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21" Wheel upgrade to my Street Glide

19K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  Dave63  
#1 ·
With the bike being down for repair, I am thinking of a few upgrades. One of which is a 21" wheel.

I am no wheel expert, and I see a wide range of options from very inexpensive to whohoo expensive. What should I ask for in a wheel for a touring bike? Any manufacturers to stay away from? Any types to stay away from?

Also, does anyone have experience with the riding and performance differences from the 18 to a 21? I primarily do low speeds and cruising speeds, but do occasionally get it up there when testing..... haha

Also, if I change the front, should I have a matching in the back?

Jeez, I think I will not wind up on top of this. I see customizing options are endless.
 
#2 ·
Stay away from dna wheels, most people when they do the 21 lower the front about a inch. No real riding difference we do a ton of 21's.

Good companies have been p.m., and renegade, we have done a good amount of them with no issues.
 
#3 ·
Also do you have a street glide????? You can run the front fender as stock but you just have to slightly elongate the rear mount hole to tilt fender back a hair to give a good even clearence.
 
#12 ·
Harleys ABS works independent of one another. (Front to rear) If you run a 21 you have to use abs bearings. No reflash necessary that I'm aware of. The "exciter" is a magnet in the bearing. The wheel diameter is irrelevant as the wheel decel rate is monitored, not speed over distance compared to another wheel.

On a touring bike, it'll quicken the steering and make the bike feel more sensitive regarding handling. What it will do is allow the bike to track road imperfections easier over the 17" if you run 90/90 or a 100/90 and ride just a tad harsher over a 16" wheel but less notable from the OEM 17" tire.

You can always have Buchanons in California make you a 3" wide 21" wheel and run a 120-21 tire.
 
#14 ·
Honda and I want to say BMW run their ABS in conjunction with one another. Not sure what the benefits are/aren't for that, other than the ability to match speed and determine slip-ratio, just like your car does. The cost is also a factor.....