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?

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.