18" to 21" wheel.

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Jul 12, 2010 | 07:15 PM

Overdoo

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Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Charlotte NC

18" to 21" wheel.

This question is for the guys that started out with an 18" wheel and maybe went to a 21" or started out with a 21" and went to an 18" because they didn't like the 21". I am trying to make the decision to go to a 21" here and because I already have an 18" wheel I already have an investment in the wheel I already have. Now I realize wanting is far more important than needing but I am trying to be mature here and make a educated decision.
I'd like to know if there were any adverse handling issues in the rain or in dry weather. Was the ride due to side wall differences made any rougher up front and was turning any different.
Thanks guys for helping me to be mature!!

Jul 12, 2010 | 09:52 PM

alphadog001

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Joined: Mar 2010

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Hey there old friend. I just put an 18 on mine. I was told I would want to go with a different fender for clearance if I went with a 21. So I went with an 18 for now.
I was told that prior years they had better luck using the stock fender with a 21. Not sure what year the fender changed. Knowing you, you have already researched, lol.

Jul 12, 2010 | 09:56 PM

103Eagle

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

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18 to 21

Yo Overdoo, was in the same boat here. Loved the 21 look, was a tad worried about load rating of the 21s, not to mention the increased height and how it would affect handling. I have an 09 and went with a 17x200 rear and a 18 front. I did not notice much difference in how it rode from stock but was not thrilled with the look even with matching rotors too much of that perty wheel was not visible. So I gave into my fears and got a 21. Man it looks sweet, ride is different but not horrible. Yes it is harsher and handles differently. Looks better, ride and handle is somewhat compromised. To each their own, only felt different for a few miles then I was good. Gonna stay with the 21, load rating not terrible but not as high as stock. By the way, I used the stock front fender but it took some work. Had to open up all 4 holes and tip it forward to barely get a 1/4 clearance. Be carefull if you go on a gravel road, hope ya dont slide a pebble around inside, don't ask how I know! Good Luck with your decision.

Jul 12, 2010 | 10:14 PM

alphadog001

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Also with your front end being already lowered, a 21 will raise it back up. I know your bike height is important to you. I saw a chart somewhere showing the different size tire diameters. i will see if I can find it for you bro.

Jul 12, 2010 | 10:27 PM

alphadog001

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Joined: Mar 2010

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Here you go. Robert from Hogpro posted this list a while back. Hope it helps.

Dunlop 408 130/80-17- 639 lbs...diameter 25.20"
Dunlop 408 130/70-18- 600 lbs...diameter 25.25"

Metzler ME880 140/70-18- 805 lbs...diameter 25.91"
Metzler ME880 120/70-19- 551 lbs...diameter 25.67"
Metzler ME880 120/70-21- 584 lbs...diameter 27.80"

Jul 12, 2010 | 10:57 PM

phat96

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,912

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From: Cave Creek, AZ

18",19",21" all your options are available here on this thread. Good luck boys.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...t-fenders.html

Jul 12, 2010 | 11:02 PM

Texas Fat Boy

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 10,045

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From: ST. Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphadog001

Okay this is pretty much what I found after the install.
Diamater is 2.6" which means the radius is 1.3".
The best I could measure was 1 1/4" so yes I was close.

I did the HD lowering kit on the front end which was suppose to lower the front end 1". The handling is almost like stock.

The fender was no problen with Avon Cobra tires.