21" front wheel?
i am running the 21/18 combo. I originally had a 18/18 setup but the 21 on the front just looks better imo and as far as ride and handling, I think the ride quality may have dropped a little but nothing to complain about and I think the handling actually got better and I haven't lowered my bike but I do have air ride on the bike but its only down when stopped.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 290
Likes: 3
From: Copperas Cove, TX
Do you have to modify the bike to install the 21/18 wheel combo? Would like some custom wheels but want to keep the stock front fender and dual front brake set up. Whats the best place to buy and the average cost of this upgrade?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 52
From: DFW
I may regret it, but not selling anything right away, as I've learned, but moving to a 140/70/18 18x3.5 from my 21" Czar Eclipse as soon as they arrive. I have enjoyed the 21" front wheel tire setup with an 18x4.25 rear end and Race Tech lowered front end (1"). I would never call it a bad ride or anything close to undesirable as some might suggest, BUT I also would never say that the ride is as good as the stock 16's due to the decreased sidewall etc. The handling is good, but I wouldn't call it great due to the fact that bike wants to right itself straight up vs a good lean. It does handle wide sweepers very nicely. Slow speed maneuvers aren't nearly as good, but not something one can't get used to pretty quickly, however I still miss the ability to throw the bike around a bit more aggressively with the smaller tires. I did not like having to lower the front end 1" and fought it, but knew it was necessary to balance the bike with the 21x18 setup. With the Race Tech kit and dual valve cartridge emulators, it is a very nice ride, (much nicer than I expected). but still is firmer than I prefer on a bagger. I guess lastly, I've grown a little tired of the thinner tire look on a bagger and beginning to prefer the fatter tire look the 18" provides. I will agree that there is no comparison as to which bike is the most striking, but there are plenty of good examples of striking bikes with dual 18"s. So I'll be adding the inch that I lost with the 21", installing the new RC Components 18" as soon as it gets in, and seeing for myself if it gives me the "bagger" feel and compromise I'm looking for. Honestly if it doesn't, I'll sell the whole package fairly cheap and put the stock wheels and tires back on for that real FAT old bagger look.
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