18" chrome solid wheels for FatBoy
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
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18" chrome solid wheels for FatBoy
Hey Riders
I'm looking to install 18x5.5 (rear) and 18x3.5 chrome solid disc wheels (Smoothies) on my FatBoy. I've looked at WELD 'Eclipse' , Pro-One and Hog Pro 'Smoothies" wheels on-line.
Does anyone have any recommendations on these or other manufacturers for this type of wheel? Any advice on bearing types (eg, sealed bearings) is appreciated.
Thanks
AlbertG
I'm looking to install 18x5.5 (rear) and 18x3.5 chrome solid disc wheels (Smoothies) on my FatBoy. I've looked at WELD 'Eclipse' , Pro-One and Hog Pro 'Smoothies" wheels on-line.
Does anyone have any recommendations on these or other manufacturers for this type of wheel? Any advice on bearing types (eg, sealed bearings) is appreciated.
Thanks
AlbertG
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 83
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From: North Mississippi
RE: 18" chrome solid wheels for FatBoy
I've got a book that has an interview with Arlen Ness and another guy from Precision. One thing to think about when changing wheel/tire sizes is the load rating and quicker tire wear. You can stuff an 18 incher or even a 21 incher up in the fender but pick your tires carefully.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 13
RE: 18" chrome solid wheels for FatBoy
Hey 05....
Thanks for your reply. I had considered 16" rims also with a higher sidewall tire but that would require a new wider swingarm. Also, the wheel selection is greater for 18s vs 16s. The 18" wheel with a lower profile 200mm tire is approx the same diameter as the stock 16" wheel/tire. Thats why some folks like DM Customs claim they are able to fit it in a stock swingarm, with stock belt/pulley, rotor and calipers. I am curious however, as to why DM Customs claims they are able to do this with the stock swingarm and wider belt ('04 Fat Boy) vs. HOGPRO who require use of the newer narrow belt/pully or a chain.
I'm still talking with folks and doing my research before I shell out for components. I'm sure it will be close using the wider stock belt/pulley...I don't like the new narrow belt...I can see some frustrating moments ahead with wheel spacers, some minimal rear tire offset, and possibly grinding the belt guard to make a little room for the rear tire...not to mention cutting off /grinding the fender struts and fitting/painting a new 9" wide fender to match my stock Smokey Gold.
I'm not crazy about tires with too low a profile (potholes, RR Track) because of poorer ride quality, and I ride 2-up alot. The AVONS and METZLERS seem to be the choice of most...of course they are lower profile than stock tires. Attached are some pics from the DM Customs site of a bike that is close to what I'm going for.
Appreciate anyone's feedback, pics, nightmares and successes in the quest for a wider rear....
Regards
AlbertG
Thanks for your reply. I had considered 16" rims also with a higher sidewall tire but that would require a new wider swingarm. Also, the wheel selection is greater for 18s vs 16s. The 18" wheel with a lower profile 200mm tire is approx the same diameter as the stock 16" wheel/tire. Thats why some folks like DM Customs claim they are able to fit it in a stock swingarm, with stock belt/pulley, rotor and calipers. I am curious however, as to why DM Customs claims they are able to do this with the stock swingarm and wider belt ('04 Fat Boy) vs. HOGPRO who require use of the newer narrow belt/pully or a chain.
I'm still talking with folks and doing my research before I shell out for components. I'm sure it will be close using the wider stock belt/pulley...I don't like the new narrow belt...I can see some frustrating moments ahead with wheel spacers, some minimal rear tire offset, and possibly grinding the belt guard to make a little room for the rear tire...not to mention cutting off /grinding the fender struts and fitting/painting a new 9" wide fender to match my stock Smokey Gold.
I'm not crazy about tires with too low a profile (potholes, RR Track) because of poorer ride quality, and I ride 2-up alot. The AVONS and METZLERS seem to be the choice of most...of course they are lower profile than stock tires. Attached are some pics from the DM Customs site of a bike that is close to what I'm going for.
Appreciate anyone's feedback, pics, nightmares and successes in the quest for a wider rear....
Regards
AlbertG
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