21" Wheel advice
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: NYC
I am glad to have found thins thread. I want to pull the trigger on a 21" front rim and leave the rear stock. I just bought new Metzlers ME888 for the rear. If Hogpro give a good deal on just the front rim, rotors and rubber I may pull the plug. I need to give them a call.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
A friend of mine purchased from Hogpro and was very satisfied. I bought my wheels for my streetglide from coastal moto and was very happy as well.
If ride height is not a big deal for you. I would keep it at the stock height and put 13" shocks on the rear. You will lose some of the slammed look but it will ride better and you will get a better lean angle when turning. That is not what I did. I ran 21/17 with a 200 rear tire on the SG (pics in my profile). Ran the Metz 880. Last tire I tried was the Michelin Commander on the rear. Didn't wear as well as I liked and was a tighter fit in the swingarm than the Metz. I dropped the front 1" using progressive drop in springs and ricor intiminators. I would describe the handling as good, ride as stiff almost harsh. Rode with the stock rear shocks for a while before going to Ohlins 3-3s. The rear rode so well after that it made the front feel even worse. Simple suggestion. Leave the front stock and pick up a set of ultra shocks on ebay. It will ride and handle just fine with the 21 front wheel.
If ride height is not a big deal for you. I would keep it at the stock height and put 13" shocks on the rear. You will lose some of the slammed look but it will ride better and you will get a better lean angle when turning. That is not what I did. I ran 21/17 with a 200 rear tire on the SG (pics in my profile). Ran the Metz 880. Last tire I tried was the Michelin Commander on the rear. Didn't wear as well as I liked and was a tighter fit in the swingarm than the Metz. I dropped the front 1" using progressive drop in springs and ricor intiminators. I would describe the handling as good, ride as stiff almost harsh. Rode with the stock rear shocks for a while before going to Ohlins 3-3s. The rear rode so well after that it made the front feel even worse. Simple suggestion. Leave the front stock and pick up a set of ultra shocks on ebay. It will ride and handle just fine with the 21 front wheel.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
I am glad to have found thins thread. I want to pull the trigger on a 21" front rim and leave the rear stock. I just bought new Metzlers ME888 for the rear. If Hogpro give a good deal on just the front rim, rotors and rubber I may pull the plug. I need to give them a call.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
The stock rear is a 16x5 with a 180/65/16 rear tire. All you need to know if keeping the stock rear is that the 21 will raise the front about 1.25" which is why most people tend to lower the front end 1".
There are people running the stock rear wheel size and the 21" front wheel. It will ride just fine. If you decide to do the he 1" drop... The progressive monotubes have some of the best reviews from people of any product I've seen for the newer Baggers. They are a little more $$ but they are worth it!
If you would like to talk to someone on the phone about all of this to explain it further, we are here as well. 888-926-2793
If you would like to talk to someone on the phone about all of this to explain it further, we are here as well. 888-926-2793
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 4
From: Boca Raton, FL
21/18 combo running Metz 888 and didn't lower a thing
everything fit without doing anything to the fender
the ride compared to my old 16in rim with balloon tires was incredible
the thing actually handles now, versus the total highway cruiser set up it came stock with
*********** IF you do not lower the front end back down, be prepard that the bike will be a little tougher to get off the kickstand, you will feel the height difference there, beyond that, you will just enjoy the ride
everything fit without doing anything to the fender
the ride compared to my old 16in rim with balloon tires was incredible
the thing actually handles now, versus the total highway cruiser set up it came stock with
*********** IF you do not lower the front end back down, be prepard that the bike will be a little tougher to get off the kickstand, you will feel the height difference there, beyond that, you will just enjoy the ride
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