I have an 89 softail. you know the little 140 on the back end. I had a mechanic tell me that I can use a newer year bike like an 05 and newer swing arm and tins, to put a 180 back there. Is this true, or was he blowing smoke. If so had any one done this, how hard and what else is needed. I have looked here and can't find it. If there is a thread already about it can you put three link here so I can go check it out. Thanks.

 

07 and up softail swingarms will sport a 200, but you'll have to do some serious research on pulleys, belts and maybe a few transmission parts for a bike that old. Also, is your bike chain drive with the disk break/sprocket combo?

My bike, for example, would be just a parts swap out for a 200 rear, but an 89 is bound to be more complicated.

 

I put an 06 standard softail 17 inch wheel with stock sprocket 200 tire in my 99 stock swing arm. I think a 180 is gonna be tight in stock fender. I had to modify fender irons and use after market 11 inch fender, this was by far the hardest part. Stock front pulley and used stock 06 belt (137 teeth if I remember correctly) which is the narrowest belt Harley has ever put on a bike, works just fine. I even used the stock axle spacers from 06. If OCC can do it so can you !!

 

I was wondering the same thing about this as well brother as I have a '99 Softail. I think there are gonna be alignment issues with the front and rear sprockets. There is almost zero wiggle room between the primary and front sprockey so I'm not sure how you could even off-set something like that. I'm guessing that if you were to use a chain, a chain would be thinner and give you a little more room, maybe just enough for a 180?

Let us know if you find out anything as I'm curious as well.

 

My rear end is still belt left side brake right side. So the 07 swing arm will fit the 80 frame.. No issues with the shocks. I can go to chain for more clearance if thats what it takes. I was going to replace the fender any way and go with one with out the up sweep. New brake lights and plate location. All that is in the works already.

 

'06 was first year of the 200mm not '07. Cut off your fender horns on the frame get a wider fender 9" then run a chain. Good luck!