Why You SHOULD NOT put 21' wheels on your Harley!

In this episode, I share 6 reasons why you may not want to upgrade to a 21" front wheel.

Join this channel to get access to perks:

Channel Sponsors
Volunteer Audio - Premium Sound systems for your Harley Davidson
Wings Custom - Custom Handlebars and Accessories

Recommended Items You Can Order from Amazon

For You!

For Your Bike

Tools/Maintenance Supplies

Becoming A Better Rider

Aspiring YouTube Content Creators
*send an email if you have questions about any gear that I use*

Other Affiliate Links

Training courses that I have taken

2018 Road Glide Upgrades
Painted Inner Fairing: AdvanBlack
Audio System: Motorcycle Audio/Volunteer Audio
Seat: Custom Harley Hammock
Headlights: Custom Dynamics
14" Handlebars: Wings Custom Rhino
Heated Grips: HD Kahuna
Mufflers: TAB Performance w/Zombie Baffles
Battery: Advanblack Lithium
Rims - Coastal Moto 21/front 18"rear

2023 Road Glide CVO
Saddlebag Guards - Harley Davidson
Highway Pegs - Harley Davidson
12" Windscreen - Harley Davidson
King Tourpack: Harley Davidson

2023 Police Road King
Mufflers: Cobra Neighbor Haters

My Cars
1966 Ford Mustang Coupe
2012 Ford Mustang GT500

[jimmyesqueda]

I'm rolling a front 21 on stock suspension. Maybe it will hit me when I'm older but I don't mind the added "road feel". Ride safe ya'll!

[jonbusby]

I own a 2019 CVO road glide with 21”wheel, took it off put 18” front wheel, it handles sooo much better, added race tech suspension. I don’t feel every bump, and not as worried of pot holes. This video is accurate.

[KrakensGarageandAdventures]

All solid reasons to ponder if you want to make the switch. I appreciate you telling the truth about your experience.

[donnyirish]

I have run a 21" wheel for on every Harley and Victory I have owned over a 20 year span and have never had a problem with a 21 and actually found the ride to be better in most cases.

[harryhowell]

21 road glide limited here. 18 inch on both wheels. I'm happy with them I'm used to the standard 16 rear and 17 front. It handles well.

[bane]

Ive been running 21’s on all my bikes for quite some time. While everything youre saying is true, to each there own. All of these reasons can and many should be addressed when changing to this size wheel. IMO, the most important one being the front suspension internals and the ride height of the bike increasing when moving to a 21. Both of these can be addressed with an upgraded front suspension and thats what Ive done in every bike that has the 21 on it. I believe they ride better than stock in some ways and not as good in others. To each their own. Ride safe!

[perfth]

My RGS came with 19” and 18” wheels. I changed to a 21” 4 years ago and haven’t had any issues at all.

[skAhnaksA]

The speedometer is based off the diameter of the rear tire. You can put bigger rims on and still maintain the tire diameter. The front tire diameter could mess with abs but not speed.

[jonbusby]

I played your video again, you truly care about your audience. Good heart, I appreciate that a lot. Thank You again Cue.

[curtisck]

This video is spot on brother..was at the Harley dealership the other day and was told the same thing from other riders, I have a 2020 roadglide special with the chopped engine guard, if u get a 21 rim...when u hit a bump or pothole of any size..the middle of the fender will hit the center of the crash bar mount, especilly if u have the fang fairing installed like on the CVO, the only way it will work is to upgrade or change the front suspension....period.

[Gcollie]

Interesting take mate. I'm running a 23" low profile on my Road King but I went into it knowing that I needed rake, suspension, fluid upgrades and changes. As for the tires, holy crap, glad you're okay mate! That would have dumped more than the brakes for me!

[gregkilleen]

I put the fat front tire on mine and I love it!! a little heavier going into curves but no noticeable difference for me at slow speeds BUT I've never been on anything thats as stable riding down the highway at 80

[breadgarlichouse]

21" front wheel all the way for that classic chopper look

[DeterminedVeteran]

I’ve done the big wheel bagger in previous builds and will happily stick w the stock FW great video keep up the grind

[pbslab]

I live in a state with some of the most horrible condition and potholed roads as rated by Truckers, and a fat 130/90/16(at least!) is the only way to go! I had a friend who went over a storm drain grate with a broken slat and his 100/90/21 dropped in that extra-wide 'slot' and stopped his bike dead, putting him over the bars. I see lots of bent rims from riders who run low-profile tires too!

And 21's are downright scary on rain-grooved roads or steel-grate bridges! 🥺

FWIW: If ya run laced (spokes) wheels and tubes, PJ1's Balance Plus works great! Originally designed for dirt bikes, it's work great in all my spoked rims/tires for over 30yrs.

[HDVIBE]

Thanks for sharing this perspective. Ive never considered changing stock wheels but obviously there are some points to think about before making such a change. Ride safe and enjoy. 👊✌️👍

[goagin]

Double catastrophic blowout, rims outta round and no get off. Serious riding skills

[ericvflh]

I'm towering at a whopping 5' 8" so I think I'll stick with the stock wheel height. I do like the look of the 21" wheel filling in the fender but again, I like the way my RG handles as stock.
Thanks for the honest info in this video.

[garyd]

I put wheels on my Heritage and I was told by several Dealers not to go to a 21 because of the same reasons you mentioned plus it could throw off the ecm, So I went from 16's to 18's and it was fine, the bike now takes the same tire as the road king and I think it handles a bit better

[ramie-uzxi]

Quite amazing the way fads come and go on Harleys. Way back in the day up today . Twisted chrome . Sissy bars, different pipes over the years . Seats, the old baggers gave way to the choppers, fat wheels . Tall wheels . Back to the street glides, to slammed baggers, big ass stereos, never got into the fads, still riding my 05 low rider almost 20 years later .
I’ve noticed though … Bro hasn’t put the OEM stuff back on it . Looks cool AF