When changing from your stock rims to the 21/18 set up, did it change the overall height of the bike? and did you lower the front end at all? if so hows the handling, does it ride like a rigid all hard and bumpy? I'm 5'9 with a 30' inseam, was thinking that i have to lower the front. Just didn't want the bike to ride like it has no front shocks.

 

The 21/18 setup will raise the front end a little over an inch. I have read here where most people lower the front with one of the front end lower kits (HD, Progressive, etc...) I do not have the answer to the rigidness of the front end when you install the lowering kit . I have a 21" front on its way and plan on riding it to determine the results.. The extra inch will definitely increase top heaviness but I don't think its extremely bad and unrideable. Surely the good folks that know here will answer your concerns.

 

absolutly it raises the bike, I went 18/21 on my 06, no more scraping the boards, personally I think it handles much better, I will however add the lowering kit to the front, 2 inches should do it.Mike

 

The Front end will raise very little and the Ride is NOT Rigid at all, if anything it is a Sportier (More Responsive) Ride. I have had the 21/18 Setup on two different Bikes (Road Glide and Heritage) and it is well worth the Upgrade of Wheels.

 

I never lowered my front end because the ride height didn't seem to change enough to do it. The handling is much better, a bit stiffer ride but nothing major.

 

well I have on order a set of PM Torque's 21/18, would you guys recommend lowering the front by an inch? since i'm a shorter rider. I sit flat footed on the bike (barley) now with the stock rims.

 

I have an 07Sg with 18/21 combo. I also have the Arnott air ride, and I tend to ride with it lowered a bit as I'm also short legged. The bike does ride and handle fine, but I am going to go with a lowering kit for the front,probably only an inch will make me happy. But I also want to put in an emulator kit, thinking Race-tec with different springs to help improve the action and handling some more.

All in all, you don't have to lower it. Try it out first, see how you like it, and make a decision then. That's what I did.

 

Some good info here. I just ordered the Race-Tech 1" front drop with emulators. I will be doing a 21/18 combo soon as well.

 

Anyone taken a minute to check the load rating on that 21" front tire?

 

If you have the ABS option, any change to either tire or rim will throw off the ABS brakes. They work off of the stock tire and rim size and I have not heard if you can even adjust the module to make them work correctly..