21 inch rims
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: indiana
Looks like I'll leave the 16" out back and just change to 21" up front. Just switch to Michelin Commander II's tires what a difference hope they make one in a 21". Was thinking about installing the Progressive Monotubes too but don't know if I want to lower it any unless it helps with handling
-xmen9c that's a good lookin bike-
-xmen9c that's a good lookin bike-
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 242
From: Northern O H I O
Looks like I'll leave the 16" out back and just change to 21" up front. Just switch to Michelin Commander II's tires what a difference hope they make one in a 21". Was thinking about installing the Progressive Monotubes too but don't know if I want to lower it any unless it helps with handling
-xmen9c that's a good lookin bike-
-xmen9c that's a good lookin bike-
I would lower it as I personally dont care for the way they ride or look with the front 2.5" higher in front. Of course this all depends on your riding style as well. Good luck and of course, post picks! 😜
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Why does the 200 MM tire cause wobble on 18x5.5 rim? I had a 200x55x17 on my RG in the post above and no issues ever. Had the bike at 120 in SD on Rte 212 (didnt stay there long, just wanted to say I did it/make sure the speedo worked on that side.... 
). Was really pretty smooth overall even at that speed. Whats so different about 18" vs 17"?
). Was really pretty smooth overall even at that speed. Whats so different about 18" vs 17"?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: indiana
I agree might look funny if not lowered, How much lower? Drop in springs or monotubes? I just did want the forks to bottom out
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 242
From: Northern O H I O
This worked for me on my Deluxe. On my SE RG I only dropped it 1" as the move was from 19" to 21".
Last edited by xmen9c; Mar 25, 2015 at 09:21 AM.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
The bike is not going to sit 2.5" taller. You have to figure half of the height is on top of the axle, the other half on the bottom so the number is smaller than youa have computed. With a 21" you are looking at an extra 1-1.25" of height.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 242
From: Northern O H I O
Half is on top of the axel, yes. The other half is on the bottom which raises the top. My RG went from 19" to 21" wheel and it rose 1". How can a bike going with a wheel 5" bigger only go up 1"? In theory (have to measure the 16" from ground to axel with the tire on it now and compare that to the 21" with the tire on that). Anything over 2" in difference means in order to get closer to stock ride height, the bike should be lowered 2". Anything less than 2" should go 1" lower.
Does that sound correct?
Last edited by xmen9c; Mar 26, 2015 at 10:39 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 174
From: Edgewater, FL.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 242
From: Northern O H I O
Agreed. Just spoke to my installer about this as I had given him instructions to go 2". After reading Hog Pro's post I re-thought that.
We agreed he'd measure the stock front wheel with the tire on it (16") vs the new wheel with the 21" 120/70/21 on it and see what the difference is to the axle. If its 2" or more, then we lower 2". If it's between 1-2" then we go 1" or maybe 1.5" (by modding the other spring - only if its 1.5" or more). Goal was to get back as close to stock ride height as possible. I may just accept the .50" increase in front too as I doubt I'll notice that all that much.