16" / 19" combo or 16" / 21" combo
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 461
Likes: 21
From: Providence
16" / 19" combo or 16" / 21" combo
I've been thinking on purchasing new wheels for my 2009 Roadglide. However, I just don't know which set or the pros and cons for the 16"&19" or 16"&21" wheels combo set???? Which would be a better choice for performance, balance or cornering? Any preference, what are your thoughts????
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: ohio
the 21" wheel will add almost 2 inches in height the to front end, resulting in a change in the bikes geometry, which will affect handling, will you notice it? maybe, maybe not.
you can adjust this geometry by lowering the front end 1" - 1.5" to gain some of that change back.
but when doing so, you are going to shorten the stroke of your fork travel, resulting in a less desireable ride.
going a 19" wheel you probably wont gain that much height, im not sure the overall dimension of the 19" wheel tire combo, but i doubt its much more than the factory 18" wheel tire combo.
all this stuff is relative though, because what you might feel is a good/bad ride quality, handling willl differ from others.
for instance i cant stand the stock rear air shocks and needed something that jsut plain worked well in a canyon carving situation. where others feel the stock shocks to a great job.
some say that running the 21" front wheel doesnt change much in the handling area, i for one will say different. the steering is a tad heavier, not alot, but a little, with a 21" front the bike doenst turn in as quickly as with a 18" setup. i notice this alot in my case. i have ran both the 18" and a 21" but not a 19" wheel.
it was a big battle for me to either keep the 21" wheel on or go back to an 18"
no doubt about it a big wheel looks cool and thats just that.. a 21" wheel trumps the look of a 19" it just does. the thing you have to decide is will the slight change in handling/performance warrant the look you want.
i think im gonna be putting my 21" wheel back on, jsut cause it gives the bike so much character, im gonna loose that bit of handling i want, but its a sacrifice i guess for that "look"
you can adjust this geometry by lowering the front end 1" - 1.5" to gain some of that change back.
but when doing so, you are going to shorten the stroke of your fork travel, resulting in a less desireable ride.
going a 19" wheel you probably wont gain that much height, im not sure the overall dimension of the 19" wheel tire combo, but i doubt its much more than the factory 18" wheel tire combo.
all this stuff is relative though, because what you might feel is a good/bad ride quality, handling willl differ from others.
for instance i cant stand the stock rear air shocks and needed something that jsut plain worked well in a canyon carving situation. where others feel the stock shocks to a great job.
some say that running the 21" front wheel doesnt change much in the handling area, i for one will say different. the steering is a tad heavier, not alot, but a little, with a 21" front the bike doenst turn in as quickly as with a 18" setup. i notice this alot in my case. i have ran both the 18" and a 21" but not a 19" wheel.
it was a big battle for me to either keep the 21" wheel on or go back to an 18"
no doubt about it a big wheel looks cool and thats just that.. a 21" wheel trumps the look of a 19" it just does. the thing you have to decide is will the slight change in handling/performance warrant the look you want.
i think im gonna be putting my 21" wheel back on, jsut cause it gives the bike so much character, im gonna loose that bit of handling i want, but its a sacrifice i guess for that "look"
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Royal Oak, MI
16 and 21 -
Pros : looks bad ***
Cons: slow speed handling changes, bike turns in quicker and you hold the bar back to keep it from dumping rather than pushing it forward to turn (if that makes sense)
16 and 21 -
Pros: looks better than 16 and 16 I guess
Cons: Looks stock, haven't ridden it so no handling comments
If you're gonna spend money on a new front wheel, why go w/ a stock looking 19?
Pros : looks bad ***
Cons: slow speed handling changes, bike turns in quicker and you hold the bar back to keep it from dumping rather than pushing it forward to turn (if that makes sense)
16 and 21 -
Pros: looks better than 16 and 16 I guess
Cons: Looks stock, haven't ridden it so no handling comments
If you're gonna spend money on a new front wheel, why go w/ a stock looking 19?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
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I have 21"/16" with progressive monotubes -2" in front, bike handles great, but I do want to change the rear shocks, OEM shocks are not the best IMO.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 1
From: new jersey
i'm most likely gonna be doing a wheel upgrade this winter and i'm about 99% set on going with a 19" front.... its basically the most bling you can put on the front of a bagger without having to mess with the geometry.
(just as an FYI the 19" set up wether you go 130/60/19 or 120/70/19 are almost identical to the stock wheel diameter)
although all the picture is see of bikes with 21s look good whever is see one in real life it just looks too big.... strangely enough i don't mind it on a Roadie, i think the big fairing balanced out the big wheel (p.s. sweet bike dbell )
my real problem is that i don't think i want an 18" rear...which is a probelm because that means that HD Agitators are out..and thats a shame cuz they are really pretty resonable compared to aftermarket wheels... and they are THE ONLY 19" wheel available that is 3.5" wide...all others are 3"
i'm leaning toward a 17" rear with a 200 tire... IMO the 18' makes the rear of the bike look higher...i don't know maybe its just me. i have aslo read a decent amount on some handling issues with the 18" 200 rear.... though some swear not....
(just as an FYI the 19" set up wether you go 130/60/19 or 120/70/19 are almost identical to the stock wheel diameter)
although all the picture is see of bikes with 21s look good whever is see one in real life it just looks too big.... strangely enough i don't mind it on a Roadie, i think the big fairing balanced out the big wheel (p.s. sweet bike dbell )
my real problem is that i don't think i want an 18" rear...which is a probelm because that means that HD Agitators are out..and thats a shame cuz they are really pretty resonable compared to aftermarket wheels... and they are THE ONLY 19" wheel available that is 3.5" wide...all others are 3"
i'm leaning toward a 17" rear with a 200 tire... IMO the 18' makes the rear of the bike look higher...i don't know maybe its just me. i have aslo read a decent amount on some handling issues with the 18" 200 rear.... though some swear not....
Last edited by mike1158; Sep 10, 2011 at 06:24 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
21/17, 21 looks much better. You'll get used to it in about 5 minutes. I ride just as fast or faster than ever. No loss of confidence in handling. Same for several friends. Lower the fornt 1" with drop in lowering kit from progressive and add intiminators front rides better than stock.