18/21 Wheel Performance Questions

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Jan 20, 2009 | 05:47 PM

103Eagle

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

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18/21 Wheel Performance Questions

Hey All, I am fighting with the decision of putting on custom wheels. Not only are there many good choices but also sizes. Specifically on an 09 Street Glide, I am considering both the 18 and 21 for the front, and 17 and 18 for the rear. You can do a 200 rear with the 17 opposed to the 180 on the 18. Please reply only if you have changed out your wheels and can personally give an honest opinion. A long term test, not a quick test ride. Please also list what size you have , wheel type, and tire brand, and if ya ride 2 up heavy for distance. My concerns are below.

1.) How did it change the attitude of the ride, quality and handling?
2.) Most aftermarket 18 and 21 fronts have greatly reduced load capacity, have you noticed or encountered any problems with this?
3.) Have you needed to replace a tire while traveling and were you successful in finding the correct replacement fast?
4.) Are you happy with your choices and would you do it again if you had the chance to do it over?

Thanks in advance!

Jan 20, 2009 | 06:08 PM

framer

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 666

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From: Maryland

Dont do it! They look GAY. Just ask Bucket13

Actually, I love my wheel combo. The differance in handling is negligable IMO. Riding 2 up is a dream but there is a substantial differance in load capacities. There was a thread recently about load rating differentials between the differant tires/sizes but I dont have a link handy. I personally have a 21 x18 combo and love it. Well worth the "extra" 3 grand they cost IMO. Hell, ya' cant take it with ya'!!!! Good luck if you decide to go forward as there are TOO many choices available. lol

Jan 20, 2009 | 08:54 PM

1ADAM12

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: livermore ca

+1 with framer

Jan 21, 2009 | 05:56 AM

r8rs4lf

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2006

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From: 310

Nothing to offer as I don't have an 18/21 combo, but I am seriously looking to do this soon and will be watching this thread. I'm curious if anyone has done a 17 with a 200. Pics????

Jan 21, 2009 | 09:04 AM

bucket13

Road Master

Joined: May 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by framer

Dont do it! They look GAY. Just ask Bucket13

Framer,
In all fairness, I really dig your combo. They look the exact opposite of gay... : ) Did you lower the front end at all to accomodate the change in wheel height?

Jan 21, 2009 | 09:26 AM

IceHeritage

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2006

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21 x 18 60 Spoke Twisted Wires with Metzlers been Running them for a Total of almost 5yrs, 2 on my Heritage and then 2 1/2 on my RoadGlide. I have riden 1 and 2 up with no Issues and/or concerns the Bike handled Great and i would do it all over again (Actually looking for some New Rims Now)

Jan 21, 2009 | 12:08 PM

SlimsSG

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Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 347

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From: Wake Forest, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by 103Eagle

1.) How did it change the attitude of the ride, quality and handling?
2.) Most aftermarket 18 and 21 fronts have greatly reduced load capacity, have you noticed or encountered any problems with this?
3.) Have you needed to replace a tire while traveling and were you successful in finding the correct replacement fast?
4.) Are you happy with your choices and would you do it again if you had the chance to do it over?

103eagle,

I too have a 21/18 combo and love it. Ride & handling did improve a decent amount for me. Where I noticed this was in two areas:
1. Corners. I noticed that with the 21 front it seemed to "dive" into the corners better.
2. Groves/uneven pavement. This is due to the new tire vs. what was stock from HD.

The tires I am running are Metzler Marathons. And yes, I am very happy with my choice, and would definitely do it again.