06 WG. Came with a 160mm rear tire. What is the biggest rear tire I can put on the factory rim?

 

180 without issues, 200 if u reroute wiring etc I believe

 

I think a 4.50" rim is way to small for a 200

 

The stock rim is rather narrow, and there aren't many 180 tires that are recommended for that rim width. Another issue is that when 180s are mounted on that narrow rim, they may not actually measure much more than 160.

The Dunlop GT 502 180 is made for that rim width, and actually measures about 175 mounted on that rim. Harley makes a kit to mount that tire, which moves some stuff under the fender out of the way. I didn't end up needing it.

It's a pricey tire, and only available from dealers. But some dealers have a "any Dunlop, installed, for $200" deal, if you ask. That makes it pretty reasonable for me to run that tire, which is normally about $325 for the tire alone.
Link:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...t502-180-60b17

It doesn't look to me like there's enough belt clearance to run a 200 tire, unless it's actually a lot narrower when mounted on the rim.

 

180 with no issues

 

Check out this link. It gives good tire/rim info. Scroll down about halfway and you will see a tire + rim fitment guide.

http://hdwheels.com/Product.htm

 

Dunlop and Pirelli are the only tire makers I could find that make a 180 tire just for the WG 4.5" rim.

 

Thanks, bro. That chart is extremely useful for what I'm trying to do.

 

Yes, and people who have tried the Pirelli 180 say it's not much wider than the original 160, once mounted.

 

I'm considering the pirelli night dragons. 180 on rear. 90/90/21 on front. Currently have MC2's 160/70/17 on rear, 80/90/21 on front.