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Thinking about new wheels question

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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 08:40 PM
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Default Thinking about new wheels question

I have a 2003 Wide Glide that Im thinking about putting new wheels on. My qustion is I have a 16x3.5 wheel on there now and was thinking about going to a 18x3.5 on the rear. I talked to a guy at the local Harley dealer and he said that an 18 inch wheel would raise my bike which isnt what I want cause Ive got it lowered. I would think that an 18 inch wheel would have a lower profile tire on it.I would like to know what you guys think? Do you think I should stay with a 16 inch wheel or would a 18 inch wheel work without jacking the rear of my bike up?
 
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 09:07 PM
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If you get the right profile on the tire you will not raise the bike. I say go for it, it'll look good. The larger wheel will give it the appearance of being lower since wheel will be deeper in the fender.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 09:09 PM
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You can put a metzeler 160/60VR/18 on .it is the same width and is 1/4" taller.It should be mounted on a 4.25 to a 4.50 wide rim.If your putting out the cash get what you want,I would get the 18".
 
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Old Jul 25, 2009 | 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by fixxr
You can put a metzeler 160/60VR/18 on .it is the same width and is 1/4" taller.It should be mounted on a 4.25 to a 4.50 wide rim.If your putting out the cash get what you want,I would get the 18".
Im not sure I can run a 4.25 or 4.50 wide rim. So what size tire would it be for 18x 3.5? Or is it possible to run a wider rim?
 
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 08:22 AM
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Does anybody have pics of there bike with a 16 inch rear wheel and then a 18 inch rear wheel? Im really stuck on this one not sure which way to go. Any suggestions or help is really needed.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2009 | 10:56 AM
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I'm running a deuce rear wheel now, that is 17x4.5 with a metzeler 160/70/17 tire it fits right on with NO modification check out my sig pic.A 5" wide wheel is to wide for the belt,but the 4.5 will give you 1/4"of clearance for the belt.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2009 | 06:33 AM
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Originally Posted by fixxr
I'm running a deuce rear wheel now, that is 17x4.5 with a metzeler 160/70/17 tire it fits right on with NO modification check out my sig pic.A 5" wide wheel is to wide for the belt,but the 4.5 will give you 1/4"of clearance for the belt.
I was under the impression that I wouldnt be able to run a wider wheel then what my stock wheel is (3.5). I have a 03 Wide Glide is it possible to put a wider wheel without getting into any major changes?
 
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Old Jul 27, 2009 | 11:25 PM
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You can go up to a 4.5 on a 17+18 wheel ,but the caliper may rub on a 16.Its hard to find a 16x4.5 mag type wheel.
 
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