Dude!!!!!!!! that is a nice looking SG.The rims/set up look hot!!!!!!!!:woohoo:Ken..well it's not really a change back, since the wheels/tires prior were stock 16's. I wrestled with which size wheel to go with a lot before buying and in the end the look of the 21" won out. I would never say it's a bad ride. In fact, if you lower the front end an inch or so to get the bike back in balance, it will handle very well, and the ride can be very nice. That said, the ride itself isn't as nice as the stock 16's for me pure and simple. With the 21's it's a different feel for sure and again, not a bad one, but for me I'm going to 18's for primarily two reasons; I want better handling and ride than stock not as good or a little worse, (not sure I'll get as good of a pliant ride with the 18's but it's the next step in any event) and two, while I really do dig the 21" look, I'm growing a bit tired of it, and lately have a thing for fatter front ends on baggers. I don't intend to disparage the ride or handling of a 21" however. MOST folks say they love it, whether it's because of their investment or not I can't say. For me, regardless of my investment, if it's not perfect, I'll change..pipes, seats windshields etc. Hell I may put the 21's back on some day as well.
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I am going to look into getting the stock wheels chromed, I have no idea what that costs these days or how long my bike would sit with no wheels- not sure I can wait. But I did see the bike with chrome stock mags and looked really clean.
Thanks...still working on it...but appreciate the comments.
Thanks FLST. I wouldn't try to talk anyone out of a 21". It is a perfectly acceptable alternative for any touring bike with the 3.5 wide patch, and I have enjoyed mine. That's why I won't be selling it when I get my 18" to swap it out. As I said, I am looking forward to raising the front end back up an inch and getting even more tire surface though. I have always said however that a set of 16's on a touring bike is a sweet ride. A shame they don't look great. Funny how just the new 17" front wheel and tire even looks better.
In my opinion, the 21" wheel is a fashion statement, not a better ride or better handling. I have a buddy that worked in R&D for PM, and he told me to buy 18's like I had on my Road King, because of the handling, but I followed his lead and put on a 21. I love the look, but at times, don't like the lowered front end or handling characteristics of the bigger wheel. You have to decide for yourself, but all my riding buddies have a 21 up front, so it is the current trend.
Can't tell by the general description of the Venom and model number, and I ride Metzelers, but your tire size is probably something like:
Looking forward to the swap out for comparison!
I've heard that before, but no one I know has ever had a problem and they all run the same tires, Metzler's.
You're gonna be fine. Avons are fine tires as well.
