show off them 21" rim thread
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Wow, what a great thread. Coming from the Softail section, I was stunned to see all these gorgeous Mag Wheels. Over there you are all but shunned if you don't run a fat spoked 21. So when it was time to swap out a 21 on my Road King, I just assumed all the Touring guys were running spokes too. Man was I wrong!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
I finally got a 21" for my new bike. 21" chrome HogPro Apollo 21x3.25 with matching chrome rotors, American Suspension smooth bottom lowers and ***** Shiny chrome calipers. This cleans it up nicely. Now to figure out the rear. All I need is money. That always makes me laugh.
http://www.hogpro.com/showsubcat2.ph...=1&subcatid=97
http://www.hogpro.com/showsubcat2.ph...=1&subcatid=97
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Thanks! No, I did not lower the front. I did lower the rear, though. The reason I have not lowered the front is because I had tire clearence issues with the 21 and the stock fender. So I modified the fender tabs to be about 3/4 of an inch longer, raising the fender the same amount. I am a bit worried I may have clearance issues if I try to lower the front end. I don't want the lower tree to smash the fender if you know what I mean. Believe me, I would like to lower the front an inch to level the bike, but I would have to swap fenders first, and that's not in the budget right now.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Thanks! No, I did not lower the front. I did lower the rear, though. The reason I have not lowered the front is because I had tire clearence issues with the 21 and the stock fender. So I modified the fender tabs to be about 3/4 of an inch longer, raising the fender the same amount. I am a bit worried I may have clearance issues if I try to lower the front end. I don't want the lower tree to smash the fender if you know what I mean. Believe me, I would like to lower the front an inch to level the bike, but I would have to swap fenders first, and that's not in the budget right now.
I just did mono tubes and the difference is night and day. Pricey but well worth it as the bike rides much smoother and handles much better now. I prefer stock height and did not lower the front but the difference is quite a contrast to how the bike felt stock. No more mushy front end.
The whole lowering the front end with a 21" on a bagger in my opinion is unnecessary. My job is to sell parts and I rarely recommend a lowering kit when people buy a 21" but I suggest they ride it at stock height first and see how they feel.
The 21" wheel combo gives the bike a much sportier feel than the stock 18x3.5 (or 17x3.5 if you have a different model). The bike falls into corners much easier, sits a little higher (which I prefer) as it has a little more ground clearance, and feels all around better. Those who dislike the 21" front (I know you are out there) must be looking for something different than me.
I want a bike that handles well and does not scrape in the canyons. So, the question now is do I go for teh 17x6.25 rear wheel with a 200 tire or an 18x5.5 with a 180. I like the added clearance I will get with an 18x5.5 but dislike the tire choices as my beloved Commander II is not available as of yet in a 180/55/18. It is available in a 200/55/17 although I may have to modify a few things to get it to fit without rubbing the bag mount brackets but I'll figure this out eventually.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
Here you go. 09 SG.
21"x3.5 RideWright 7 Sins wheel with matching rotors. Already purchased the Monotubes to lower the front. Planning on installing them in a couple of weeks. I'm on the fence of selling this 21" as I want to go to a 23". Decisions decisions.
21"x3.5 RideWright 7 Sins wheel with matching rotors. Already purchased the Monotubes to lower the front. Planning on installing them in a couple of weeks. I'm on the fence of selling this 21" as I want to go to a 23". Decisions decisions.