I need help and am asking every source I know of. I am putting a 16" front wheel on my night train and have come across a problem. The spacers that were on with the 21" wheel aren't working. The front wheel is not centered between the forks. I also bought a set of fatboy spacers and those didn't work either. There was actually free play in there.

Does anyone know what size spacers I might need? Will I need to offset the brake disc with washers in order to center the wheel?

 

My bike has a two "Rear Fat Boy Solid" Wheels. (the front wheel is flipped around to fit the rotor).
It has a wide glide front end holding it onto the bike.
-I had taken an older FXST to a shop close by, to have some solids put on, but they could not fit the "fat Boy Front wheel" to the forks.
(but they did fit the rear solid wheel up front using helicoils,,, leaving me with spokes on the back,,, not an asthetic combination, and a good way to ensure that I will never take any bike there again)
--Try trading the front wheel in at a used parts dealer.

[IMG]local://upfiles/6976/AA40E7D1738C4979A45226C08D89F0DC.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks for the reply! I figured it out this past weekend. After a lot of cussing and trying different spacers, I finally got the ones that fit.

I did the same as you with the blacked out solid fatboy wheel in the front, but I didn't have to reverse it. Did your wheel center between your forks by doing that? Is your handling any different? I say that because I notice my front end doesn't feel as stable. It feels like it wants to fall into turns. I know the front end lowered about 1 1/4 inches, screwing with the trail, so I'm going to lower the back the same hoping that will correct it.

Your bike looks nice. I didn't put a front fender on, but made my own little rock catcher that mounts in the fender holes.

 

Oops forgot to mention that,,,
Lowered shock in the back.
HD part,,, I'll pass on the PN when I find the box it came in.
(small clutter problem in the basement)

I saw the front wheel attached to my old bike and saw the rotor didn't match up with the caliper.
The shop tech told me about the trick with reversing the wheel (and a custom cover on the other side)
My current bike came precustomized so I can't give you any Hard Tech Tips, but the guys at HD Montreal might pass on some knowhow if you asked (worth a try)

http://www.harleydavidsonmontreal.com/

Cheers,

 

Yeah, I offset my rotor using 1/4" spacers. I might play around with that still, but it is doing the job.

 

grimm, what spacers did you use? I plan on doing the same thing with my NT when the Deuce rear wheel goes on the back and the NT rear goes to the front.

What other difficulties did you run into? Any pictures, I'd like to see the work.

 

kinda-of had a similar topic the other day.....did the same set-up years ago on a '86 softail.....used an FL front fender........
and yes the bike will turn a lot quicker with the 16" front conversion.....takes some time to get used to.......however.......
kinda gives it a great feel & look.................good luck..................
BC

 

Pics please!!!!!

 

Finally finished the Deuce wheel conversion and installation of the new powder coated tins. I'll post pictures of the project when I have time to edit & resize them all. There's a ton of detailed pictures.