Need some advice
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 8
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From: New York
Need some advice
Hello All,
I am new to this forum and need some help. I have a 2012 Street Glide. I am changing the front tire to a 21 x 3.50. People have told me to stay with the stock size rim in the rear and some have said to go to a 18x5.5. Can someone please tell me the difference besides the 2 inches from the 16 to the 18..... Some people say the bike will handle differently and some say the ride will be rougher if I go up to a 18. People say the 16 will be smother and handle the same as stock. I am more of a bar hopper rider and don't usually do more than 100 to 150 miles in a day. Any help or input would be appreciated. thanks......
Charles
1SIKSG12
I am new to this forum and need some help. I have a 2012 Street Glide. I am changing the front tire to a 21 x 3.50. People have told me to stay with the stock size rim in the rear and some have said to go to a 18x5.5. Can someone please tell me the difference besides the 2 inches from the 16 to the 18..... Some people say the bike will handle differently and some say the ride will be rougher if I go up to a 18. People say the 16 will be smother and handle the same as stock. I am more of a bar hopper rider and don't usually do more than 100 to 150 miles in a day. Any help or input would be appreciated. thanks......
Charles
1SIKSG12
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Go bigger...23 with fender I have 14 with a 19 stock and buddy has 21 it isn't impressive anymore! You are screwing up the ride height either way the bike will need to be adjusted unless you want front really high in air. Bike won't handle great like intended. I rode his and it's worse...he has bigger rear and it still handles worse if your not planning on pushing bike get a big wheel and make it pop...IMO
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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The 18 will be a better match, but the way you ride, the cost may not be worth the difference. Low speed is where you will notice it most, some say they don't notice it after a few miles with the new setup.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Santa Cruz
It really depends on the tire. As a rule, The lower the sidewall the rougher it will ride. Tire diameters can be very close between 16 and 18 so that could be a wash depending on tire. With the bigger diameter front handling will be slower turning but more stable in a straight line. I'm going with a 21"/17" combo. Wheels are really more about the look than the ride.
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From: Western South Dakota
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 21
From: Delaware
I run a 21/16 and have no problems whatsoever other than I needed a kickstand modification to make it lean less.
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