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[93-331-29psi]

I was going to post this in an existing thread but it was a few years old so I decided to start a new one.  Some back story....

I noticed that the chrome on the stock contrast cut agitators was starting to peel and since the front tire was worn out (29500 miles) and with a very limited selection of 19" front tires available I decided I'd change it up and go with a 21" front 17" rear combo and run a 200 tire.  What I didn't think about was the change in fairing angle, downforce, handling etc etc.  The weekend following the wheel swap I did a 500 mile day with a buddy and the bike handled far better than it did stock and I loved every mile.  I was running in solo configuration with no TourPak.  The day following this ride I decided to install the TourPak so I could carry my work computer back and forth and the ride was white knuckle to say the least.  The front end felt very light and I get that "grated bridge" sway at speeds above 65.  Immediately I started to think that it was the combo of radial/bias tires, but the bike run flawlessly for 500 miles so could this really be the cause?  I removed the TP and took another ride and it feels great again.

Soooo, I've determined that I need to lower the front end an inch to get the stock rake and mono tubes is my preferred method of accomplishing that.  I'd like to run them 2" lower but I'm not sure that'll be a favorable change with the fender being spaced 1" higher than stock.  I'm thinking that I'll probably make contact going that much lower.  I know 1" lower would be fine and give the look of a 2" drop (1" in the legs, and 1" in the fender) but I'm looking for some confirmation before I install the mono tubes.

Has anyone gone 2" lower with a 21 and stock fender setup? If so did you space your fender higher or just hog out the mounting holes?

[93-331-29psi]

Just to show what wheel I chose.

[SmokeyJoe]

Subbed

[93-331-29psi]

Anybody?  Have a pair of monotubes going in this weekend and wanted some good feedback.

[93-331-29psi]

Anybody?  Have a pair of monotubes going in this weekend and wanted some good feedback.

[hd-dude]

What rear shocks do you have? Have you tried adding preload to them to compensate for the added tour pack weight?

DO NOT lower the front 2" you will have a harsh ride and bottom out easily. You can go the 1" lower with the Monotubes and should be OK but you will give up some ground clearance so be careful cornering.

[93-331-29psi]

I'm running the stock hand adjustable shocks and they're set about mid half way. I don't put much more than an extra helmet and rain gear in the TP. It's almost like the TP acts as a wind sail if that makes sense.

Thanks for the confirmation on the monotubes.

[Badger Mike]

I'm in the process of putting a 21" on my bike.  How did this end up for you?

[93-331-29psi]

I'm in the process of putting a 21" on my bike.  How did this end up for you?

I ended up lowering the front only 1" to prevent the fender and crash bar from having an affair.  I like the end result and think you'll be happy with the results. 

[Badger Mike]

I'm looking at doing the same thing.  Not a stock fender so I'll see if the Klock Werks wrapper hits.

[dooinit2u]

I installed -1 monotube in front end of my SERG, cause I knew I was buying a 21" front. That combo rides great and looks good with a KW wrapper fender.

[Badger Mike]

Looks great