Question about upgrading wheels...
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 36
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From: Ohio
Question about upgrading wheels...
Well, looking at upgrading my wheels on my 14 SGS. Came across a hell of a deal on a set of RC Component 21 front and 17 rear with the rubber that came off a 2011 SG. Both mine and the bike that the wheels are coming off of are ABS and the guy I am purchasing the off of stated that he has has no fitment issues at all. 21 tucks under the front fender perfect and the 17 with the 200mm tucks in there perfectly as well. My question is pretty simple and I have had no luck finding the answer.I have searched everywhere. It is to my understanding that there is no difference in the wheels as long as they are from an 09-13, just need to use the right bearing (ABS Bearings and spacers). Is this correct? I hear of all kinds of people putting the 14 SGS wheels on a 09-13 but never anyone putting 09-13 wheels on a 14. Whenever I check for fitment of wheels, some show 09-13 and some show 09-15. When ordering wheel packages from RC Component, all their packages show the set are for 09-13, not the 14-15. I did find a column that said the reason for this is because they are not a direct bolt up kit. The rotors on the 09-13 are different than the 14-15. There was a side note that said to use these kits on a 14-15, you would have to buy a set of 09-13 rotors or use RC Component matching rotors because the 14 rotors would not bolt up the the RC wheels. I have a call into RC waiting for them to confirm but haven't heard anything yet. Can anyone confirm any of this info? Thanks in advance.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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You will need rotors with the 13 and earlier bolt pattern. On the 14 you need brackets to raise the front fender for the 21" as well. There ahve been varying issues with 17x6.25 and a 200mm tire on the rear of 14 and 15 models as well as the subframe for teh rear fender is different.
Can this set of wheel be made to work? Yes. How much is involved? Front brackets $40. Rotors if these do not have any. RC Rotors retail for $349 each ( I can save you some cash on those) and the rear might fit might not. There is not any consistency with rear fitment from what we have seen. Some guys have no issues, others have issues. I prefer to recommend a 16x5.5 or 18x5.5 on 14 and newer although I ahve sold quite a few 17x6.25 with only one issue that comes to mind which was a local customer who rode back and had his 17x6.25 swapped for an 18x5.5.
So there is no simple answer to your question.
Can this set of wheel be made to work? Yes. How much is involved? Front brackets $40. Rotors if these do not have any. RC Rotors retail for $349 each ( I can save you some cash on those) and the rear might fit might not. There is not any consistency with rear fitment from what we have seen. Some guys have no issues, others have issues. I prefer to recommend a 16x5.5 or 18x5.5 on 14 and newer although I ahve sold quite a few 17x6.25 with only one issue that comes to mind which was a local customer who rode back and had his 17x6.25 swapped for an 18x5.5.
So there is no simple answer to your question.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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Go to the dealer and look at 5 different 14 or 15 bikes. Some ahve the wheel in the center of the fender others do not. Typical Harley.
They are "the same" but not all exactly the same.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
Part #s are the same for the rear subframe & swingarm, no 2 Harleys have ever been the same, just like on the early bikes, some would fit a 140 rear tire some woulldn't.. That's why I say it's a bike issue not a year issue, maybe they're getting sloppy at York again.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 36
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From: Ohio
So I'm guessing that the only way to find out if this will work is to bolt it up and see. I don't need rotors because the new wheels come with them, chrome matching, and I have no problem buying the front fender spacers. My problem would be buying the set and finding that the rear will not work. They are used so obviously I couldn't return them or swap the rear out for a different size but the price is right on them. Although the price is good, it's not good enough to buy then find out that they don't work. They are 200 miles away so that happens to be another issue. If closer, I would just do a test fit before purchase. How do I find myself in these situations? LOL. Any other ideas? Thank you to all that have replied. You guys are awesome.
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Supporter
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: eastern mi
If its a good deal buy them and if they don't fit sell them for a little profit,nothing gained nothing lost.Your not swapping right
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 36
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From: Ohio
Correct. I am not swapping any of my old parts. I just wish it were easier, lol. It's a hard deal to pass up so you are right, I am pretty sure I am going to jump on it and if it is a no go, sell them to the next guy.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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The reason I provided you with the info above is to let you know they might work but might not. I am sure the seller will say "no problem". Being in this business full time we tend to look at things a bit more closely than most as we want to ensure that we have happy customers.