Going to be getting a set of new wheels here shortly. 21 up front just cant decide if i want to go in the rear. I have read so many post about it. I know the overall size isnt that much diff. Either way the rear is going to be a matching one not stock rear. Is the load rating on the 18 that much lower. Im leaning towards the 16. Im not planning on lowering the front right away. Kinda wanna see if i get the lower rear end look. So what are you thoughts pros or cons

 

Metz 150 reinforced 882 load rating

 

i roll the 16 only because they are easier to find, for the rare instance you may need one on a road trip somewhere.

 

I've PM 18's and tire selection is limited. Run Metz 880's (made in Brazil) and are OK.
The Conti-Go is cheap Korean stuff - tried it. For the money I've been most satisified
with Avon Venom. To do over again - 16's with Dunlop E3's I think. Wheel selection
has a lot to do with it as I run mags. Just don't run sport bike load rated tires and go
to manufacture's site for pressures - different recommendations need to be used. IMHO.

 

The new Metzler 150 rear is readily available now and as stated above has a much better load rating than previously.

Let me know if you have any questions and I would be glad to help you out.

Thanks

 

Have Arnott air ride on my FLHT , 18 rubbed, 16 didnt..when shocks were deflated. Could have used 18 and had Arnott change stop but air ride was already installed.

 

Not only do I like the looks of the 16" better (more meaty look), but it should ride better with the higher sidewall. More cushion than a 18".
Jerry

 

My husband prefers the 18's over the 16's. He also has the reinforced Metz but is going to try the Avon 150/130 next tire change

His Metz are the older 140/130 18's

 

I’ve had a 19” 16” combo for 5 years . bike road great with legend front and rear suspension .

Switched to 21” 16” for a year and you can feel a slight stiffness in steering but you adjust to that after a few rides. . The ride comfort itself was still great

Switched to a 21” 18” after reading all these forums on this topic and got sucked into the same trap you are. Looks great . that’s where the positives end . i don’t enjoy the inch it raised the rear and the ride comfort is horrible . Going back to a 16” rear this week .

Stay with the 21/16 . People have been doing it for years and zero issues . anyone telling you the ride between the 16 and 18 rear tire are the same is either lying bc they don’t want to admit they made the same mistake or they don’t have enough experience riding on both setups .

 

The 18 with a low profile tire will ride harsher then the 16 inch rear wheel does. The 16s have a taller profile tire than the 18s do.