Hi Guys,

It is time to get new tires for my bike. I'm running stock dunlops but I'm considering the Metzelers. My questions is: what's the widest size I can put on my bike without any wide tire kit or any mods...?

Thank you in advance and I apologize if this questions has been answered already...!


Al

 

I would imagine a 160 Metzler would fit. Metzlers run a tad bit narrower than the dunlops. I had a 150 MEtz on my 02 fatboy and it was fine.

 

I have a 150 on my 2001 Heritage but had to go with the kit...so the dealer said.

 

I went to the dealer and the guy in the parts dept told me that I had to go with stock ones...! Then I asked one of the service guys and he said that it was impossible to put anything wider than stock...! :-(

What kind of kit did you get from the dealer Hawgman?

Thanks guys for your comments.....!

Al

 

Hi guys,

I did a little more research, and found this web site where they list the max tire size you can put on your bike w/o any mods....!

Just passing along some helpful info....

http://www.hdwheels.com/Product.htm

Take care,

Al

 

On an 03-06 fatboy the wheel itself is offset to allow a 150mm tire. I think before that it was a 130mm tire. merely measuring the width of the fender for clearance will not tell you the width of the tire you can use. The offset of the rim is the main factor. looking at a chart for an aftermarket rim would not be accurate because a rim offset for a 1500mm tire would work with a 130mm tire but not the other way around.

 

I'll keep that in mind....! I'm still researching...!

Thanks a lot guys.....

Al

 

I have a metzler tire chart i can email you if you pm me with your address

 

I wouldn't go any wider than recommended from the factory. the wider you go, the more the tire deforms to have to fit the smaller rim, causing the tire to alter the profile that was intended by the manufacturer. this causes the tire to make the bike handle differently than was intended. Obviously, a wider tire slows down steering but one that has a tire that is too wide for the rim can wear down in a way not intended which will also cause even more unstable handling characteristics down the road; worse case scenario, it can cause complete tire failure, not something that is very pleasant.

 

Hi Tk353,

Please e-mail me the chart at hkpro1@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance,

Al