21/18 wheel tire setup
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: sc
21/18 wheel tire setup
ok i know everone has thier own opinion but im looking for info on what tire size / brand i can put on my 08 streetglide. currently running metzlers but wondering what everybody else is running so please post brand and size for 21 front 18 rear thanks
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
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We mostly sell the Metzler and Avons in those sizes. The Metzler tires would be the the ME880 and the Avon would be the Venom. Both come in the same sizes for your bike; 120/70-21 for the front and 150/70-18 for the rear.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 765
Likes: 11
From: North East Ohio
I was thinking of this setup myself. Did you have to do any modifications or is this a simple bolt on upgrade?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 4
From: Boca Raton, FL
didn't have to move the fender or anything
now I know SOME people have had to do that to prevent the tire from burning the fender from the inside, but I have not heard of any of them doing that with the Metz tires
I think some of the other tires may be a slightly taller tire in the middle of their tread pattern, or maybe it stretches slightly more at speed versus the Metz and thus touches just slightly on the underside of the front fender, but I have no trouble with the Metz
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
I have Metz on my SG with 21/17 combo. I was told by a very knowledgeable and experienced tech that the Metz are better with the 21 for the front fender. The Avon's apparently are higher in the middle tread area and would cause rubbing on the fender.
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The majority of our customers go with the Metzeler ME 880, but we also offer the Avon Cobra or Venom.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Any tire upgrade be it Metzeler or Avon will make a great difference in the handling of the motorcycle compared to the stock Dunlop tires. Both of these brands are more rounded and much stickier. The different shape of the tire will allow the bike to fall into corners much easier than with those stock tires. Some people are intent on getting the absolute best mileage out of their tires, I prefer to get a tire that handles like a dream and might get a few less miles as the tires are a major safety item on the bike and how well they stick to the ground can drastically affect my ride.
As far as raising the front fender, we always recommend it regardless of brand of tire as no one wants burned paint on their front fender. Whether it is completely necessary or not, preventative measures are always better than should have or could haves.
It literally takes 10 minutes to raise the front fender 3/8" by elongating the rear two mounting holes with a dremel.
If you have more questions related to tires or anything else with custom wheels please feel free to PM, email or call us here at the shop. We are always willing to help.
As far as raising the front fender, we always recommend it regardless of brand of tire as no one wants burned paint on their front fender. Whether it is completely necessary or not, preventative measures are always better than should have or could haves.
It literally takes 10 minutes to raise the front fender 3/8" by elongating the rear two mounting holes with a dremel.
If you have more questions related to tires or anything else with custom wheels please feel free to PM, email or call us here at the shop. We are always willing to help.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
I've always run Metezler on the front for reasons listed above. I've tried several brands on the rear but haven't found any that last over 7-8k. Currently running a Pirelli Night Dragon 150/70/18 but only have 3k on it. The Pirelli is wider thru the section than any other brand I've tried.