Installing wider rear tire on a Superglide

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Aug 12, 2013 | 01:41 PM

Superglide2012

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From: ND

Installing wider rear tire on a Superglide

I need to replace my rear tire on my 12 superglide. Can I go up a size without major cost/modifications? Any suggestions or should I stay with the stock size?

Aug 12, 2013 | 01:49 PM

FXDWG12

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From: Arkansas

Your going to get many responses that say "I've done this / that". 2 Biggest things to consider: 1st) What tires widths are rated to fit your wheel width. Everone say's it's a safe bet to go ( 1 ) size up [ on the width rating ]. IE 4.5" - 5". It's anyones game after that. 2nd) Will the tire fit under the vehicle.

Just my $0.02

Aug 12, 2013 | 01:51 PM

Hogpro

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That bike comes with a 17x4.5 rim. The rear tire is a 160. I don't recommend a tire wider than the 160 on a 4.5" rim but lots of guys have gone to the S/E 180 rear tire on there.

Aug 12, 2013 | 02:07 PM

ynots

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From: Southern Oregon

I replaced the stock scorcher with a Dunlop K591 (160/70-17).The width on the Dunlop is noticeably wider. The handling and tire wear is about the same as the scorcher. 4,000 miles so far and its looking like it might make it to 7K

Aug 12, 2013 | 02:13 PM

Bagger_Vance

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From: USA

I'm on my second ME880 170/60-17 on my '07 FXD. No issues at all. Bike handles like it's on rails.

Aug 12, 2013 | 02:17 PM

FXDWG12

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From: Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogpro

That bike comes with a 17x4.5 rim. The rear tire is a 160. I don't recommend a tire wider than the 160 on a 4.5" rim but lots of guys have gone to the S/E 180 rear tire on there.

The Michelin Scorcher 31's are rated for a 180 on a 4.5".

Aug 12, 2013 | 04:41 PM

Qdog002

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From: Upstate New York

Ynots, I feel like I need to take a Dramamine pill after looking at that photo!

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Sep 4, 2013 | 04:40 PM

Aylor70

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Joined: Mar 2012

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From: North Dakota

Hey I just saw this post. I am in a similar spot right now, needing a new rear tire. I see that people are saying I can go to a 170 or even 180. If I replace the rear with a different brand, should I also replace the front? There is some wear on the front tire, but its only been 5500 miles.