AB...curiious as to why you sometime wonder about staying with 16's? For me, it's all I ever had on my 06 Street Glide and on the Fatboy, so whole new experience for me. I kept remembering what a nice ride it was with the 16's, but I gotta say, they really aren't the best look for a nice bagger. I have also said that if I can't get it dialed in with either of the two setups I have now, I will powder coat the stock original mags in my garage gloss black and put em back on. Hell might even put the stock HD suspension back in it.

 

Yep. It all started with the need to lower the front end an inch to manage rake and trail issues. Could have just done the HD lowering kit, but lot's of folks said there were substantially better ways, and truth be told I still think they're right, just either a matter of it not being dialed in right for the 18/18 setup or I just plain think 21/18 is a better ride. Either way, I can't honestly say I really ever had any strong desire or felt a strong need to change front end suspension from the 08 HD setup. It was all about lowering it one inch.

 

Glider.............STEP AWAY FROM THE STOCK SUSPENSION!

 

I know you're right. I'm just frustrated cause I really did have it pretty dialed in before i started getting cute with the whole 18 vs 21 thing.

 

I would never go back to stock 16's or even 18x18 after riding with my current set up of 21x3.25 x 18x4.25 Progressive 1" lowering kit and Arnott air ride rear suspension.
The ride is far superior to stock and all the other 18x18 set ups I have riden. JMHO

 

Here's what we did:

Change-Replaced the Metzeler 120/70-21x3.5 with a Metzeler 140/70-18x3.5.
change-Added one inch back to the Race Tech with dual emulators that was removed to keep rake and trail in line with the 21/18 combo.
change-Softened the preload a hair for just a bit softer rider.
same-Used same fork oil as with the 21".
same-Rear tire remained the same at 150/70-18x4.25.

Did everything else stay the same?
Did you adjust the emulator?
Did you change the amount of oil?

Sounds like you narrowed it down to 3 changes but which one or does all 3 contribute to the firmness?

The easiest thing to do is throw the 21 back on with the current fork setup, ride it, and compare the ride?? This should solve the tire difference!

I read an article where a tuned rider can fell a 1/4 inch turn on the emulator. I'm not saying adjust anything because I am not experienced enough to know. Did you come to any conclusion?

 

I'm not changing my setup. Just saying that it is hard to find 18" tires on the road. Most don't carry the size I need. I've been keeping my eye on the Arnott setups too.

 

swap it back! post some pictures of the 18/18 set-up if you have them love to see the comparison just for looks.

 

I just received my .95 kg kit. Here is what was recommended to me for the 21" set up on a 08 FLHX. Lowered 1" of course.

Emulator 2 turns / 40 lb/in springs
Pre Load 1 inch
Oil Level 6" (152 mm)
Fork Oil 15W

I have no idea why 6" (152mm) vs the 6.3" (160mm) on the instructions. Again I have no experience with the settings. I need to get it right the first time!

G XXX
Why did you decide on 10W?
How much do you weigh?
Have you tried a setting higher than the 1.5 turns?
Do you think changing the preload requires adding spring tension to the emulator?

 

I sold my 06 sg with a 21"/18 combo and bought a new 08 sg that still has the 16" wheels. I can relate to what you said in regards to the raked feel.I also agree with the premis that it feels sluggish with the stock 16 in wheels. I almost hated my new bike because the ride was somuch more different than i was use to.I will eventually go back to the 21/18 combo when money permits.I have the harley 1 in lowering kit on both bikes. if i get the new wheels i may change to a progressive lowering kit in the front to lower the front more than the harley kit does.the only reservation i have is michigan roads suck so bad that i am worried about the pot holes denting my new wheels.