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Does 21" wheel change geometry?

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Old Mar 7, 2015 | 11:15 PM
  #1  
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Default Does 21" wheel change geometry?

Saw video of changing softail front wheel to 21"''..Does that change anything like height or geometry at all?
 
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 05:49 AM
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I know it will change the handling characteristics of the front end for sure. Especially with ape hangers.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 07:15 AM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 08:53 AM
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My Deluxe was a nice smooth ride stock. I put the 21 on and lowered the rear 2". The ride is different now. It is not bad, just takes a little getting used to. She still rides smooth though.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 10:00 AM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 10:04 AM
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Ive had a 21'' and a 23'' and also have the Shotgun ... and of course it changes the geometry .. it has to, simple science ... but it truth , its not noticeable. Go for it .
 
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 10:29 AM
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thanx
 
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 11:20 AM
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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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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 11:45 AM
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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
 

Last edited by Wrenchy; Mar 8, 2015 at 11:48 AM.
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 01:11 PM
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The height and ride changed for me going from 16 to 21. Not any worse or any better. Just different. You adjust to it after a few rides.
 
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