wheel
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,641
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Terre Haute, IN
I put a 21" wheel on the front of my 2009 Street Glide and it does effect your handling somewhat. I lowered my front-end to keep the bike looking level and doing that, I'm sure, also effected my ride. By "effect" I mean I noticed that I had to steer the bike into corners more than when I had the stock wheel on it, it didn't seem to want to "glide" into corners. Don't get me wrong, it isn't an astounding difference but one you can tell. But to me, the change in the look of the bike was worth the change in handling. I hope this helps you make your decision.
I will tell you to go with a well-known wheel manufacturer if money allows because they are literally a bolt-on application. I once purchased a set of wheels from a not-so-popular company and had to have some machine work done for them to fit right.
Good luck.
I will tell you to go with a well-known wheel manufacturer if money allows because they are literally a bolt-on application. I once purchased a set of wheels from a not-so-popular company and had to have some machine work done for them to fit right.
Good luck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 12
From: NJ
I don't have a road king but I've been running a 21" front wheel for about 30 years now. The 3 negatives I've noticed are
1. Tracking on road groves (although switching to Metzler really helped)
2. Going down a steep grade (Smokey mountains) with a sweeper turn...i could feel the small contact patch slipping towards the shoulder. My friend with a street glide had no issues and had to slow down for me to catch up.
3. Riding down a hard packed dirt road and hitting a 200' patch of soft sand (sugar sand) 21" wheel is totally controlled by the sand. My Buddy with a wider 16" not so much
1. Tracking on road groves (although switching to Metzler really helped)
2. Going down a steep grade (Smokey mountains) with a sweeper turn...i could feel the small contact patch slipping towards the shoulder. My friend with a street glide had no issues and had to slow down for me to catch up.
3. Riding down a hard packed dirt road and hitting a 200' patch of soft sand (sugar sand) 21" wheel is totally controlled by the sand. My Buddy with a wider 16" not so much
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
I've rode a 21" x 2.15" and IMO they ride like crap compared to a 16" x 3". That skinny 21" x 2,15" also looks poorly under a wide FL fender IMO.
However, the guys riding the wide 21" x 3" claim they ride great with very little notable difference. It also fills the FL fender correctly and looks great IMO. I never yet rode the 21" x 3" myself, so I'm only repeating what I've read here on the forum. But I've never read a negative comment on the ride characteristics of a 21" x 3" front wheel.
Hopefully you're going black walls if you go with the 21" x 3". Availability of 21' x 3" Wide White Walls are very limited, and ridiculously costly ... which is why I'm still running the 16".
However, the guys riding the wide 21" x 3" claim they ride great with very little notable difference. It also fills the FL fender correctly and looks great IMO. I never yet rode the 21" x 3" myself, so I'm only repeating what I've read here on the forum. But I've never read a negative comment on the ride characteristics of a 21" x 3" front wheel.
Hopefully you're going black walls if you go with the 21" x 3". Availability of 21' x 3" Wide White Walls are very limited, and ridiculously costly ... which is why I'm still running the 16".
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