New wheels for Deluxe - any mods?
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
New wheels for Deluxe - any mods?
I'm looking for input from those that have Deluxes and put 21's in the front. I want to change wheel size front and back, with 18 at the back, and 21 in the front. I spoke with someone from Performance Machine, and was told by him that I cannot put a 21x3.5 in the front without doing some mods to the fender. Is this true? Any help appreciated.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
my wheel is 21x3 so I don't know for sure, but i doubt it. I assume they are trying to protect themselves as on a few rare occasions a tire has grown under speed and blistered the paint on the fender.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Does the narrower wheel give a different feel to the front end and the ride in general? I am trying to decide what is the best way to go, but don't know enough to make that decision.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,058
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From: MEXICO
I don't feel a handling difference, the bike rides great. 120 is not that skinny, actually I've heard that there is a new Metzeler 130 Front 21" which I'm gonna be testing as soon as I wear off my current 120. You probably won't be able to fit that 130 inside the stock FL fender, mine is a wider aftermarket fender which actually makes the 120 feel "alone" in there 
You will feel a heavier front wheel because of the diameters difference (18 vs 21) that will be a slight "weight increase" in the handlebar, if you lowered or are thinking in lowering your bike and do it just in the rear, this weight increase effect will feel more.
Mimo.
You will feel a heavier front wheel because of the diameters difference (18 vs 21) that will be a slight "weight increase" in the handlebar, if you lowered or are thinking in lowering your bike and do it just in the rear, this weight increase effect will feel more.
Mimo.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I don't feel a handling difference, the bike rides great. 120 is not that skinny, actually I've heard that there is a new Metzeler 130 Front 21" which I'm gonna be testing as soon as I wear off my current 120. You probably won't be able to fit that 130 inside the stock FL fender, mine is a wider aftermarket fender which actually makes the 120 feel "alone" in there
You will feel a heavier front wheel because of the diameters difference (18 vs 21) that will be a slight "weight increase" in the handlebar, if you lowered or are thinking in lowering your bike and do it just in the rear, this weight increase effect will feel more.
Mimo.
You will feel a heavier front wheel because of the diameters difference (18 vs 21) that will be a slight "weight increase" in the handlebar, if you lowered or are thinking in lowering your bike and do it just in the rear, this weight increase effect will feel more.
Mimo.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I had some reservations about putting a 21x3.5 on the front of my Deluxe also. More for the concerns of stretching the MH90/21 whitewall to fit it than anything else. The ride with the 21x3.5 has not shown itself to be much different (if at all) from the feel of the stock wheel/tire combo. I went with Metzlers as the shop who did my work recommended them due to the lack of grow under the fender with the 21" set up.
I had some reservations about putting a 21x3.5 on the front of my Deluxe also. More for the concerns of stretching the MH90/21 whitewall to fit it than anything else. The ride with the 21x3.5 has not shown itself to be much different (if at all) from the feel of the stock wheel/tire combo. I went with Metzlers as the shop who did my work recommended them due to the lack of grow under the fender with the 21" set up.