Hey everyone, I had some questions about doing a 21” front wheel swap on my ‘08 Street Glide. I’ve read some stuff about it and watched some videos on it and I think it would really make my bike stand out a lil more. The bike has an awesome custom paint job and I want to keep the factory fender on it and saw that 21” is the largest size wheel you can go with to keep the factory fender (with slightly drilling out the mounting holes and rotating the fender forwards). I’ve watched several videos on it but they never say what size tire they’re using or if they changed the rear wheel as well. The bike has factory 16’s on it now. I’ve read somewhere if you do the 21” front wheel, you would need to go to an 18” rear wheel. Does anyone have any experience with this? Also, how does the bike handle with a 21” compared to a factory wheel? Also, would I have to change any suspension components as well to make this swap? Where I live there aren’t any custom bike shops around for me to go to with these questions. Thank you in advance for taking time to read this and to help me out. I really appreciate it! I’ve attached a picture of me and the misses on a ride for reference. Thanks again!

 

Welcome to the forum and from NC.

No need to change the rear wheels. The common tire size for a 21" wheel is 120/70R21. Comparing the overall diameter to your OEM front tire, the 21" will be about 2 1/4" wider. To keep the same stance as what you have now, you'll need to lower the front 1".

I did this on my '13 King and kept the OEM rear tire size. As you mentioned, I also used the same front fender and did the mod you mentioned. Progressive have a monotuble front suspension with a 1" lowering kit, but check if they have it for your '08.

Good luck with the change.

 

Had a 21 put on my wife’s 13 sg. We didn’t install it, as a sturgis purchase. It make the front end seem heavier but we didn’t lower the front and she has her stock rear wheel. We then did chrome forks a few months later and that I installed with the help from a buddy. Her front fender holes did not get modified and it looks fine.

 

I have a 2008 FLHX that I put a 21” Diamond cut spoke wheel in the front. Yeah you should drill the mounting holes and tilt it because the tire will come in contact with the fender while riding it. Mines did until I tilted it. And yes I replaced the rear with an 18” and it did handle better. Without the 18” to me the front felt heavier. I did lower the front and back by 1” also.

 

Mine is a 2011 so I am sure it is different. Installed 21" front and 200/55-17 rear.
I believe that raises the front 1" and leaves the rear the same.
Did not feel much difference in ride with the 21".
Having the front up 1" allowed me to recently install 13" rear Ohlin shocks.
The 13's have a much better travel and feel that the stock 12" size even with Ohlin's.
I am 6'-5" so the additional height was not an issue.
The 2011 did not require a fender move with the 21"
The 21" is a much better looking tire and wheel.

 

Yeah on the 2008 the largest you can go on the rear is 150, being the original is only 130

 

@RKZen I presume you mean taller, not wider?

 

my nephew has a 2009 SG with a 21" front and a later model 16" rear, he has zero complaints on the handling...

 

Yup, that's what I meant ... wider in diameter.

 

Awesome! I knew this would be the place to go for my answers! Thank you all so much for helping me with this project! Once I get it ordered and in I’ll definitely be uploading some pictures for y’all to check out. Thank you all again for the help!