21" front tire: What's all needed?
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 76
From: Minnesota
21" front tire: What's all needed?
One thing I dislike about the RGS is the stubby looking front wheel so I just began looking to put a 21" on today.
If I go to put on that 21" tire, what else am I going to have to do? I'm assuming you'd need a larger rear wheel (18" seems like the standard)?
Will the bike need to be lowered or will the difference be fairly small?
New front fender?
If anyone could give me a quick crash course as to what I'll need to shop for, that'd be awfully kind!
If I go to put on that 21" tire, what else am I going to have to do? I'm assuming you'd need a larger rear wheel (18" seems like the standard)?
Will the bike need to be lowered or will the difference be fairly small?
New front fender?
If anyone could give me a quick crash course as to what I'll need to shop for, that'd be awfully kind!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 112
Likes: 25
From: Mason, MI
You don't necessarily have to do the rear wheel, most actually don't. You can use the factory fender by using fender spacers.
I did a 21 on a SGS and a RGS with no other changes.
Worked great on the SGS. Handled great, no issues at all. On the Shark it was completely different. I didn't care for the way it handled at all, and the airflow changed a lot. If I were going to do it again, I'd drop the front end a bit. A buddy did his by moving the fork tubes up in the trees. Wasn't much, but definitely helpful
I think the 21 is just about the best look on the specials.
I did a 21 on a SGS and a RGS with no other changes.
Worked great on the SGS. Handled great, no issues at all. On the Shark it was completely different. I didn't care for the way it handled at all, and the airflow changed a lot. If I were going to do it again, I'd drop the front end a bit. A buddy did his by moving the fork tubes up in the trees. Wasn't much, but definitely helpful
I think the 21 is just about the best look on the specials.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 76
From: Minnesota
You don't necessarily have to do the rear wheel, most actually don't. You can use the factory fender by using fender spacers.
I did a 21 on a SGS and a RGS with no other changes.
Worked great on the SGS. Handled great, no issues at all. On the Shark it was completely different. I didn't care for the way it handled at all, and the airflow changed a lot. If I were going to do it again, I'd drop the front end a bit. A buddy did his by moving the fork tubes up in the trees. Wasn't much, but definitely helpful
I think the 21 is just about the best look on the specials.
I did a 21 on a SGS and a RGS with no other changes.
Worked great on the SGS. Handled great, no issues at all. On the Shark it was completely different. I didn't care for the way it handled at all, and the airflow changed a lot. If I were going to do it again, I'd drop the front end a bit. A buddy did his by moving the fork tubes up in the trees. Wasn't much, but definitely helpful
I think the 21 is just about the best look on the specials.
I'm not worried if the bike rises a bit as I'm pretty bent kneed sitting on it as it is. Like you said, people complain about the steering when in a parking lot or something but eventually get used to it.
So if I install the front tire/spacers, could I always bring the front end down later if I don't like it?
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 112
Likes: 25
From: Mason, MI
You pretty much got it. Be careful reinstalling the front abs sensor. I would also suggest the black or chrome wheel spacers from HD. Not needed, but it really cleans up the front. Makes it look like you didn't half *** it.
Post some pics when you get it on there.
Post some pics when you get it on there.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 76
From: Minnesota
Pretty relieved about not having to get a rear. Nobody ever sees them on a bagger so it'd be a waste of money.
I'll probably be doing it next spring. Already did a lot to the bike this year so want something to look forward to next year. (In other words, I spent too much on the bike this year and the fiance won't sign off on a $1,200 job)
Last edited by DC4MVP; Aug 14, 2018 at 11:03 PM.
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A Couple...Use a 130/60-21 Front Tire (although some still have a problem) or use one the Specially made ABS bearings for the different sized larger Fronts
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