Howdy gang,

I've been toying with the idea of replacing my 19" cast front wheel on my 04 883XL with a 21" spoke wheel. Any thoughts on why I should consider not doing that? I want to for aesthetic reasons more than anything. I just like the look of a taller, narrower front wheel.

Thanks for your input.

 

From my experience, the 21" will give your poorer handling, especially if you ride the twisties or are an agressive rider.
The 21" also gave me about 1/3 the tire mileage, for me ~8,000 miles vs ~24,000 miles with a 19" wheel.

 

Do what you want but, that thing is going to track every imperfection it can find. No like tou cant undo it. Try it or go try an older custom. Will not be exactly the same but, you'll ge a good idea of what you will be in for.

i hated the narrow wheel/tire stuff on my wide glide, that narrow wheel is long gone. It will effect you braking too. Less contact patch. You can get slightly wider tires but, the issues will still be there.

 

Alright, thanks guys, you've convinced me not to swap it. I guess I'll throw my cash at something else hahaha

 

I agree with the previious posters, but if you are NOT an aggressive rider or ride the twisties, and just like to cruise around, going from 19" to 21" is okay. I commute almost daily and there is not much difference between my 19" cast and my 21" fat spoke....and yes, it is about getting that look you want without sacrificing ride quality or safety. Mind you, I can still ride the twisties pretty aggressively with 21", but don't do it very often.

 

Thanks HSCIC, your bike looks so killer.

 

My 51 framed shovel 16" rear and 21 front handles just as well as most others Dude go with what makes bike yours. Luck. Wild Bill

 

Thanks Wild Bill, I think I might try and get a used wheel to give it a try. I'm not an aggressive rider so maybe it'll work for me.

 

Never been a fan of 21 inch front wheels.

 

Other what? Comparing the handling of a 51 framed shovel to the handling of a lighter, nimble Sportster, is like comparing a passenger van to a sports car.