I want to put on a 21 up front, how do I keep the bike from looking like its going uphill all the time? I have been told that I have two options, a larger back wheel or drop the front 1". Are both of these options legit? Being as I have a 2017 I have been unable to find anyone who has stuff to drop the front. I'm a total noob to big wheels but I love the bigger front wheel. Any help would be appreciated.
Drop it an inch up front. I believe the only difference in the 16 vs 17 is the internals. So I assume the progressive mono tube kit that drops it an inch would be what I looked into.
Ive got a 16 RGS and I put a 21" front wheel on and I was also scared of the uphill look too but after I put it on it was not bad at all. Ive left it alone and no difference in the handling either, handles just like it did with the 19" wheel.
I would be more concerned with retaining the handling of the bike. Larger diameter front wheel changes the steering geometry. Looking cool should be secondary to a safe ride.
Another option since you have a special is to raise the rear an inch with longer travel shocks. It will ride better. I have an ultra so I left mine alone. On my streetglide I lowered the front 1" with a progressive drop in kit. It rode ok but was a little stiffer than I would have liked. As a bonus you won't drag hard parts as often in the corners.
You can use springs or go mono tubes, progressive has both for a 1-2" drop. On my 10 when I rebuilt the front I went back to regular length shocks and changed the triple tree, that lowered the front about an inch, it all handles the same IMHO. BTW on my 17 and 16 I have the springs from progressive, they both handle fine.
I've been running my 21" front and 17" rear combo since almost the day I bought my bike new! I also did the progressive monotubes to lower the front 1" (really it's more like an 1.5" drop) the front end doesn't brake dive anymore, much more stable with the monotubes! With lowering the front end you're bringing the bike back to nearly factory geometry/rake specs. I've put over 22K miles on this setup and still racking up miles daily! Go ahead and get your 21" front rim, order monotubes if they're avail for your 17, go with the monotubes self contained gas shock. You'll thank us all once you ride a bike with them!
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