enhanced Stability at High Speeds
In contrast, 20-inch wheels offer superior stability, especially at higher speeds. The increased diameter of the wheel helps to create a more stable ride, which is ideal for cruising on highways or long, straight stretches of road. If you do most of your riding at higher speeds, 20-inch wheels offer less wobbling and fewer vibrations, providing a smoother, more controlled ride.
However, 20-inch wheels may feel slightly sluggish in tight corners or when making sudden movements. This is a trade-off for the added stability and comfort they offer. If you ride more on highways or rough terrain and prefer stability, 20-inch wheels could be the right choice for your bike.
Aesthetic Appeal: The Look of Your Bike
Wheel size is not just about performance—it is also about the look. The size of your wheels can dramatically change the overall style of your motorcycle. When it comes to 19 vs 20-inch wheels, each size offers a different aesthetic appeal.
19-Inch Wheels: A Sleek and Balanced Look
19-inch wheels have a timeless, balanced look that works well on most motorcycle types, especially on cruisers like Harley Davidson wheels. These wheels do not overwhelm the bike, offering a classic, proportionate appearance. If you are going for a custom look or sticking to a more traditional design, 19-inch wheels offer a versatile, stylish option.
If you are building a custom bike and want to keep it balanced without making the wheels too large, 19-inch wheels offer that perfect fit. They offer a good mix of performance and aesthetics, making your bike look sleek without being too bold.
20-Inch Wheels: Bold and Aggressive
If you are after a more aggressive, bold look, 20-inch wheels deliver just that. Larger wheels are often used on custom builds to give the bike a more imposing and powerful appearance. 20-inch wheels stand out, and their size is sure to turn heads. If you are building a bike with a custom Luxor wheel or designing a show-stopping motorcycle, these larger wheels will give your bike that "larger-than-life" presence.
However, the larger size can make the bike appear slightly bulkier. So, if you want a more refined and sleek appearance, 19-inch wheels may be the better option. The bold, muscular appearance of 20-inch wheels suits those who want to make a statement and emphasize strength.
Tire Sidewall Height: The Unsung Hero of Ride Quality
One often overlooked but important difference between 19 vs 20-inch wheels is the tire sidewall height. This is the distance between the edge of the wheel and the edge of the tire. The sidewall height is influenced directly by the wheel diameter, and it plays a big role in both ride comfort and handling.
19-Inch Wheels: Shorter Sidewall, Sportier Ride
With 19-inch wheels, the tire sidewall is usually shorter. This means that the tire is stiffer and more responsive, as there is less air volume in the tire to absorb bumps and vibrations. While this can result in a sportier, more connected feeling to the road, it also means that the ride might be less comfortable, especially on rough terrain or long trips.
The shorter sidewall enhances handling, making 19-inch wheels ideal for riders who enjoy aggressive cornering, more precise control, and a more direct feedback from the road. Therefore 19-inch wheels are popular on sportier motorcycles, where performance and handling are prioritized.
20-Inch Wheels: Taller Sidewall, Smoother Ride
In contrast, 20-inch wheels usually come with a taller sidewall. The taller sidewall means more tire flex, which results in better shock absorption and a smoother ride. This is especially useful for long-distance riders or those who regularly encounter rough roads. A taller sidewall absorbs more road imperfections, making the ride more comfortable, especially on highways or when cruising over gravel and potholes.
While the added comfort is noticeable, the taller sidewall can slightly reduce the responsiveness of the ride compared to the 19-inch wheels. This is something to consider if you are a rider who values precise, sportier control.
Braking Performance: The Effect of Wheel Size on Stopping Power
The size of the wheel can impact your motorcycle's braking performance in a couple of important ways. While wheel size alone does not dictate how well a motorcycle will stop, it does influence the braking system’s overall efficiency and effectiveness.
19-Inch Wheels: Faster Stopping Response
19-inch wheels generally allow for quicker stopping power. Smaller wheels tend to accelerate and decelerate more quickly, which translates to faster response times when you apply the brakes. The smaller diameter means that the braking force is distributed more efficiently, allowing the brakes to act more quickly on the wheel. This makes 19-inch wheels particularly well-suited for riders who value quick stopping power, especially in city riding or situations that require frequent braking.
Additionally, because the wheel is smaller, it requires less force to slow down. This can be beneficial for riders who want more control over their bike’s braking system, especially in tight traffic conditions or during high-speed maneuvers.
20-Inch Wheels: Increased Stopping Power at High Speeds
On the other hand, 20-inch wheels offer better braking performance at higher speeds. Larger wheels have more rotational mass, and while it might take slightly longer to slow them down initially, they can maintain stability during braking at high speeds. The increased size and weight of the 20-inch wheels offer greater traction, especially in emergency braking situations, reducing the risk of the wheel skidding, or losing control.
20-inch wheels may require a bit more effort to slow down quickly at lower speeds, but they offer smoother and more consistent braking at higher speeds or during prolonged braking. For touring bikes or bikes used for long-distance cruising, the stability offered by 20-inch wheels can be a significant advantage when it comes to braking at high speeds.
Price and Availability
When it comes to cost, 19-inch wheels are usually more affordable than 20-inch wheels. Larger wheels tend to be more expensive, and 20-inch wheels are no exception. Not only are the wheels themselves more costly, the tires are also generally priced higher.
19-inch wheels, being more common and available, are typically more budget-friendly. If you are working with a tight budget or just want a standard, high-performance wheel, 19-inch wheels offer great value for money.
If you are willing to invest in higher-end custom wheels like the Luxor wheel or other premium options, then 20-inch wheels could be worth the extra expense, especially if you are prioritizing comfort, stability, and aesthetics.
Which Size Is Right for You?
Now that we have covered the key differences between 19 vs 20-inch wheels, it is time to decide which size is right for your motorcycle. It comes down to your riding style, performance needs, and aesthetic preferences.
- Choose 19-inch wheels if you want:
- A balanced combination of comfort and handling.
- Better agility for tight turns and quick responsiveness.
- A sleek, classic look that complements most motorcycles, including Harley Davidson wheels.
- Choose 20-inch wheels if you prefer:
- Greater stability and comfort for long-distance or highway rides.
- A bold, aggressive look that makes a statement.
- More traction and better shock absorption for rough roads or touring.
For example, Harley Davidson wheels often use 19-inch wheels for a balanced look and performance, while larger touring bikes or custom builds may opt for 20-inch wheels to maximize comfort and stability.
Choosing between 19 vs 20-inch wheels depends largely on your riding preferences, bike type, and the experience you want to achieve. 19-inch wheels offer a balanced ride, great agility, and a classic look, making them perfect for riders who enjoy quick handling and versatility. On the other hand, 20-inch wheels offer superior stability, comfort, and a bold appearance, ideal for riders who prioritize a smooth, stable ride on long trips.
At Mototeks, we are dedicated to helping you make the best choice for your motorcycle. Are you outfitting your bike with Harley Davidson wheels, exploring custom builds with a Luxor wheel, or upgrading your current ride? If you are, we are here to guide you through the selection process. Choosing the right wheel size makes sure you get the best performance, comfort, and style for your ride.
