21" vs 16" wheels
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 474
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21" vs 16" wheels
I know that this subject has been beat to death on this forum, I just can't find a simple answer. If the answer is out there, please direct me.
What is the height difference between a stock 16" wheel and a 21" wheel? What is the height difference between a stock 16" and a 17" or 18" wheel? I know it is not the difference between the two because the tires have different sidewalls when you switch.
If I were 8 feet tall it would matter, I am only 5-8" so it does matter on the new frames.
The answer should be a simple math problem for someone who knows bikes or a measurement answer for someone who does not do math. It may be as simple as measuring two at one of your bike shops.
Thank you.
What is the height difference between a stock 16" wheel and a 21" wheel? What is the height difference between a stock 16" and a 17" or 18" wheel? I know it is not the difference between the two because the tires have different sidewalls when you switch.
If I were 8 feet tall it would matter, I am only 5-8" so it does matter on the new frames.
The answer should be a simple math problem for someone who knows bikes or a measurement answer for someone who does not do math. It may be as simple as measuring two at one of your bike shops.
Thank you.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
IF you go to the website of any of the major motorcycle tire manufacturers they will have data sheets that give the diameter of all their tire sizes. So you can compare the difference between an MU85-16 to a 110/90-21, for example.
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Tourer
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Hogpro's answer
The front 21" wheel raise the front around 1" and the rear 17 with a 200 tire is within a .25" of the stock 16". The 18" rear is probably around .50" to .75" taller than the stock 16.
(Front 21's are not common here and I never see them at the two bike shops nearby. I did not see any at the Tomahawk rally last weekend.)
(Front 21's are not common here and I never see them at the two bike shops nearby. I did not see any at the Tomahawk rally last weekend.)
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
It's not the wheel that determines the height but rather the tire. Try this link for a comparison http://www.steelthundercc.com/tiresizes.html. With stock rear shocks you'll need to lower the front about an inch to keep it level.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
Just for kick Im 5'9 I rode my electra with a 21" front with the 120 avon tire and ran a 16" stock oem hd 130 reat and had the front lowered 1" and the back on sg shocks but I did have a low slung hd seat called the sidekick. My feet were firmly planted on the ground no problem with normal shoes.. Not sure if that helps just my .02
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 2
From: Bucks County PA
Handling will be compromised with a 21 on a bike that was built for a 16. The 21 will look awesome, but you will have to decide. It is always a compromise between form and function. I stayed with the 16's because I do ride a lot and I've had 9 back surgeries... I wish the wheels showed better, but the bike really handles well. Even on the Dragon!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
The centerline of the front axle went up 1 1/2 in when I swapped mine and I have not lowered the front end. 9000 miles and no issues.
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