Need pros and cons please
Need pros and cons please
I'm looking to go to a bigger wheel on my 2012 Street Glide and my buddy is doing the same on his 2002 Road King. Can you guys help me out and tell me for the 21-23" wheels what are pros and cons as to Rake or no rake and any additional necessities that we aren't thinking of. Please advise.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 11
From: Colorado
I went with a 21" wheel. I wanted to keep it simple and budget friendly as possible, I didn't want to cut the neck and I wanted the bike to ride well. I think I accomplished that with the 21" wheel. I know a local shop that will complete the work for 5K. This includes the raking, the wheel/tires/rotors and new fender. This was for a 26" wheel package. I'm sure more people will chime in with their preferences. Good luck to you!!!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
23" needs trees but not a neck cut and weld in. It costs a little more as you will also need a new fender in addition to threes and the 23" rims are a little more expensive.
21" is a direct bolt on so no extra stuff is needed. I opted fora 21" on my bike for ease of simplicity and cost effectiveness but this varies by person.
A 23" looks a lot nicer than a 21" but a 21" with a wrapped fender does the job as well. Check out our picture gallery and you can see the differences. If you have specific questions please feel free to call or PM us here on the forums.
Bagger Gallery
21" is a direct bolt on so no extra stuff is needed. I opted fora 21" on my bike for ease of simplicity and cost effectiveness but this varies by person.
A 23" looks a lot nicer than a 21" but a 21" with a wrapped fender does the job as well. Check out our picture gallery and you can see the differences. If you have specific questions please feel free to call or PM us here on the forums.
Bagger Gallery
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
Not a fan of skinny tires on a bagger but have to ask, what kind of mileage do you get out of a 23 and can you ride the bike at 80 for long periods on the interstate? Or is a 23 just for show? It seems to me a big wheel is like having the riding capability of a chopper
If all is stock on your front end, stick with a 21, but it dose change the geometry of the
Bike and effect the handling.
Bike and effect the handling.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 153
From: Fayetteville, NC
I have a buddy with a 23...we rode to Canada a few months ago from NC---there were three of us. One RK with stock setup, me with 19 up front, and my buddy SG with 23. We averaged 75-80 over 4 or 5 days and I saw no ill effect of the 23. We were in the mountains FOREVER, we hit rain in Toronto, and my buddy was right there..no issues.
The three of us compared gas mileage over the entire trip and we were extremely close to each other. I do know he has raked his....all of my buddies with 21---just a simple install and no rake. If I ever upgrade--21 is it for me
The three of us compared gas mileage over the entire trip and we were extremely close to each other. I do know he has raked his....all of my buddies with 21---just a simple install and no rake. If I ever upgrade--21 is it for me
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