Howdy from the dyna section. I've got an 06 street bob that I'm considering having a 21 inch front wheel made for. My stock front tire is a wide and beefy on my 19 inch wheel. My question is how do you softail owners enjoy riding on your taller skinnier front wheels since that is what I'm going to have to go to to get to 21 inches.

Is loose dirt or gravel a problem in turns?

Any of you who have ridden wider tire bikes, can you compare the two?

Thanks

 

No problems with my 21 incher! The choice of tire will make a difference too. My original Dunlops would follow tracks/grooves in the asphalt, and were a little sketchy in the rain. The Metzeler ME880s I have on her now don;t have the tracking issue, and are awesome in the rain.

Cheers!
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Is that Metz a 90/90? I'd like to get the largest I could fit on a 21 x 2.15 but the custom wheel manufacturers talk like the world will stop turning if I try to mount anything larger than a 90/90.

Anybody else who has a larger size tire on their 21 x 2.15 I would appreciate the info. Thanks.

 

I love my 21 incher. It handles perfectly, I have no idea why some of these other guys are always whining about them.

Rick

 

have no problems at all love the look and feel

 

I don't have any "serious" problems with mine, but it does tend to want to "follow" the grooves in pavement. Oddly enough the fat rear tire seems to wiggle around onthe bridge grates nuch worse than the skinny front one. The front just triestofollow the pattern of the steel grate.
Its easy to get round if you have the room, just go slightly diagonally across and it seems to go easier. At least with the bridges they built around here. It might not act the same wayifthe grate is made differently or has adifferent pattern where you are.

 

Yup, that's a Metzeler 90/90H-21 on my ride in my sig pic.

Cheers!
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I think it's more squirrelly on a loose grave road than the wider tire, especially if it's deep loose gravel like a driveway. I've got the deep scratches to prove it.

 

Never had any issues on my '04 Nighttrain....put 15k on that bike and have almost 4k on my '07 Softtail Custom. Never tried the Metzlers but may when this tire goes south. Curious to know the difference in wear between the Dunlop and Metzler??? Used Metzers on my 2000 Moto Guzzi and they did not last very long at all.....but they sure did grip!!!

 

I have over 80,000 miles on a 21" front wheel. There will be lots of people who will say that I am Wrong but I know I'm not,I've lived these 21" lessons.................On loose gravel they suck, On sandy surfaces they slide, On steep mountain downgrades with twistys they suck.....unless you slower down a bit..And in a construction zone with deep groves and loose gravel in them you run the risk of being slamed to the ground before you have time to react to the situation....On Highways they are Great. As you ride ,always be aware you have a 21" tire with a small contact Patch and ride accordingly.Those that disagree with me, have yet to be bit in the *** by there 21"tire......I used to feel the same way they do.......Not Anymore........Ride Safe