Wide Rear
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 45
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From: Ethel, LA
Wide Rear
Hey guys I have been running the idea of either buying, having one built, or using my stock swingarm as a template to build a wider one to fit a wider rear tire on my 1985 FXWG. Im looking for some input from anyone who may have some experience with with this. Im sure im going to have to make some changes on the front pulley so that the belt still lines up and etc and if anyone has any other ideas i am all ears!! Thanks in advance!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
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From: Farmington ,MS
- Narrow belt and standard (belt-drive) swingarm: As shown in the image above, a tire of up to 150 in width can be used in the stock frame and FX fender by using a slightly narrower belt (1-1/8" in stead of 1-1/2"). In this application, the tire clears the belt by about 3/8" (about 9 mm). So here even a 160 mm tire could be used provided that the fender, struts, bolts, and frame can provide it. Also, depending on how far the wheel is mounted to the front in the swing-arm slots, the front (tapered) portion of the swingarm can be an issue.
- Narrow belt and extended (belt-drive) swingarm: Some HD models are equipped from the factory with 20 mm "extra-strong", kevlar belts. These belts come in only a few lengths, but as can be seen here, the 132 teeth belt is an appropriate fit with a 2" extended swingarm. Compared to the 1-1/8" (28.6 mm) belt, the 20 mm belt would provide 8 mm more clearance on one side. Hence, this would allow a tire of up to 180 mm to be fitted. In addition, the extended swingarm provides more clearance for the tire to the frame (as it is moved further back). Mullie Motors stocks 2" extended swingarms and 132 tooth, 20 mm belts.
- Chain and standard or extended (belt-drive) swingarm: If you prefer a chain over a belt, that is of course also possible. A standard 530 O-ring chain can be about 1" (25) mm wide. The belt-drive inner primaries have about 0.7" (18 mm) more clearance than the chain drive primaries. So, an off-set sprocket can be used. Therefore at least a 160 wide tire can be mounted using a stock or extended (belt-drive) swingarm, but also 170 or even 180 mm tires could be squeezed in there. Mullie Motors offers aftermarket sprockets with several off-sets, or we can machine you one with a custom specified offset.
http://www.mulliemotors.com/indexmot...?page=widetire
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Ethel, LA
- Narrow belt and standard (belt-drive) swingarm: As shown in the image above, a tire of up to 150 in width can be used in the stock frame and FX fender by using a slightly narrower belt (1-1/8" in stead of 1-1/2"). In this application, the tire clears the belt by about 3/8" (about 9 mm). So here even a 160 mm tire could be used provided that the fender, struts, bolts, and frame can provide it. Also, depending on how far the wheel is mounted to the front in the swing-arm slots, the front (tapered) portion of the swingarm can be an issue.
- Narrow belt and extended (belt-drive) swingarm: Some HD models are equipped from the factory with 20 mm "extra-strong", kevlar belts. These belts come in only a few lengths, but as can be seen here, the 132 teeth belt is an appropriate fit with a 2" extended swingarm. Compared to the 1-1/8" (28.6 mm) belt, the 20 mm belt would provide 8 mm more clearance on one side. Hence, this would allow a tire of up to 180 mm to be fitted. In addition, the extended swingarm provides more clearance for the tire to the frame (as it is moved further back). Mullie Motors stocks 2" extended swingarms and 132 tooth, 20 mm belts.
- Chain and standard or extended (belt-drive) swingarm: If you prefer a chain over a belt, that is of course also possible. A standard 530 O-ring chain can be about 1" (25) mm wide. The belt-drive inner primaries have about 0.7" (18 mm) more clearance than the chain drive primaries. So, an off-set sprocket can be used. Therefore at least a 160 wide tire can be mounted using a stock or extended (belt-drive) swingarm, but also 170 or even 180 mm tires could be squeezed in there. Mullie Motors offers aftermarket sprockets with several off-sets, or we can machine you one with a custom specified offset.
http://www.mulliemotors.com/indexmot...?page=widetire
If anyone else has any comments or suggestions im all ears to them!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You're really talking of a 70s style custom bike with what you have in mind! Take a look in the Shovel and Custom forums on HDF, to see if there is anyone who can help, just to broaden your audience.
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 45
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From: Ethel, LA
So i just googled the wide tire kits for the shovel heads and theres options all over the place! Im going to do a little more digging before i bite the bullet but its coming soon!
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