I know my 2012 Dyna Wide Glide calls for a 180/60-17 on back, but I'd like to go a little wider such as the Dunlop rear is wider than the Michelin that came on it. Has anyone tried it without modifying the bike? Thanks

 

If I'm not mistaken your rim is the same as the street bobs. The 180 tires are specially made to fit that size rim...you won't get a wider one to fit safely so therefore you would have to get yourself a wider rim like from the Harley xbones or from a wheel supplier..

 

X2.....Most 180 series tires will not even fit our WG's. There are only three 180 tires designed specially to fit our rear wheel. The standard tire to fit our wheel is a 160 series. You can thank Harley for that.

 

With wire wheels you can change the rim only.
Then you can run any 180 or 200 tire.

 

The Michelin Commander 2 in 200-55 fits without any modification.

 

Ya it fits. But it's also +3 sizes ( or more ) oversized for the tire/wheel specifications. Some consider that too dangrous to risk.

 

The biggest problem is not getting the tire on the wheel but having it to fit correctly.
With a over size tire on the wheel it causes the center to be pushed upward causing the center to wear faster or uneven. This also aids in the tire not being able to grip like it should on curves.
I had the same problem when I first go the wide glide. Did not realize it required a special tire (180) I was getting very low mileage out of the tire and it was wearing with a flat spot in the center.
I ride my bikes a lot so it did it quick.
If you spin out go back and look at the rubber mark. Very narrow. I have a rather long drive way so I play sometimes coming in or out. That is what made me check on this. My Street glide rubber mark is twice the size of the WG with a 180. Now they are close to the same.
I went to a 170 so I could get the tire I wanted. Big difference. Handles better and better traction over all.

 

 

Ya the reduced milage and performance sux. But the "bead-set" is what scares me the most. All of the installers aggree that it can be a PITA to get them to set anyway. Then add the forces of riding on a "set" with bad angles.

 

I need a new tire on my 2010 Wide Glide. It came with a 180-60 but finding on has been a problem. I was planning on just going with a 180-55, but after reading these posts I'm not sure which way to go ... and right now money is kinda tight. The plan was to just get a Kenda or Full Bore for now and get a better tire after the first of the year. Am I going to run into trouble running the 180-55 ???