Hi- I'm thinking of going to a 21" front wheel on my Ultra! I like the look of the chrome 40 spoke wheel, and the chrome would be easier to keep clean then the smaller less visible oem 16". I heard that the handling is a little different, like its a little squirmy? Have any of you witnessed this? Thanks in advance- Chas
I put a 21" on my 01 road king. No handling issues arc at. Actually felt great. Having a new tire could be part of that, but the tire that came off wasn't old or worn out, not even close.
The only downside that "might" arise is if your bike has ABS brakes. If the 21" tire selected is larger and wider than a traditional HD sized 21" tire, you may throw off the ABS bearing sensor. If sticking with an 80/90 or 90/90 21 tire you should be fine if ABS is on your bike.
Please tell me that you intend to fit a 130/60 x 21" or similar size tyre!
80/90 x 21 or 90/90 x 21 on an Ultra is asking for trouble. They have a load rating of 54 = 467lb.
The 130/90 x 16 you currently have has a load rating of 820lb or more.
Most quality aftermarket 21" wheels will have an ABS compatible bearing, have installed countless 21" wheels and no complaints about handling. Performance Machine is my favorite although they are pricey. Forged over cast is important.
Stay away from Chinese imports.
I put over 50k miles on my 07 Road Glide with a 120/70/21 on the front. I lowered the front 1" to accommodate the taller tire. The bike rode really well like that. That bike did not have ABS, so no experience there.
Zach
Actually that 120/70 would work for the ABS using OEM ABS wheel bearings. It's within 10% of the diameter of the OEM 16" tire.
Yes PC its a 130