21" go for the 3.5 or stay with a 2.15
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
21" go for the 3.5 or stay with a 2.15
While I still have the money I really want to buy some rims, I know spokes have that old school look but I'm going to go with a set of mags my question is get the wider 3.5" or stay with a 21x2.15. I know there has been posts on people doing this with going with the wider rim on their wide glide but no one said how it handled after the change besides not following groves. Is that the only perk? How is it going to handle corners differently with a 120/70? I kind of like the look of the narrow front tire but logically it sounds if I'm going to upgrade rims go wider just wanted to hear some more feed back before i drop 3g on a set up. Looking at these http://sinisterwheel.com/wheels/badboy the thunder set, I think they would look bad a** on a wide glide, any opinions would be appreciated, thanks.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Well, I cant tell you which would be better for you. However, I'd be more partial to the wider rim, this in turn would give you a wider tire, I'm thinking, which might translate to a softer ride, anyway if those a the wheels you like than go for it, its a shame you cant get an idea what they'll look like on your bike.If your interested check out this page http://www.renegadewheels.com/Selector/Selector.html this will at least give you an idea what this manufacturer wheels look like on a Harley. best of luck.
The majority of our customers go with the wider rim choice of a 21" x 3.5" rather than staying with a 2.15" option. There are many advantages of going with this choice but the main difference is the improvement of handling. We recommend going with a 120/70-21 tire (Metzeler or Avon depending on your preference).
Obviously the feel of the bike is going to be different at first, however after a week or so it will feel normal to you. Also if you get back on a stock bike that is going to feel different to you as well. 99% of what we sell for touring bikes is the 21" is the 3.5" and we have not come across any complaints in terms of handling or drive-ability.
We do offer Sinister Wheels so if you have a minute take a look at them and I would also recommend you checking out our WanaRyd Wheels, there are some styles that I think you would be interested in and the pricing is very reasonable.
If you have any questions at all feel free to reach out to me.
Ryd Safe.
Obviously the feel of the bike is going to be different at first, however after a week or so it will feel normal to you. Also if you get back on a stock bike that is going to feel different to you as well. 99% of what we sell for touring bikes is the 21" is the 3.5" and we have not come across any complaints in terms of handling or drive-ability.
We do offer Sinister Wheels so if you have a minute take a look at them and I would also recommend you checking out our WanaRyd Wheels, there are some styles that I think you would be interested in and the pricing is very reasonable.
If you have any questions at all feel free to reach out to me.
Ryd Safe.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 1
From: England via the US
I would go 3.5 with the 120. I went with a 21x2.15 with a 90/90 and regret not going wider. Mine handles really well with the Metzler tire but I like the look of the wider tire better.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
From: St Louis
If keeping a 21 on it go for the wider wheel, I hade a 21-3.25 on my Streetglide and never a problem. I kinda like the looks of this bike?? I like the fat front tire, I think the front wheel is a 17x 4.50?? That is the look I am saving for. cool bike!
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Thanks for the feed back everyone I'm sure I'll get the 3.5, just haven't heard anything negative about going wider. Rogue thanks for the link I'd been trying to look for a wheel builder like that for a while. Hey drop it I appreciate you posting pictures so I can see, but when i go to open it says my account doesn't have privileges for that anyone know why that would be?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,051
Likes: 8
From: Detroit Michigan
i have used both on my bike and by far the 3.5 is the way to go, much better ride, the 2.15 also likes to grab the ruts in the rode. jackyl
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 8
From: Ohio
I went with the wider rim and a 120/70/21 Metz when I did the Jireh rim lace swap. The only negative I have found is that the tire is slightly wider than the fender, and you get more water thrown at you on wet roads. Other than that, it is great. I also put in a Progressive spring kit at the same time, so I dont know which helped my ride better, but it handles great.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 126
From: Aussie lost in Switzerland
a tad off topic, but is there any truth to the line my dealer spun me that a 21 inch wheel wears out the tire way more quicker than the stock 19?
Last edited by Krazy8s; Dec 16, 2011 at 03:34 AM.