I know a lot of people are running the 21" wheel on the fron of some touring models. Do they handle any different from the 16" wheel? How about wheel options; Are there many manufacturers that offer a conversion for the touring bikes? (I know Performance Machine does, but kind of $$$$).

Are you running the skinny or fatter (3.0?) wide tire?

What about rear tire size, can you run a 160 or 180 in the rear?

 

www.Hogpro.com They are the pros!

 

21" will not handle as crisp as your 16".....
a lot of bikes go from 21" to the 16"..............
FWIW.............BC

 

How does that work? There is far less sidewall to flex on a 21 tire, and they are stiffer. There will be a decrease in braking, due to the increased rotational mass, but handling should be much quicker with a 21" wheel.

 

21" takes longer to go around than a smaller size tire...I'm not a engineer..however it's dynamics.....
I've had both....21" on a soft-tail custom..changed to a 16".....first time out thru a turn almost went on my nose....they turn much faster with a smaller diameter......
BC

 

Denispetit,

I am running a 21 x 3.25" in the front and for the rear Hogpro recommended a 150 (Metzlers at both ends).

 

Thats bs. He had the narrow 90/21 tire. The 120/70 21 tire is made for the baggers. I ride for a living and I'm very particular about the handling of my bikes. My bike rides and handles great. I have the PMs, but like BountyHunter said, HogPro has a nice setup at a nice price. I went with a 150/70-18 out back. What ever you do, use matching RADIAL tires for optimal handling/ride. ZOOK

 

One would think H-D would put on the best size for the geometry of the particular bike. All that being said, I did change my front wheel on a DT-250 to a taller size because the newer model came standard with one already on. In that case though I think it was to achieve greater control (not as quick response time) in enduro racing.

Is the change to taller front wheel on a touring bike for a custom look (like on the H-D F-150 truck) or for handling?

 

The 21 in the front handle much better than the 16. Hands down.

 

There it is in a nutshell!!Matching radials is a must!!Stay away from the ME160/70v-18 on the back,150/70-18 is the match for the front 120/70-21.Just ask the guys at hogpro,they will set you up straight with or without there brand of wheels!I ordered my PM's through them,and they were the ones who warned me about that bias ply 160 for the rear.Metzeler just came out with the 150 about a month ago i believe and i haven't had any side drift or speed wobbles.