2009 Frame upgrade question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Funny all the different numbers. The HD website for 2020 Ultras says 94" even. So it SOUNDS like, after reading the article, that the engine compartment was shortened (my guessing) allowing the swingarm to be lengthened without changing the overall wheelbase much, (1/2").
What size are the old rear tires? New is said to be 180.
What size are the old rear tires? New is said to be 180.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,770
Likes: 8,647
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Funny all the different numbers. The HD website for 2020 Ultras says 94" even. So it SOUNDS like, after reading the article, that the engine compartment was shortened (my guessing) allowing the swingarm to be lengthened without changing the overall wheelbase much, (1/2").
What size are the old rear tires? New is said to be 180.
What size are the old rear tires? New is said to be 180.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,174
Likes: 2,480
From: Nor Cal
"Ok wow small for that heavy a bike"
Higher Load Rating is what matters ...
Sporty's also didn't use anything wider than a 130 until 2004 (just like the Touring), but they are different tires ... guess what's different ... Yep, Load Rating
Higher Load Rating is what matters ...
Sporty's also didn't use anything wider than a 130 until 2004 (just like the Touring), but they are different tires ... guess what's different ... Yep, Load Rating
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Hope that helps!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Harley used the same size tyres from way back on their big twins. They went a little wider with the rear tyre on the twincams, as multihdrdr has pointed out, but all on the same width rims. The first change in wheel/tyre sizes in decades came in 2009. The front tyre was always fine, the concern was with the rear tyres, which with Mrs B and I plus the kitchen sink was always on the limit IMHO. I have rectified that in part by upgrading to a Deuce rear wheel and a 160 wide tyre with bigger load rating.
If you choose 2009 or later bike you can set aside such anxieties!
If you choose 2009 or later bike you can set aside such anxieties!
Last edited by grbrown; Apr 23, 2020 at 11:37 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,031
Likes: 1,802
From: Kalifornia
GR you are the one I figured would know, since you had mentioned the swap you did. Still on the fence with that bike, or just being patient for an '09 or later. I just since riding that one noticed the exhaust running down by the pass floor board. The wife would not appreciate the heat, since she is pretty heat sensitive anyway. And looking at the '08s they have an even funkier exhaust, that does a U turn to the left side. Not sure if that is much better. SO in '09 they decided to give all the exhaust heat to the rider, LOL.
Still looking. Nary a nibble on the sporty, which does not surprise me, no biggie will gradually lower the price till I get bites, or remove it.
Still looking. Nary a nibble on the sporty, which does not surprise me, no biggie will gradually lower the price till I get bites, or remove it.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 456
Likes: 205
From: Manchester, MI
I am not sure how contact patch has changed by going to a wider tire. I remember years ago, I read an article on the Corvette and wider tires for improved handling. The results were that as long as the vehicle weight is the same and tire pressures are the same, the contact patch is the same no mater the tire width. The benefit was in how the side wall reacted in turns. A car tire is more of a rolling cylinder where the motorcycle is curved in two dimensions so it can lean but wouldn't the physics be the same?
I mean, to make it simple, if a motorcycle had a weight of 1000 pounds and and each tire had 100 psi, the combined contact patch is 10 square inches. Reducing tire pressure results in a larger contact patch.
I am not stating fact here, it is a question to think about.
I mean, to make it simple, if a motorcycle had a weight of 1000 pounds and and each tire had 100 psi, the combined contact patch is 10 square inches. Reducing tire pressure results in a larger contact patch.
I am not stating fact here, it is a question to think about.