Anyone out there change tires on thier softtail from Dunlop to say Metzler? and go with a larger (taller) wheel? I am looking for any driveability issues. I just ordered PM 18"x3.5 for the front and 18"x4.25 for the rear along with the new Metzler low profile tires. I am committed at this point but would like to hear some opinions.
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I have PM 18x3.5 with metzler 140/70 front and rear. I felt a huge diference, bike seemed to roll easier, smoother and corners better. felt like better balance altogether. This is on a 96 Heritage Nastalgia
I am going with a 140/70x18" on front and 160/60x18" on the rear - I had been told by PM and Metzler they would fit with no modifications on my Fat Boy.
I know that with the 140/70-18 the drive belt is real close. you may need to go to the thinner belt with a 160. i'm not sure on the fatboy but I think a 150 is about as wide as you can go on the heritage.
Thanks .. I was told by both PM and by Metzler their new 880/70 low-profile tires fit with no mods .. we'll see in a week.
Here is their post:
The front tire is the ME880 140/70-18 or 130/70B-18. Both will fit under your fender. The rear is the 160/60R18 ME880 and all of the tires can be bought at most dealers. The diameters are designed to be very close to the standard 16 sizes that are OE on your bike.
Thank you for your interest in our company and products.
Best Regards.
Hi Bruce, The height as I have been told will not change -- more wheel less sidewall. Here is the email I received from Metzler.
The front tire is the ME880 140/70-18 or 130/70B-18. Both will fit under your fender. The rear is the 160/60R18 ME880 and all of the tires can be bought at most dealers. The diameters are designed to be very close to the standard 16 sizes that are OE on your bike.
Thank you for your interest in our company and products.
Best Regards.
The diameter should not be an issue, it is the width and clearance for the drive belt. the fatboy may be able to handle the wider tire, but 140 is the limit on the heritage. you may need to install a spacer on the pulley to clear. hope it works out for you, post a pic once installed. I know you will be happy with the PM wheel, I know i am with mine. what style of wheel did you purchase?
I am installing them this coming week so I will let you know ... I purchased PM's "Hustler" 3.5 Front, 4.24 Rear along with Pulley which appears slightly smalled on the outside width and of course new discs for the front and rear.
Larger Wheels and Changing Tire Brands
