Trying to figure out what kind of answer you are looking for. I feel like Mike did a real good job of answering you. What does "rock solid feel" even mean? With big fancy wheels comes sacrifice. The bigger the wheel, the bigger the sacrifice. You have to decide how much sacrifice you are willing to make. Consider geometry, consider top heavy (as Mike said), consider how much more a 21" wheel weighs than a 18", consider load rating, consider suspension.

If you ride a lot, in many conditions, especially loaded up touring, you likely don't want a 21". If you ride around town, get a 23", who cares. I suspect you are in the middle though which is where the question is most difficult.

I'm not sure anyone can explain as you might be missing some mechanical understanding. Have you done searches? There are many threads about people who are going 21", did go 21', and even people who went 21" and went back to stock.

 

From what I'm reading, I'll be sticking with the Metzler or trying the Avon, the Dunlop has less of a load rating, and even though I haven't checked, I would think it probably cost a bit more being for HD. BTW I ride over 10k a year and have no problems with the 21" up front, I go everywhere any touring bike goes.........

 

According to my dealer, MSRP on the Harley tire is $185. As far as load rating - that is a good point. Does anybody know what the load rating on a factory 16" RKC tire is compared to the 21" 130?

 

The 2013 Street Glide has a 63H front tire load rating. The same as the Breakouts 130/60B21

Also found the part number. 43100008 MSRP $185.95

 

By rock solid I mean the ability to remove your hands from the handlbars @70 mph, I dont do this but could on my SG quite easily, as for my riding habits Ive put 15K on the SG in 14 months, I will take your advice and do a thread search on this............

 

Thanks for the info!!!

 

When you do your searches make sure you go advanced and only search the Touring section so you can weed out a lot of threads that won't be helpful.

 

I have the 130 70 21 on my 2001 Street Glide. Like most I love the way the bike handled with the stock set up. Can honestly say if you lower it 1", there is no difference between the two (18 or 21) that I could tell. After I had it done, went straight to 295 and took it up to 110 mph. Could not be happier. Bike handle's perfect.

 

did you mean to say the 130 60 21 ? the new Dunlop tire that is on the CVO Breakout ? or do you have a 130 70 21 tire made by another manufacturer?

oh... and did you mean to say 2010 SG..... cuz in 2001 ... ? ? ?

 

Load rating of 63 is only 600 lbs.

I'm not exactly sure of the weight bias front to rear but that's not much allowed for passengers and cargo on a full dresser.

For comparison of the popular Avon 120/70/21" has a load rating of 68 = 694 lbs.