The wheel is on and with the help of those multi-sized spacers, a pretty easy project. I ran into no issues at all. Using a digital caliper, I was able to space the wheel nearly dead center +/- 18th inch.

Instead of spacing the brake rotor outward, the caliper was moved inward by 3/8ths (approx) with two aluminum spacers.

Believe it or not, the original wide glide fender fits :yes: although it looks a little odd. The original nuts (inside) were the acorn type and were replaced with flat nuts out of a toilet tank repair kit. They are very low profile. I'm not sure if I'll keep the fender on or not.

Wow, what a difference in handling. The fatter tire really does absorb some of the road bumps and it corners & turns like a new bike. The 130/90/16 is much rounder than the original 21 inch tire so performs much differently.

I'll post pictures and exact measurements later.

 

Don't have one...but would be the best handling and looks upgrade....had an '86 softail custom...did these mods back then....nothing quite like it...really like the look of your rides.....BC

 

Here are a few pictures of the project. I'm not sure if the front fender will stay or not. It fits but looks a little awkward. What do you think?

Without Fender:


With Fender:


Wheel Shot With Fender:

 

I vote w/out fender. I think it looks a bit goofy with the gap between the tire and the fender.
JMO

Chris

 

I agree, I just dropped 18" frt and back on my 07, already had a 21 fender blank so I had to go way short instead of an "occ" style fender cut. But hey I think it looks ok. Ilike the way the Nt looks with that style wheel on the front.

Oh I havent ridden mine yet.....damn new england weather they are saying a poss N oreaster tommorow with the possible accumulatio of up to 12" of snow[:@][:@][:@]

[IMG][/IMG]

 

I would vote for w/o as well. I really like the look of the 21" up front but changing the front wheel and tire is definatly an easier and cost effective way to improve your rides handling. Plus it really lends an rat rod style to the night trains, which is really cool.

RE

 

Don't you hate that Global Warming...

"Oh I havent ridden mine yet.....damn new england weather they are saying a poss N oreaster tommorow with the possible accumulatio of up to 12" of snow[:@][:@][:@] "

 

Do you guys think that the 19" front wheel that comes standard on the Nightster would look good on a train?? It's blacked out with chrome spokes. It looks to be slightly fatter the the standard 21" but not as fat as the 16". Saw a nightster at the stealer and immediatley thought the front wheel would compliment the Train. Also.... how much different do you think that install would be than the 16" ? It is also the same size as the front wheels on the dyna line but none of the dyna's wheels DON'T come in black.

 

well imo I think thats a good idea, spokes would give it a bobber style look, but i would also get a rear to match. That would be real sweet.

As to the change over I believe all w/g front spacing is the same. The nightster has a n/g frt end? If so I would assume that it would need more than just shimming the caliper to make it work. probably aftermarket hubs and rims.....might as well get them all black

 

NoVa,

Where did you get the caliper spacers from? Did you order them or have them made. Any and all information is greatly appreciated. I'm in the process of getting the axle spacers and need to find spacers to move the caliper out like you did.