21" front wheel (good or bad?)
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Florida Panhandle
iam getting new rims and tires for my 09 street glide was going to get a 21 up front and 18 in back. my dealer wont sell me a 21 says it isnt save. will only sellme a 18 up front.iam also wondering about handling. i already have the front lowered. i think iam going to go with the 18 as we take a few long trips.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 52
From: DFW
I "thought" that my 21" front tire was the cause of the twitchy feeling I was getting at 80MPH plus so I took my 21" off and went with an 18". Besides the look not being really want I wanted, there wasn't much difference in handling. See 18" below:
After watching my bike on the dyno it was clear that the problem was my rear tire, which looked to be out of round from the day I installed it. I got a new rear tire and put the 21" back on and I actually prefer the handling of the 21" over the 18".
The front end needs to be lowered one inch by the way.
After watching my bike on the dyno it was clear that the problem was my rear tire, which looked to be out of round from the day I installed it. I got a new rear tire and put the 21" back on and I actually prefer the handling of the 21" over the 18".
The front end needs to be lowered one inch by the way.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 771
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
People say they have issues with the 21" feeling and handling. Is it, You feel the road more bc less tire or turning is more difficult bc of the wheel size over stock? I ride two up a lot and love riding every where. I have 940s shocks and I can raise and lower bike. I also have a lowering fork kit. Yes it rides a little rough, but its a bike not a cadillac. Is my suspension set going to change much with a 21/18" ?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 19
From: Waukesha WI
I been debating going to a 21 inch as well. I was told yesterday that a 21 will not handle as well at interstate speeds. (55+) I was told it will shake? I had other people tell me it handles fine? Is it just a matter of lowering the front to correct this? Is there a kit that will lower it enough to make it level? Would that be 1.5 inches? I am 5'7 and I need it lowered as much as possible.
I also asked about a single rotor. I was told it gives it a "snowplow" effect'? Any thoughts on that one?
I also asked about a single rotor. I was told it gives it a "snowplow" effect'? Any thoughts on that one?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 544
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
I been debating going to a 21 inch as well. I was told yesterday that a 21 will not handle as well at interstate speeds. (55+) I was told it will shake? I had other people tell me it handles fine? Is it just a matter of lowering the front to correct this? Is there a kit that will lower it enough to make it level? Would that be 1.5 inches? I am 5'7 and I need it lowered as much as possible.
I also asked about a single rotor. I was told it gives it a "snowplow" effect'? Any thoughts on that one?
I also asked about a single rotor. I was told it gives it a "snowplow" effect'? Any thoughts on that one?
Any time I get to post pics of my bike; I will.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,208
From: Ohio
I don't have a 21 on my Ultra but I put one on my Softail Deluxe. The front end is definately heavier and there is more unsprung weight...I feel it over rough roads. Mine is not lowered but I can say this with confidence, it doesn't handle nearly as good as stock. The rake has changed and I am hoping it will improve when I lower the front.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 4
From: Charlotte NC
21" wheel
I asked all the same questions about the 21 on here you are. With the help of some good forum friends I got mine a couple of weeks ago. To be honest if I was blindfolded I couldn't tell the difference between the 18 and the 21. I had the 18 on for about 20K. I never had an issue with it and after riding this for about 500 miles I don't expect one from my 21. My front and back end are both lowered. Bike rides and handles fine. I am not a hard rider so maybe those who ride hard in turns or at high speed would notice more but for normal riding at highway speed I haven't seen any issue. At slow speed in parking lots slow speed turning I have no complaints as yet either. The best part is I love the way it looks. The seat height went up from the 18 about an 1/8". Being short this was a concern for me but I raised my bike up the difference in the wheel height before I bought it and it wasn't a factor. That's my 2 Cents. Good luck
18" Wheel
21" Wheel
18" Wheel
21" Wheel
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 114
From: Jackson, Ohio
Whoever said the 21" is unstable at speed is totally off. It may be a little floppy at slow speed but the bike is rock solid at highway speeds and crosses irregularities with ease.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 869
Likes: 14
From: Long Island
I just picked up my SG and had a 21 inch put up front and 18 in the rear. The bike is now taller. I got my stock fender put on using fender brackets and that raised the front end up 2 inches. The dealer is telling me they cant lower the front end now because I might run the risk of my triple trees hitting the raised fender. And I was told I couldnt use the harley davidson shocks to lower the rear because the SG is already slammed. Can someone clarify this
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
I love my 21. We were able to adjust the original fender to look perfect. Yes it does change the feeling when sittin still or turning very slow, I got used to it. Now Ive got the arnott on the back and runnin the back lower. I have this hunch that it handles pretty good in the 100mph range. 
May look into dropping the front just for looks. I dont even talk to the HD guys about customization, cause they look at you like your from outer space. I think they say it cant be done, if they cant do it.
May look into dropping the front just for looks. I dont even talk to the HD guys about customization, cause they look at you like your from outer space. I think they say it cant be done, if they cant do it.