thoughts about 21 inch wheels

[Neano62]

change ur triple trees, and bolt on a 23!
21 is bout standard now, and if you have the dredded 'Wobble' from ur stock confriguation changing ur triple trees will fix it permanent.
I replaced my triple tree bottom plate and bearings last winter. Bearings were rusted and my mechaninc COULD NOT get the bottom triple tree (stock set up) apart! Hes a H.D. Certified Wrench for 25 years!!! hHe said he NEVER saw a triple tree like that b/4.
21? yeah-Cool. 23? go that rte.
just my .02 $

[HogPro]

I answer this question numerous times daily for customers. I think it is very subjective as we are all different but I will always go at least 21" and never look back. The 18" will have a tad bit more stability but at the same time the looks of the 21" is so much nicer. We usually do a 120 tire on the front which will allow the biek to fall into corners that much easier as opposed to the 130 that is the stock width, however Harley has come out with a 130/60/18 front tire as well if you want the wider with.

Let's think about it this way. If you ride daily you will adapt very quickly. If you only ride once a month or however often it will take a little bit longer to get used to the wheel. The larger rolling mass of the 21" wheel will steer a tad bit slower but it is really only noticeable at parking lot speeds. For me the 21" is the3 minimum size. Let's make these sharks shine!

[Flexin]

For those with 21" or 19" in the front, what are you putting on the back?

[laxinharley]

Originally Posted by Flexin

For those with 21" or 19" in the front, what are you putting on the back?

I kept mine stock and rides great. I am hoping to do extended bags so you won't see the back stock rim anyways.

[HogPro]

Most people that have newer baggers (09 and newer) that I deal with get a 17x6.25 for the rear with a 200/50/17 Metzeler ME880. With this combo the rear of your bike will be at the same height as stock if you run a 16x5 with a stock tire and the wheel is a little bit wider and 1" larger in diameter. The other option is an 18x5.5 with a 180/55/18 which will put the rear of your bike about 3/4" higher than the stock wheel.

For aftermarket wheels the rear options for newer baggers are 16x5.5 if you want to continue to run your stock tire, 17x6.25 or 18x5.5. With a 19x3 the wheel is a little bit narrower and the tire is a 120 vs the stock 130 on your 18x3.5 With a 21 you can get the new Harley 130/60/21 or a 120/70/21 which is 10mm narrower or about .37 or an inch. Most people opt for the 120 Metzler which has a load rating of 68 which is great for baggers.

The 130 Dunlop is usually bought by people only doing their front wheel and retaining the stock dunlop on the rear.

[Peppa1]

When I wear out my 120/70/21 Metzeller on the front I'm going back with the new Dunlop 130/60/21 likes on the new CVO Softail. I like the fatter look.

[bdrob]

I just switched out from stock to a 21. I can tell you it does change the ride. At speed it's not bad at all, infact maybe better. Kinda a stiffer feel. But parking lot speed and manuverabity is not as well as with stock. I'm still happy with the change.

[tomerza]

Change triple trees to what for a 21"? What about a steering damper?

[Flexin]

Just got my Renegade Whistler Phantom Cut wheels in, I'm not even posting a picture, it will not do them justice. They look like jewels. Can't wait to get them on my scoot. I know none of this stuff is cheap, but they are beautiful.

[reficul]

Check out my album. I have southern wheels, a 21" octane cross cut. Progressive 1" lower Mono tubes, bike rides and handles like a dream!