Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Wheel spacing off

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 9, 2009 | 10:47 AM
  #1  
MICHALISLARNACA's Avatar
MICHALISLARNACA
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From:
Default Wheel spacing off

Please tell me if you know. I have a 2007 fatboy and I bought a blade chrome front wheel. I purchased the wheel install kit and installed the bearings as per instructions. The front brake caliper had to be spaced in by the thickness of a washer to fit right. My mechanic told me to shave off the front spacer the needed space to bring the caliper back.

Is that right
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2009 | 10:49 AM
  #2  
anubisss's Avatar
anubisss
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

Sounds like it's fine as it is with the washers unless I am missing something. IF you want to take the washers off the caliper, then shave the spacer.
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2009 | 11:05 AM
  #3  
57RebelRocker's Avatar
57RebelRocker
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,280
Likes: 3
From: Portland Oregon
Default

+1 as anubliss said
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2009 | 01:23 PM
  #4  
robzuc97's Avatar
robzuc97
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, AZ
Default

If I understand this correctly, by changing the front wheel, you have also changed the front wheel offset which may affect handling. Also, extending out the calipher may affect it's rigidity. Put the calipher back to original position and add and subtract wheel spacer thicknesses to achieve proper rotor alignment: It is not a "SM method" but put on the wheel and axle without the spacers, turn the axle nut until you have two threads of protrusion out of the axle nut, compress the front brake lever and zip tie, check that rim did move over and not tilt or rotor bend over, then measure the distances between the rim and fork legs where spacers go. This will center the wheel in the discs and should be very close to spacer thicknesses needed. Like I said, it's "backyard mechanic" but I did this with my Heritage when I put on Fat Boy cast rims with different hub thickness by cutting and filing (front wheel needed 1 1/2 spacers on right side to compensate for the fake drum-beauty dish!) with no problems.
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2009 | 04:47 AM
  #5  
eddyp's Avatar
eddyp
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Default

robzuc97, Very good tip I tried this with my 2006 FXST ( fitted a 2007 profile wheel )today and its fine. ( Id been havibg loads of trouble settung the spacers )Still cant get it torqued to 50lb tho, without the wheel locking solid. Im going to stick with the two threads and a dab of locktite
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rtl4042
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
1
Jul 28, 2017 02:59 PM
cmshdfx4
Dyna Glide Models
14
Oct 4, 2015 05:13 PM
Purplefxdx
Dyna Glide Models
3
Apr 3, 2012 09:31 PM
03RKC
Touring Models
6
Apr 5, 2007 09:01 PM
tattooedskin
Ironhead
1
Jul 9, 2006 04:02 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:57 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE