The debate is raging: should we favor the 21-18 or the 19-16 on a lightweight electric motorcycle like the Talaria or the Light Bee? In this video, we will finally share our concrete feedback on these two configurations, after testing them in enduro conditions. Discover our analysis, our initial impressions, and the arguments that guided our choice.
21-18 vs 19-16: A Crucial Choice for Your Electric Motorcycle
The choice of wheels is a crucial factor for the behavior of an electric motorcycle. Usually equipped with 19-inch wheels, these machines offer different configurations: the 19-16, often used on 85cc bikes, and the 21-18, found on enduro motorcycles. The purpose of this test is to enlighten you to help you make the best choice based on your practice.
Our experience begins with a look back at our journey: we rode for several years with the Light Bee in 19-16, then we tested our Talaria in 21-18, after a quick experience in 19-16. These successive trials, complemented by our various uses on bikes like the Ultra Bee, allow us to have a well-defined and substantiated opinion.
First Sensations and Observations
During our first enduro outing with the 21-18 setup, we immediately felt the difference. Wheelies become harder to control, with a feeling of weight on the front. The bike feels heavier and less agile, and the gyroscopic effect is more pronounced. Confidence in the front is also affected.
We noted that the advantage on a straight line, where the big wheel seems to swallow the imperfections of the terrain, comes at the expense of grip and precision in curves and winding sections. The reactions of the motorcycle are less intuitive and we were more often surprised by loss of grip.
Tires: A Key Element Not to Be Neglected
The choice of tires is a determining factor in the behavior of a motorcycle, especially in enduro. For this test, our Talaria was equipped at the front with a Dunlop tire, which we appreciate for its quality and grip. At the rear, we used a Yuangxing, a Chinese tire that proves to be less effective, particularly in muddy conditions.
We have noted that this tire, with its closely spaced studs and hard rubber, struggles to grip on slopes and in winding passages. We recommend using tires like the CST instead, which offer better grip and greater precision in trajectories.
Our Conclusions: A Choice That Depends on Your Practice
At the end of this thorough test, we concluded that there is no ideal setup, but choices suited to each riding style. While the 21-18 setup seems to offer advantages in fast and bumpy sections, it proves to be less versatile and more limiting in enduro.
The 19-16 configuration, on its side, offers a more balanced compromise between agility, grip, and riding sensations. It allows for maintaining the playful character of the Light Bee, while providing satisfactory performance in different types of conditions.
The choice between these two configurations will therefore depend on your practice, your preferences in terms of feel, and the terrains you frequent most often. But to summarize our point, if you are looking for comfort and performance, prioritize quality suspensions. If you are looking for a compromise between maneuverability and stability, the 19-16 remains the reference. And if your playground is rough and fast, prioritize the Ultra Bee.
Our Recommendation: Favor the 19-16 for Versatility
For our part, we remain committed to the 19-16 configuration, which aligns more with our approach to riding and our vision of enduro. If we were to evolve towards another bike, we would rather consider an Ultra Bee with suspensions adapted for the type of terrain we encounter.
For those who appreciate the playful and manageable side of small motorcycles, it is also possible to keep 19-19 wheels by opting for sturdier and more performance-oriented models than the original ones. This option allows you to maintain the "pit bike" spirit while improving reliability and handling.
Feel free to visit our site to discover our selections of wheels, tires, and other equipment to customize your electric motorcycle. And if you have any questions or comments, share them with us in the section below!