21 inch rims
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 8
From: illinois
21 inch rims
so I have finally decided to pull the trigger. but I have a question only for guys with 21 inch rims.
does the ride seem to suffer ? I understand that there is less rubber there around the rim and all that good stuff. I've been told NOT to get a 21" on the front. so is this just an individual thing or what ? I do ride a lot and I would like to keep my ride as smooth as possible. roads in Illinois suck.... or would I be better off with a 19"
does the ride seem to suffer ? I understand that there is less rubber there around the rim and all that good stuff. I've been told NOT to get a 21" on the front. so is this just an individual thing or what ? I do ride a lot and I would like to keep my ride as smooth as possible. roads in Illinois suck.... or would I be better off with a 19"
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
I also live in IL so I know about the roads. I installed a 21in front wheel on my Street Glide a couple of years ago. At the same time, I installed Progressive monotubes with once inch drop to keep the rake the same and factory. All I can say is the bike rides and handles MUCH better than stock.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 8
From: Louisiana
I have a 21" on my '07 Street Glide. For the most part I don't think the ride suffered much if at all. When going over grooved pavement it would occasionally feel wobbly. I am putting in the Progressive mono tubes this week and lowering the front end 1". Also putting on a set of Michelin Commander II tires. I definitely think the bike looks better with the 21.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 8
From: central Il
Its different for sure I like it, I lowered mine with race tech gold before the wheel went on which noticed it turns a lot easier and faster and feels lighter. I rode it that way for a while waiting for the wheel to come in, then put the 21" on and playing with the race techs for two years and really wasn't that happy with the set up. so went back to full height in the forks and installed a CCE top tree and lowered it with that .75", and absolutely have found it!! I am glad I went this route, I know there are a lot of guys who left it at stock height and love it, my short legs needed a little lower to be comfortable at a stop. Hope this helps
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
The rake/trail change from the bigger rolling diameter will "slow" the steering and make the front more "floppy" at slow speed, while improving straight line stability. Fork action over bumps will also be lessened along with braking. Having said all that; I like the look and harley's handle so bad to begin with, the change doesn't slow me down...
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Mar 15, 2015 at 07:55 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 8
From: illinois
lot of good reply's thanks. I think ill go with the 21. im installing progressive 944's which is suppost to drop the back an inch and ill stay with stock size on the rear rim so I should be ok. or I hope atleast if not it just something to spend more money on lol
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 17
From: San Jose
The larger wheel rolls smoother going down the road. But take more input in the turns, you adapt to that quickly.
I feel you have to lower the front to keep the steering from becoming even slower. Lowering does firm up the ride.
I put dual 13" rotors with six piston calipers so braking didn't suffer.
I feel you have to lower the front to keep the steering from becoming even slower. Lowering does firm up the ride.
I put dual 13" rotors with six piston calipers so braking didn't suffer.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: whittier
I put on a 21" wheel and tire on my '03 road king last month. I really like the look and don't think the ride has suffered at all. Maybe even improved the ride quality a bit. It seems a little smoother over bumps. I didn't change the ride height at all and I don't intend to either. Go for it? I think you'll be glad you did. BTW, I put on Michelin Commander ll tires on both ends. Very happy with the tires.
