I have a 10 model Road Glide Custom. I am thinking about putting on a set of chrome wheels. 21" on the front and an 18" on the rear. Right now my bike rides and handles really well so I don't want to screw with that too much. Does the 21" front wheel make the bike handle worse than stock or ride rough?

Thanks for any advice!

 

I'm with ya...I'm wondering the same thing. Been hesitant to pull the trigger on a set of wheels because of it...

 

Technically speaking, because of the shorter sidewalls on the tires, it should ride a hair stiffer. But cmon, your riding touring bikes. In my experience, the only thing I really noticed being stiffer is when I lowered the front and back (to compensate for the taller tires). As for handling, I havent noticed any difference. If it wasn't lowered (just had the taller wheel/tire combo) then you could probably lean it over in the turns a bit more. Just my $.02

 

floater33, I think he's hinting at the fact that he understands that the 21" tire/wheel combo will throw the frame geometry and center of gravity out far enough to affect the handling designed into his chassis. He, like a lot of guys, wants to know what all is involved in getting back to the stock geometry for a safe handling ride.

From what I have picked up on this subject, is that you will need to lower the front to get back close to your factory rake/CG geometry. I need some more info on it myself before I go big. good luck, and good thread.

 

Oh I see. Well, on my personal bike, I havent really noticed any differences your talking about either, seems to ride the exact same. I get a slight wobble at high speed, long sweeping turns. But it did that with stock tires too.