Changing RK to 21in front...
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13
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From: Davie, FL
Changing RK to 21in front...
I've got a few questions... Did you guys who have put a 21 up front change any components of the front suspension? I planon changing fenders but I didn't know if I should change spring rates or lengths.
Second question is does it change the ride of the bike at all? I have heard some people say the bike rides like crap after the change. I realize it will be a little bumpier... Thanks for any response!
Second question is does it change the ride of the bike at all? I have heard some people say the bike rides like crap after the change. I realize it will be a little bumpier... Thanks for any response!
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 488
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From: So. MD
What size is your stock wheel? My SG has an 18 up front stock, and from what I have been told going to a 21 on my bike, the wheel/ tire hight should be about the same so shouldn't make much of a difference.
It doesn't seem to be until you go to a 23+ that you have ride/ handling issues.
As far as changing components, I don't think there should be any difference as long as you are using the stock sized brake discs. On your bike you MAY have to slot the holes in the stock fender and raise it up a hair to make it fit witout rubbing the tire or heating up/ discoloring the paint when the tire is rolling and expands, but that's easy. If you are changing the front fender at the same time as you do the wheel that won't be an issue anyway.....
It doesn't seem to be until you go to a 23+ that you have ride/ handling issues.
As far as changing components, I don't think there should be any difference as long as you are using the stock sized brake discs. On your bike you MAY have to slot the holes in the stock fender and raise it up a hair to make it fit witout rubbing the tire or heating up/ discoloring the paint when the tire is rolling and expands, but that's easy. If you are changing the front fender at the same time as you do the wheel that won't be an issue anyway.....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
before you get into this, read some of the threads from the guys who are trying to make this work.
there is a sacrifice in ride quality hitched to this fashion trend.
if you look at bikes where the owner has drilled the fender holes and squahed the fender down as far as it'll go, you may notice that:
the disc has an arc
the rim has the same arc
the tire has the same arc
the fender does not.
to my eye this looks "unfinished" and once seen cannot be unseen
in correct fender mounting can result it the tire contacting the fender and burning the paint , wearing the tire and even loosening the fender ( depending on the quality of the work)
often a skinny tire is used inside a wide fender, again "unfinished".
I think Monday is 21" wheel thread day...
mike
there is a sacrifice in ride quality hitched to this fashion trend.
if you look at bikes where the owner has drilled the fender holes and squahed the fender down as far as it'll go, you may notice that:
the disc has an arc
the rim has the same arc
the tire has the same arc
the fender does not.
to my eye this looks "unfinished" and once seen cannot be unseen
in correct fender mounting can result it the tire contacting the fender and burning the paint , wearing the tire and even loosening the fender ( depending on the quality of the work)
often a skinny tire is used inside a wide fender, again "unfinished".
I think Monday is 21" wheel thread day...
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 26, 2012 at 04:11 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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That;s funny that you mention pushing the fender down. We always advise people to drill the rear two fender mounting holes and raising the fender about 3/8" to allow for clearance for the tire as it grows in height at highway speeds. Have tons of people mounted 21"'s on baggers and not drilled the fender? Yes. Have many people had an issue with the tire rubbing? No. But this is a recommendation as we have dealt with people who have had an issue. Yes it throws the arc on the fender out of balance a little bit. To the untrained eye, it is no big deal but on our shop bagger you bet we drilled the fender.
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