Hey all, I have a 1975 ironhead sportster. The rear tire is shot and it is a Goodyear 4.25 - 18T. Who makes a replacement? I can't find this thing anywhere. Is there something special about the wheel? The tire says to use a tapered bead.

Shane

 

120/90-18 is whats on my 1975 XLCH, should fit no problem. I'm going to replace both tires this winter with the Dunlop 404. I'm running a 100/90-19 Dunlop 404 on the front. Motorcycle Superstore has good prices on tires, free shipping over 89 bucks.

 

I think the answer is NO ONE makes a replacement..... BUT

I had the same problem with my '71 xlch. What to do with the tapered bead/base rim and replacement tires ?

In general, there are several schools of thought. Some examples:

• if you ask an H-D dealer they'll probably recommend you lace in a new modern rim which would take a new modern tire. Why ? 'Cause the tire manufacturers say the new tires don't fit properly on those old taper base rims & there's a risk the tire could come off. Dunlop, at one time (it's probably still there), had a safety warning on their web site indicating don't use their tires on those rims.
• screw the new rim, just get a correct sized tire & go for it.

I chose the later category just because I didn't want to swap out the rims.

Of course, it's your neck, so make your own decision & do whatever works for you.

I will say that I'm running 100/90-19 front & 110/90-18 rear Avon Roughrider's on my '71 xlch. To my naked eye, they seem to fit on the rim ok..... and haven't come off yet so yeah I am happy with the Avon Roughriders.

They only negative thing I'll say is the SIZE I chose is TOO BIG. 100/90-19 doesn't adequately clear my stock front fender..... and the 110/90-18 in the rear does not clear the rear fender bolts on the right side. Had to cut down the right rear fender bolts to keep from rubbing. Remember, this applied to my stock '71 xlch..... you'll need to decide if it applies to your '75.

This winter, I'll probably drop down a size on the Avon Roughrider's to 90/90-19 (F) and 100/90-18 (R)..... bottom line..... measure "very" carefully.

 

Try this link for more info ...

old wheels with different bead area?

 

Nice lookin Chevelle!

 

Thanks, it's actually an El Camino, my daughters. 1972. Sorry, got a little off topic here, but we're really proud of it.