21 in wheel concerns...
#11
03-08-2012 | 03:04 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 34
From: ST. Louis
Here's a thread about my 25,000 miles on a 21" front rim and yes I went back to an 18".
Look throught it, I answered a lot of comments.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...is-enough.html
My new bike came with a 19" front rim and it took about a week to get use to it and now I don't even notice it.
The 21" I never did get use to it at slow speeds or on crappy roads.
Look throught it, I answered a lot of comments.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...is-enough.html
My new bike came with a 19" front rim and it took about a week to get use to it and now I don't even notice it.
The 21" I never did get use to it at slow speeds or on crappy roads.
#12
03-08-2012 | 03:20 PM
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 48
Hey Hogpro... do the people that complained run a 120 or 130 front tire? I honestly would prefer the 130 but i can promise it would rub no doubt about it. I did the 120 Metz and have no issue at all. May have a little to do with tire manufacturer as well. Avons seem to sit up a little more than Metz, etc. But who knows 
.
My front end is lowered over 2 inches. I didn't make any mods to the fender. Straight up change. No issues at all. I was somewhat worried about the ride, especially going to the 120 (wanted it to still feel like the couch it is. Always rode much faster, clamshelled sitting bikes and didn't want that feel due to back and neck issues). I am running a stock size rear end instead of the 17 or 18. Wanted to keep the feel of the rear. I have no issues with the ride at all. Still good in slow turns, fast turns, tight tuns, straight down the road, etc. Not harsh at all. floats in the front a tad bit more than it use to but i attribute that to the 120 tire. I don't see any problems at all honestly and the ride is right on par with what it was stock.
I have sat on bikes that didn't lower the front end after changing to a 21 and the center of gravity is off. A lot heavier to pick up off the stand. Things of that sort. Didn't ride it though.
. My front end is lowered over 2 inches. I didn't make any mods to the fender. Straight up change. No issues at all. I was somewhat worried about the ride, especially going to the 120 (wanted it to still feel like the couch it is. Always rode much faster, clamshelled sitting bikes and didn't want that feel due to back and neck issues). I am running a stock size rear end instead of the 17 or 18. Wanted to keep the feel of the rear. I have no issues with the ride at all. Still good in slow turns, fast turns, tight tuns, straight down the road, etc. Not harsh at all. floats in the front a tad bit more than it use to but i attribute that to the 120 tire. I don't see any problems at all honestly and the ride is right on par with what it was stock.
I have sat on bikes that didn't lower the front end after changing to a 21 and the center of gravity is off. A lot heavier to pick up off the stand. Things of that sort. Didn't ride it though.
It varies. The small percentage of people that run into this issue could have easily avoided it if they took a few simple steps. It is much better to inform people of a possible issue prior to installing a tire than to have them calling you asking why this happened. I just want people to have all the pertinent information and far too often this information is not shared regardless of how often the issue occurs, it has occurred in the past.
#13
03-08-2012 | 04:12 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 5
From: near Paris, France
#15
03-08-2012 | 04:57 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,120
Likes: 328
Zach
#16
03-08-2012 | 05:11 PM
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Wise, Va
I did not lower mine I like the little additional lean angle it gave me. I did not raise my stock fender but it did rub the back of the fender. So I would definately raise the fender. When I mounted my wrap fender I taped a section of 3/8" Fuel Line to the tire so I would know I had enough clearence between the tire and fender.
#18
03-08-2012 | 06:06 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I'm happy with my 21". I did drill the rear bolt holes to 3/8" and tilt the fender. I have no clearance issues. I lowered the front 1" to get it back to the original ride height. I used progressive drop in lowering kit and added Ricor Intiminators. I'm running a 17x200 in the rear. The front end will feel heavy to you at slow speeds. Now I don't even notice it. I like the look and haven't experienced any negative handling issues.
#19
03-08-2012 | 07:58 PM
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 817
Likes: 3
From: Memphis. Tn
I'm happy with my 21". I did drill the rear bolt holes to 3/8" and tilt the fender. I have no clearance issues. I lowered the front 1" to get it back to the original ride height. I used progressive drop in lowering kit and added Ricor Intiminators. I'm running a 17x200 in the rear. The front end will feel heavy to you at slow speeds. Now I don't even notice it. I like the look and haven't experienced any negative handling issues.
All the blah blah blah I read about the 21 and its handling woes ectI'm very satisfied with mine, keep the tire preeure up and you won't notice the difference
#20
03-08-2012 | 08:03 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 120
From: Southern WV