My 1977 xlt has a 16" rear wheel. The parts book only lists 18". V- twin seams to think it is supposed to have a 16" What is correct?

 

I thought I would be smart and look in my parts manual, since it was laying right next to me but it doesn't show the XLT.

Spoke-chrome 18" 70-77 XLH-XLCH
Spoke-aluminum 18" 60-69 XLH-XLCH
70-72 XLH (low road clearance)

Spoke aluminum 18" 70-78 XLCH, 73-78 XLH

Cast-18" black 9 spoke 54-78- XL. XLCH
Cast-18" gold 9 spoke 54-78- XL. XLCH

Cast-16" 7 spoke 54-78- XL. XLCH

Cast-18" 7 spoke 54-78- XL. XLCH

That should really muddy things up for you. Sorry

 

Hey Naildriver, I have a 77 XLT with original wheels and they are 18 on the back and 19 on the front. And as far as I know, with all my research on the XLT they only came with spoke wheels - not the cast 7or 9 spoke aluminum wheels. Can you send some pics of your XLT - I have only seen a few others on line.
Do you have it stock? I still have a few stock parts for mine that I am selling cheap - like the original seat - if you need one.

 

Pretty cool. Almost time for a rear tire too.

 

Hey fellas, I have a 1977 xlt as well. Its got the spoked wheels 18 in back, 19 in front. Pretty original but missing the stock bags, windshield, seat and exhaust. Don't ride it much anymore. Had a chance on the stock bags, but like an idiot I hesitated. Keeping it for retirement "project" I guess. Runs pretty well, albeit around the neighborhood - LOL.

 

Mine is pretty much stock. I will post some pics someday. I might be interested in the seat. Do you have a pic I don't know what the orig seat looks like?

 

Not 100% sure about an XLT, but I didn't think any Sportster came stock with a 16" rear wheel until '79 and later.
A lot put 16" wheels and tires on their '78 and earlier Sporties but it's a tight fit and there is often rubbing issues....fatter tire/ skinny fender.

 

Mine has an 18 rear and 19 front. I put Avons on it and they've been good so far.

 

My advice if you are going to use your XLT for touring or longer rides, is keep the 16" rear rim. The fatter rear tire helps make up for the lack of travel on Ironhead rear suspension and makes the ride much more comfortable.

 

Naildriver here is a video of the original seat on the bike but the chrome rail is not on in this video.
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