Does 21" wheel change geometry?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
Yes! But in a good way, so I've been told. My personal experience says otherwise... Like a more vague feel from the front at highway speeds.
Typically, keeping more weight up front, results in a quicker turning and more stable ride.
Typically, keeping more weight up front, results in a quicker turning and more stable ride.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 599
From: Columbus, OH
Short answer yes,
If you take the radius (half of the diameter) of your current wheel/tire combo and subtract it from the radius of the new wheel/tire combo you will have how far the centerline of your front axle will be raised. Raising the centerline of the front axle will change the centerline of the neck, commonly known as "rake". This will change your trail figure. All of these dimensions have a significant impact on the way the front of the bike feels. When you start adding things like lowering the front and the rear and raked triple trees it really starts to change the geometry. If you go to the Shotgun Shock website and watch the animation of the Softail changing riding positions pay attention to the angle of the neck that will give you an idea of how the softail geometry works.
If you take the radius (half of the diameter) of your current wheel/tire combo and subtract it from the radius of the new wheel/tire combo you will have how far the centerline of your front axle will be raised. Raising the centerline of the front axle will change the centerline of the neck, commonly known as "rake". This will change your trail figure. All of these dimensions have a significant impact on the way the front of the bike feels. When you start adding things like lowering the front and the rear and raked triple trees it really starts to change the geometry. If you go to the Shotgun Shock website and watch the animation of the Softail changing riding positions pay attention to the angle of the neck that will give you an idea of how the softail geometry works.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: usa
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Illinois
There are some VERY sweet bikes in this forum but I just cant see myself or my bike with anything other than these 16"'s I'm running. I just like all that big fat rubber out in front or me.
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I actually went the opposite way and dropped the front of my NT to a 17" fat boy wheel, with the back lowered. Pics are here: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...ght-train.html
Since then have added RSD blackops fork brace, and LED strip signals tucked away, combo speedo/tach, flat blacked the console
Since then have added RSD blackops fork brace, and LED strip signals tucked away, combo speedo/tach, flat blacked the console
Last edited by Wrenchy; Mar 8, 2015 at 11:48 AM.
