So what is the widest rear tire anybody has actually put on their Wide Glide without a kit? I have a punctured tire and was going to go with a Metz 880 in a 160 but the 170 is actually cheaper (a few dollars so basically the price diff is a moot point). Will there be any performance pros/cons of going from a 160 to a 170, assuming it can be done?

I know Pirelli and Avons come in a 180+ but based on reviews I have found they don't appear to last as long as Metz. Plus I've had Metz on previous bikes and loved them so I am sticking with them for now.

 

You answered your own question, a 180 by Pirelli and Harley are the only ones that will fit without a wider swingarm, fender, etc.

 

Not sure on the 07, but the 05 takes a 160 easily, but any wider and you WILL have to make some mods. I have been told by someone I trust you can do a 180, but not on the stock 16" wheel, you need an 18" wheel and you have to make some mods under the fender.
Even with a 160 I had to change the way the bolts are fastened through the struts. The problem is the wheel is not exactly centered in the well.

 

When you go from a 160 to a 170 the sidewall is going to change from 70 to 60 (160/70/17 to 170/60/17) the tire is just under 1/4" wider but it's a lower profile.At any rate it will go right on!

 

got a 180 Metzler on my '96 WG

 

Nice...what did you have to mod? Fender horns? The 180 will fit with the stock swingarm.

I ask as I have a '97 and am also running a 180 Metzler, but had to modify the fender horns to make them wider. Running a Softail rear fender also.

 

Stock on my fxdwg 2010 is a 180 and i think a saw a post on a guy removing the shims and putted a 200

 

if the rim is the same as a SB 4.5" then a 180 will fit in, and a 200 will fit in the fender but you will need to increase the rim size to 5.5". You may have to tidy any wiring before to fit the 200 or do what i did........



however, this is not the cheapest option!!

 

run a 2007+ sportster guard they can run a 200mm tyre under then and grind the little tabs of your strut horns

 

wheeliesrfun what kind of wheels do you have on that sporty? I really like the looks of them!