softail rear tire question
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: illinois
softail rear tire question
Hey everyone, I was curious if someone could explain something to me.
I have a 2008 night train. It has a 200 mm rear tire. I have spiked rims on the front and back and from everything I've read these are aftermarket rims.
Anyways, currently I'm using metzler tires, that are tubeless. Is it a normal occurrence to have tubeless tires on a spoked rim? I know they say tubless and that the mechanic told me he didn't put a tube in.
Second of all, my left side of the rear tire slightly , ever so slightly rubs against my fender. Like you can stick your whole hand in on the right side, and on the left side you can only get to the edge of the tire. The bike was never laid down, and nothing is bent. Doesn't wobble or anything in the like.
3 places have told me the same thing, including the dealer I got the bike from. That the tire is to big.... But ever since 2006 night trains went to a 200mm rear tire.
On top of all of this, they all have told me that it's okay, and there shouldn't be anything to worry about. How can you tell me that the tire is ok when it's going at high rpms down an interstate at 80mph?
Just figured I'd ask... Because I've never heard of this before.
I have a 2008 night train. It has a 200 mm rear tire. I have spiked rims on the front and back and from everything I've read these are aftermarket rims.
Anyways, currently I'm using metzler tires, that are tubeless. Is it a normal occurrence to have tubeless tires on a spoked rim? I know they say tubless and that the mechanic told me he didn't put a tube in.
Second of all, my left side of the rear tire slightly , ever so slightly rubs against my fender. Like you can stick your whole hand in on the right side, and on the left side you can only get to the edge of the tire. The bike was never laid down, and nothing is bent. Doesn't wobble or anything in the like.
3 places have told me the same thing, including the dealer I got the bike from. That the tire is to big.... But ever since 2006 night trains went to a 200mm rear tire.
On top of all of this, they all have told me that it's okay, and there shouldn't be anything to worry about. How can you tell me that the tire is ok when it's going at high rpms down an interstate at 80mph?
Just figured I'd ask... Because I've never heard of this before.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
From: Pa
Tires should not rub on fenders....Period!!! I'd look at the spacers and the bearings. Bearings get pressed in from one side (caliper side I believe) then a steel sleeve is inserted from the other side of the hub and then the second bearing is pressed in. Either this was not done properly, or the bearing spacer is incorrect, or the axle spacers are incorrect. I just fitted a 07 and up rear wheel on my 06 train this past winter. Find a stock train and get some measurements and then you will know which way and how much you need to go to get it to not rub. Axle and pulley spacers are available online from many outlets.
Good luck
Good luck
Last edited by Pudge211; Sep 9, 2014 at 11:17 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Aftermarket wheels improperly installed...need proper spacing...pretty simple to get it not to rub...need a new mechanic
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: illinois
Yeah, that's what I've thought all along, you would think a verified mechanic would be able to figure this out. It's kind of ridiculous.
Anyways, thanks for the information, you would think the dealership would be like, yeah bring it in, we will work on it untill it's fixed, and charge me a butt ton. Oh well their loss of business.
Anyways, thanks for the information, you would think the dealership would be like, yeah bring it in, we will work on it untill it's fixed, and charge me a butt ton. Oh well their loss of business.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
From: Pa
Dealerships pretty much frown on any mod that isn't labeled to fit. I stopped at my local dealer to find out if the magnum wheel could be made to fit and was told "no it won't fit"..... As you can see in my sig pic it fits with proper spacers. As said above. Get a new mechanic. BTW Vulcan works is where I found the spacers to get the wheel to fit.
Last edited by Pudge211; Sep 9, 2014 at 11:16 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 68
From: Martinsburg, WV
Tell that to my Deuce...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 50
From: Louisville, KY
I agree, must be incorrect spacers - if the spacer and bearing on the right side are not 100% correct the brake rotor will rub the calliper.
Would always use tubes with spoked wheels.
Post a few photos of this issue.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 4
From: Utah
Pics would be great. Curious how the wheel can not be spaced correctly, but the pulley and rotor line up? Those would have to be spaced incorrectly too, although I thought those usually bolted directly to the wheel without spacers.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 150
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
To answer your other question, a tubeless tire is fine with a spoked wheel so long as there is a tube in there. You don't need tube-specific tires, just make sure the sizes are right. Might want a different mechanic though