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

Fitting Touring Wheels to Heritage Softail . . . Can it be done without modifications

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 07:36 AM
  #11  
Bluraven's Avatar
Bluraven
Grand HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 912
From: Omaha
Default

Originally Posted by SCRAGG78@GMAIL.COM
So has there been any solution to this?
Kind of sucks when somebody takes the time to create a thread so as to find an answer but they don't spend the time to post a final resolution.
My guess is the OP either abandoned the task due to the conversion isn't an even swap or it's not worth the cost and time.

The primary reason for the swap (according to the OP) is flat repair.
I've got 33K on my Heritage and haven't had a on the road flat yet, then again I run Ride-On so perhaps I need to check my tires for nails?

 
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2018 | 08:34 AM
  #12  
GRWHD's Avatar
GRWHD
Road Warrior
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
Default

May be easier to just go with an aftermarket (non HD) wheel...
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2018 | 10:32 AM
  #13  
Mike Lawless's Avatar
Mike Lawless
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
Default

I too wanted tubeless wheels on my '06 Deluxe. I bought a set of "take-offs" from a forum member who changed wheels on his 2015, and was selling off the stock "Smoothie Spoke" wheels which were tubeless.

In my case it was NOT a direct swap, as the axle size as well as the hub width on the rear is different. I got 'er done though with some custom machine work and some custom bearing bushings.

So the deal is, just about anything is possible. It's just work and money. Your best bet would be to get wheels from the same year (or close to it) bike, that has the same bearing and hub widths as your bike.
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2018 | 10:58 AM
  #14  
rick601's Avatar
rick601
Stellar HDF Member
Community Builder
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,081
Likes: 6,044
From: upstate NY
Default

Aren't there ways to fit a tubeless tire to a spoked wheel- I seem to recall such a discussion on a Triumph forum.. I believe it involved a glued on inner cover that covered the inside of the wheel. Some gooped each spoke...
Heres a quick search results page- a little time tweaking the query should get you there:
there.

https://www.google.com/search?client...els+conversion
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2018 | 04:01 PM
  #15  
Mike Lawless's Avatar
Mike Lawless
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
Default

Yes there are Rick. I've looked into for my Triumph Bonneville, and it's also a method that some custom wheel builders use. From my research it's a hit or miss deal. A person has to be very careful in the prep and application. Most of the times, it involves using a "capillary action" sealant in each spoke hole as well as the sealant that goes over the spoke nipples in the "well" of the wheel.

To me, the "PITA" factor (pain the a$$) just wasn't worth it. I still have tubes in my Triumph tires.

But HD does make a tubeless spoked wheel. Best of both worlds for me. I just hate the look of alloy wheels on a bike. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2018 | 07:57 PM
  #16  
multihdrdr's Avatar
multihdrdr
Club Member
10 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
Default

SCRAGG78@GMAIL.COM's other Post
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2018 | 08:07 PM
  #17  
SCRAGG78@GMAIL.COM's Avatar
SCRAGG78@GMAIL.COM
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Default

Yes it can be done. I'm now with info from another thread doing the conversion .my 07 flstc has the 25 mm getting and 3/4 rear axles. The front is now pretty easy being that the touring wheel I'm using has the same from axle fitted bearings. Then it's just a Matter of buying the proper spacers to center the front wheel and machining down the wheel where the rotor mounts to the wheel, the brake mounts to the fork or vise versa on the brake mounts to put the caliper center over the rotor Read to the bottom of the thread. Way too easy
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/560592-got-my-new-airstrike-wheel-on-3.html
 
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2018 | 05:00 AM
  #18  
billbrummett's Avatar
billbrummett
Road Captain
10 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 522
Likes: 204
From: dunedin, fl
Default

I'm considering going tubeless on my new Heritage 114. a youtube video by CyclePump(Bestrest) looks like a winner. Outex also makes a turnkey product for the same solution. at the end of the youtube video is a list of the parts required. they are available on Amazon. the job looks easy to me. The guy basically covers the spoke ends with silicone, and then uses a strong marine tape to seal and make the rim airtight. I will inform when and if I choose to go that way. Harley does have a rear rim that will work, albeit with a kit for bearings and axle. about $900 total for parts, then dealer labor prolly $200 or so. I haven't decided what to do. I may just accept I have to get a tow in case of flat.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 6, 2018 | 07:02 AM
  #19  
laz's Avatar
laz
Extreme HDF Member
Veteran: Air Force
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,880
Likes: 9,633
From: Big Pine Key, FL
Riders Club Member
Default

You could put monster truck wheels and tires on it if you want to badly enough. It’s all a matter of how much time, effort and 💰 you’re willing to spend.
 
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2019 | 05:48 PM
  #20  
Scott MacDonald's Avatar
Scott MacDonald
Stage I
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton ON Canada
Default Rim swap

]I have done this mod. Front and rear from a 2005 HD electraglide to a 2004 fatboy. Both rims are the same diameter the rear fits straight away without issue the front needs to have the right side rotor and bolts removed. The wheel will need to be shimmied a bit off center to the right to make the caliper align. But it does not affect the handling. But you do notice the slight offset (at least I do) I need to find a thinner caliper or have mine machined about 1/4" to allow fitment without skimming the front wheel. I did a wheel exchange with ***** Shiny out of CA. Great wheels, excellent finish.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:12 PM.

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