I say lower the front. Without the lowered front I felt like I was riding a kids bigwheel. The ride is soooo much better now!

 

I have been struggling with this decision myself. I myself was wondering how the ride is and how hard are the front springs to install?

 

It's not a simple job, but you would not regret having it done. I can't swear to it but I'm betting the only ones who tout the appeal of a non-lowered 21" Bagger are those who haven't ever ridden one that is lowered. I've ridden them both ways and it's not to say the bike rides bad without lowering but it is no way the kind of ride the majority want out of their bagger.

 

Can you explain this fender mod to clear the 21" front wheel? I am going to put a 21" on the front of my 09 glide.

 

Opening up the rear mounting hole spacers with a 1/2 drill so it can be "lifted" a bit. I just removed mine and tacked in some off center.

I heard that the fenders eventually drop and rub when just drilled?

I thought my clearance was ok until I heard a noise in the fall, added noise to the "to do" list. When I took apart the front end thinking the fork leg blew out the noise turned out to be the fender rubbing.

Lowered 1" in the front feels better IMO gives a nice level stance.

 

Drilled my rear mounting holes with a 3/8 drill bit and tilted it up upon tightening them up. Taped a 3/8 nut to the tire and gave it a spin, go to a Meztler tire rumor has it they don't expand at speed. I've had my 21" DNA on since Christmas. Front is lowered 2" maybe I'll bring it up when I get my forks serviced for oil change.