What's the biggest wheel I can upgrade to without raking?

[BikerOptix]

I have an 05 Electra Glide and was considering putting on a different front wheel and I don't really wanna change the rake on it. I've heard that raking a bagger makes it ride different. I like the ride as it is now. What size can I go up to without raking it?

[1bdBagr]

a 21" is the sure bet, others may say u can use a 23" but they end up smacking the fender on the crash bar a lot cause u have to lower them a bit to even out the rake & trail.
Tim

[BikerOptix]

Love the beach bars you have on that bike. I'm thinking about putting some mini apes and a new front wheel (21) with a skinner tire. Ya know, for a winter project..Do they have extenders that allow the tire to travel without hitting the fender? Is the ride any different with a bigger wheel?

[aldean]

Yes...Tim has got it right....21" works great.

[1bdBagr]

I don't know of any extender or such that prevents fender from bottoming, I used to have a brake tee mounted under the bottom tree that chipped my paint on top of fender (when it bottomed). Since then i installed Progressive Monotubes and switched to a single sided front brake set-up that eliminated the tee and bottoming. Honestly the ride was the absolute best with a 18" front and 18" rear wheel tire combo but this is a great compromise between function and appearance. The monotubes really helped the handling and road feel. When you put on a 21" you need to lower it around 1.5" to 2" to bring the rake and trail back into line. The monotubes (the lowered kit) will let you do that and have a great ride. Hope this helps.
Bike now looks like this:


Saddlebags are still undergoing repairs where i wore thru my aluminum skid plates on the bottoms of the ext. bags...whoops.
Fairing is the same as Aldeans.
Tim

[WEINERDOGBONE]

I'm reasonably certain that 21" is max. I know of a couple 23" running around here that aren't raked but you can see the damage on the bottom of the fairing.

You could maybe do a 23" and really stiffen the front forks with springs to prevent bottoming out but, the ride would suck.

[aldean]

Tim.....your bikes looks sweet with those wheels and fairing! Very nicely done....

[1bdBagr]

thanks, I'm likely going to put it in the Easyrider's Show in Anaheim and the Grand National Roadster Show at Pomona for sh!ts & giggles...
Mutual admiration society...I dig yours too...lol
Tim