Here we are back for the second part of our test on the 21-18 wheels for the Talaria, a topic that has sparked a lot of debate and curiosity within our community. If you missed the first part, we strongly encourage you to watch it (link available in the video), as it lays the groundwork for our reflection and our initial feedback. This time, we will delve deeper into the subject, comparing the 21-18 to our reference configuration of 19-16 and gathering the opinion of an external rider for an even more comprehensive perspective.
The Comparative Test: 21-18 vs 19-16 on the Field
In this second part, we wanted to verify our first impressions and confront them with a more in-depth experience. We decided to have our Talaria set up in 21-18 tested by a rider who had never tried this configuration but is used to riding in 19-19 on his own Talaria, and who had the opportunity to test our 19-16 wheels.
The first turns of the wheels were revealing. From the very first meters, the opinion of our external tester is categorical: he immediately feels a gyroscopic effect that makes the motorcycle harder to handle. The agility and responsiveness that we appreciate so much on our 19-16 wheels seem to have faded in favor of a feeling of heaviness and inertia. This sensation is even more pronounced in the winding and technical sections.
We then compared the performances in different contexts: wheelings, jumps, technical passages, rolling paths... And it quickly becomes clear that each configuration has its advantages, but also its disadvantages.
Key Discussion Points: Tires and Technical Choices
Beyond the debate of 21-18 vs 19-16, we also addressed the issue of tires, a crucial element for a motorcycle's behavior. For this test, we were equipped with a Dunlop tire at the front, an excellent choice that brings us complete satisfaction. At the rear, we had mounted a Yuangxing tire, a Chinese model that, although adequate, reveals its limits on muddy and rough terrains.
This tire, with its closely spaced lugs and hard rubber, struggles to grip on wet and slippery surfaces. We note that the CST, although featuring a similar design, offers a softer rubber and more pronounced lugs on the sides, which would make it a more suitable choice for our practice.
However, even with a more suitable tire, our tests show that the 21-18 configuration has drawbacks that cannot be corrected by simply choosing the tires. We also take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of riding with an appropriate tire pressure, in order to ensure good grip and limit the risk of punctures. We do not go below 0.8 bar, due to our riding environment, which can be harsh and rocky at times.
Our Conclusions: A Choice That Depends on Your Usage
At the end of this thorough test, here are the lessons we draw: the 21-18 configuration, while having certain advantages in terms of inertia in fast curves, is not the ideal choice for all drivers. Its gyroscopic effect, lack of agility in technical passages, and lack of grip at maximum angle lead us to lean towards other options.
For us, who are looking for an agile, responsive, and enjoyable motorcycle, the 19-16 configuration remains the best option. It offers a better compromise between maneuverability, grip, and riding sensations. However, we understand that some riders, who mainly ride on rolling terrain, may appreciate the benefits of the 21-18 in terms of comfort and speed.
We believe that if you are looking for comfort, it is better to focus on quality suspensions rather than oversized wheels. Finally, if you really want comfort and you ride on rough terrain, the choice of an Ultra Bee seems more appropriate than a Talaria in 21-18.
Towards New Horizons: Next Steps
This test allowed us to better understand our preferences and validate our choices in terms of configuration. We will therefore return to our original 19-inch wheels to test new improvements on our Talaria. We are also looking forward to testing the Ultra Bee, which could be an ideal solution for those looking for high-performance suspensions and large wheels.
Feel free to visit our site to find our selection of wheels, tires, and customizable parts for your Talaria. Also, subscribe to our channel so you don't miss our upcoming videos and new, more in-depth tests on electric motorcycles.