I am looking to do a 21" wheel over the winter. I was told that you should lower the front of bike by 1" to keep the same riding height. How many people did this when they switched and how many did not. If you did not lower the front, was it noticeable?

 

I put a 21" on my 14sgs. I tried to lower it a little by sliding the forks up almost to the bars, about 3/4". It was a bad idea. I hit a large bump and dented my front fender from bottoming out. I put the forks back to position and rode it that way. Looks good and handles fine.

 

Thanks for the info. I am trying to decide on if I should get a set of Progressive Monotubes or just save my money and put it towards something else.

 

Installing a 21" front wheel will raise your front end by about 1" - thus is why some decide to lower the front end 1" to bring it back to "stock" height.
I put a 21" front wheel on my 15' SGS, installed the stock height Progressive monotubes in the front & 13" shocks in the rear - I like the ride height & the additional clearance in the curves....Like you, I just installed extended 4.5" bags so the extra clearance is nice....

 

I don't have a 21 but I would say it's a matter of personal preference. I would lower because I am a short guy so I need the help to touch comfortably. For a taller person it might actually be nice sitting up an inch higher. If you wanted to keep the same ride as said above get 13" rear shocks. Unless you love to ride super aggressive I think these bike look much better lower IMO.

 

Although my bike is a 13" I run the same setup. The mono tubes at stock height will make a huge difference in the handling of the bike. As far as the 21" wheel with the bike sitting a little higher...Been riding this bagger like that for 50k miles without a problem or concern.

I have never thought "I should lower the front of the bike as it will ride better" as i too prefer ground clearance to the bike sitting low. The (relatively) high seat height and center of gravity of a bagger makes the 21" much less noticeable than it is on lower bike such a softail.

Upgrade suspension? Definitely. Lower it? That is up to you and what type of riding you prefer.

If you need help please call the shop.

 

I lowered my front 2" when I put on the 21. Love the stance and have had no clearance issues even with my 4.5" extended bags. I am not a knee dragged in the corners though so aggressive riding it may touch the bags our floor boards.

 

I'm debating on a rim upgrade for the front. I was going to get the HD aggressor 19" but after looking at some of the hogpro rims, I may reconsider. Dealer might be a little ticked since I had them order a michelin scorcher for the front(not a stock item for them) but meh.. I buy enough junk from them.

With that said, what would be the average difference in a 19 to 21 in what would need to be done to the bike? How easy are these things for a novice DIY guy like myself to install? I've done very little to my bikes myself although I am looking to do more.

I have a black and white police edition EG 2015 that i want to upgrade the front on but limited on funds and know how currently.

Thanks

 

Just an FYI I ran a 21" for many years and found tire life was short so don't be surprised when front end gets a little unstable it is because of wear.

 

Couple of pics of the new ride.