Italian biker: the tires/tread pattern have a lot to do with riding over terrain as you described. I can do a battery change on a stock intruder in about 5 minutes with a 10mm socket/rachet and philips screwdriver. It's all a matter of perspective. I ride one, my wife rides one. I put about 10-12K miles on mine per year. My wife's has a 19" wider front wheel/tire. I prefer the look/feel of my skinnier 21" front.
I've slid before with 4 much larger wheels...that's a moot point.
