Topic: 21" front rim performance (Read 7775 times)

Babkis · « **on:** October 08, 2008, 05:22:35 PM »

Some of you guys already went with the flow, and are riding on 21" front rims. Could you spare a moment and let us know how did it change the ride characteristics. Could you mention what ruber you have on them.
Thanx
I am thinking of putting these babies on: http://www.renegadewheels.com/Wheel_Page_2008/MP_Cheyenne/MP_Cheyenne.htm
What do you think?

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2008, 08:52:01 PM »

The rim in your link is very un-CVO. I don't care for it, but it's your bike.

BIGDOG · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2008, 08:57:02 PM »

I put 18s on and saw no deference in handling I would think 21s would be about the same. Just my openion but those wheels don't seem to fit the style of your bike unless you do a lot of other changes.

MikeD · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2008, 09:15:04 PM »

Quote from: Babkis on October 08, 2008, 05:22:35 PM

Some of you guys already went with the flow, and are riding on 21" front rims. Could you spare a moment and let us know how did it change the ride characteristics. Could you mention what ruber you have on them.
Thanx
I am thinking of putting these babies on: http://www.renegadewheels.com/Wheel_Page_2008/MP_Cheyenne/MP_Cheyenne.htm
What do you think?

I went to the 21" for my SEEG, it was another reason why I bought a SERG with an 18". The 21" looks great on the bike, it handles good, and makes the front end feel lighter. However, my suspension after that was rough. Not to mention, I ride mine in the Georgia Mtns and sometimes Tennessee Mtns two up. You have a 6 or 700 lbs bike with a 21" on the front, the reduced contact patch played with my head. I wouldn't take corners as hard. Now, I go pushing the bike, a lot faster than the SEEG. I would recommend a 18", the bike is set up for the 18" and not to mention the fender is already slammed on the front tire, you would have to modify it to accommodate the 21". I'm not going to knock the style of rim you chose, I like it, would I do it, no. But I'm done with large mods like that on bikes. Thats why I went back to a CVO, it's got everything, and I love the SERG the way it came to me, except for the exhaust. Oh yea and the windshield, speakers, I'm sure they'll be more later.

Here's a pic of my old SEEG. I had a Renegade South Beach front and rear with Metzlers and matching rotors.

sleepybare · « **Reply #4 on:** October 09, 2008, 07:41:35 PM »

There is some issue with load capacity of a 21 inch tire on a bagger due to the weight of the fairing and electronics stuffed into the front end. There are additional issues with side force and breaking due to the limited contact patch of the smaller tire. Additionally most tire makers will not provide or honor any warranty for 21 inch tires when used on a bagger for this reason. there are numerous articles by Metzler concerning this issue as this is becoming a much more popular swap for aesthetic reasons. You may want to contact them for their input prior to making the change....

glideowner · « **Reply #5 on:** October 11, 2008, 09:07:46 AM »

I would say that if there is a contact patch issue you would have to go with the best traction tire out there which is probably the avon's. may not get the mileage out of them like the metzler, but the traction is definately there. I love the metzlers on my fatboy and they hold up well. When I ran avon's whick looked awesome,and handled great I was going through them on th rear. The new roadglide has 21"wheel on the front and I love it. Throw it around like a dirtbike with the 200 MM on the back,but after reading this I fear the mental thing may come in to play

Hope not. never posed a problem before. 21's sure do look cock though.

glideowner · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2008, 09:11:18 AM »

Quote from: glideowner on October 11, 2008, 09:07:46 AM

I would say that if there is a contact patch issue you would have to go with the best traction tire out there which is probably the avon's. may not get the mileage out of them like the metzler, but the traction is definately there. I love the metzlers on my fatboy and they hold up well. When I ran avon's whick looked awesome,and handled great I was going through them on th rear. The new roadglide has 21"wheel on the front and I love it. Throw it around like a dirtbike with the 200 MM on the back,but after reading this I fear the mental thing may come in to play Hope not. never posed a problem before. 21's sure do look cock though.

And I have to add many people are taking off the right side caliper,and rotor for a wide open look. I would have to stay with the braking power on this one.

Rooster452 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 12, 2008, 10:48:06 PM »

Went with Covington Custom Wheels when the stock wheel chrome crapped out. The 21" is more responsive and feels better. I also went with the Traxxion cartridges, True Track, & Legends Air shocks. Very happy with results.

sadunbar · « **Reply #8 on:** October 12, 2008, 11:05:07 PM »

Quote from: Rooster452 on October 12, 2008, 10:48:06 PM

Went with Covington Custom Wheels when the stock wheel chrome crapped out. The 21" is more responsive and feels better. I also went with the Traxxion cartridges, True Track, & Legends Air shocks. Very happy with results.

You've made some great choices!

Your bike looks fantastic!

Hoist! · « **Reply #9 on:** October 12, 2008, 11:20:35 PM »

Quote from: Rooster452 on October 12, 2008, 10:48:06 PM

Went with Covington Custom Wheels when the stock wheel chrome crapped out. The 21" is more responsive and feels better. I also went with the Traxxion cartridges, True Track, & Legends Air shocks. Very happy with results.

Maxine sure looks sexy Rooster! Really great job! Beautiful bike man!!!

Hoist!

Rooster452 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 13, 2008, 10:36:59 AM »

Many thanks to you guys for your input. I've learned a lot. Just waiting for the stretched bags, tour pak, and dead center fairing coming from Gene & Pam and will post more pictures when she's got more clothes on!

Rooster452 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 13, 2008, 09:52:50 PM »

This was a rear shot of the dry run just setting the bags and fairing on her......
Not quit done yet but will do more pictures when she's done!

MikeD · « **Reply #12 on:** October 15, 2008, 07:37:03 PM »

Quote from: Rooster452 on October 13, 2008, 09:52:50 PM

This was a rear shot of the dry run just setting the bags and fairing on her......
Not quit done yet but will do more pictures when she's done!

Let me know how the bottom of the bags do on the corners, my buddy f-ed his up last weekend on a ride.

Rooster452 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 15, 2008, 11:09:07 PM »

That's why I switched to Legends to pump up the rear for clearence....... Just trying to think ahead

MikeD · « **Reply #14 on:** October 16, 2008, 07:09:14 AM »

Quote from: Rooster452 on October 15, 2008, 11:09:07 PM

That's why I switched to Legends to pump up the rear for clearence....... Just trying to think ahead

Good thinking Rooster! Attack the problem before it happens!

04screamin · « **Reply #15 on:** October 16, 2008, 10:08:48 PM »

I think the bike handles better with 21, I have over 10k miles with a 21 up front. I ride 2up often, no problems!!!

Rooster452 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 16, 2008, 11:16:46 PM »

Nice ride! What brand of wheels are those?

04screamin · « **Reply #17 on:** October 17, 2008, 09:02:11 AM »

Performance Machine "Hooligan"

MikeD · « **Reply #18 on:** October 17, 2008, 04:18:54 PM »

Quote from: 04screamin on October 16, 2008, 10:08:48 PM

I think the bike handles better with 21, I have over 10k miles with a 21 up front. I ride 2up often, no problems!!!

That a good lookin bike! You've done well. Your close to me, there have been some talk of us ATL CVO's hooking up for a burger at the Vortex one night, interested?

04screamin · « **Reply #19 on:** October 19, 2008, 08:27:51 PM »

Thank you!! Let me know what night, and I will be there!! Thanks for the invite.

911Hawk · « **Reply #20 on:** October 27, 2008, 07:32:16 PM »

Don't forget we have ABS and that is a whole new issue.

Lo Lo · « **Reply #21 on:** November 09, 2008, 01:11:43 PM »

I just finished putting a 21" RC Components wheel on my 2008 SERK with no issues except I had to use some stock Harley Rotors for now since I have the ABS. Not sure if I can get a matching rotor for that wheel that is compatible with my ABS. I will check sometime. The bike handles better too. The front end turns easier.

JR · « **Reply #22 on:** November 09, 2008, 07:40:38 PM »

Looks good, a chrome neck cover would look nice in this picture.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #23 on:** November 09, 2008, 07:45:32 PM »

Quote from: Lo Lo on November 09, 2008, 01:11:43 PM

I just finished putting a 21" RC Components wheel on my 2008 SERK with no issues except I had to use some stock Harley Rotors for now since I have the ABS. Not sure if I can get a matching rotor for that wheel that is compatible with my ABS. I will check sometime. The bike handles better too. The front end turns easier.

ABS input doesn't come from the rotors. Should be able to use any rotor that fits.

Rooster452 · « **Reply #24 on:** November 09, 2008, 11:24:02 PM »

Quote from: Lo Lo on November 09, 2008, 01:11:43 PM

I just finished putting a 21" RC Components wheel on my 2008 SERK with no issues except I had to use some stock Harley Rotors for now since I have the ABS. Not sure if I can get a matching rotor for that wheel that is compatible with my ABS. I will check sometime. The bike handles better too. The front end turns easier.

JR nice ride! Great job!

Puzzled · « **Reply #25 on:** November 10, 2008, 08:34:56 AM »

The 21" adds height to the front end (2.8"overall / 2 = 1.4" taller). So if your vertically challenged already you will have to either lower the front end or reconsider your choice.

The ride as stated already is just a tad harsher than with a 18" or 16". It stands to reason as your loosing side wall.

The contact patch, there isn't a great difference from the 120 to the stock 130. Yes it is a mind thing for sure.

Having run the 18" and the 21" the 18" IMO is a better ride and gives the feel of a more planted front end. With that said there is such a little difference once you get use to the 21" I wouldn't let that be a determining factor.

The load rating as previously noted is correct. RC Components has stopped using Metzeler's on their 21" wheels and has went to the Avon's. Avon supposedly has no issues with their 21" on a Bagger. I thought I saw another wide 21" tire the other day from, Dunlop maybe.

If I were starting with no wheels I'd consider a 19", I wouldn't change from a 18" to a 19" but I would go from a 16" to a 19".

The 21" is just plain good looking!

I would have went 23" if it would have fit without the crash bar removal, I use it and can't afford to give it up.

18"

21" chrome

21" black

MikeD · « **Reply #26 on:** November 18, 2008, 07:10:16 PM »

Here's one for you, 21" front wheel with one rotor up front on a bagger. Thoughts? Better make a new topic, people may read it then!

Author Topic: 21" front rim performance (Read 7775 times)

MikeD

MikeD

MikeD

MikeD

MikeD