Going with 18's
 

Stopped by my custom builder's shop today, wanted his take on the best setup for new wheels on my SG. I had planned on going with 18" and 21" but he's not a fan of running a 21" front wheel on baggers-- this despite the fact that he has several custom bikes in his showroom with 21" on front. According to him, the narrower tire will make the front end want to walk around more than stock and thereby degrade the ride qualities of a bagger. After spending a couple of years on a soft tail, I tend to agree with him on the narrow front tire. So... I think I'm going to stick with 18" wheels front and rear wrapped in Metzler ME880 tires, 140 (I think that's right) front, 160 rear. I guess that's my only question, will a 160 fit? He says he's set several up that way and had no problems so I'm inclined to go with his recommendation. BTW, he's a bagger rider himself with many years more experience as a rider and builder than anyone else I know.

I called the guys at MC Motorsports today and placed an order for a set of their black powdercoat Rockstar wheels with matching rotors. Looks like it's going to be a couple of weeks before the wheels ship and I don't know if I can stand the wait! I'll post up a few pics once I get my Baby a new pair of shoes.

RE: Going with 18's
 

A 160 is almost guaranteed to rub the belt guard.[&:] I run a 150 on the back and it is froghair close.

RE: Going with 18's
 

I was originally thinking 150, though I have friends who say, "stick to stock width," for load rating. I almost never ride 2-up but I'd hate to set my bike up in such a way as to limit my options there. As for rubbing the belt guard, I can see that happening, though I guess if it were a real problem, the belt guard would be easy to modify. It's plastic, right?

RE: Going with 18's
 

Some trim or remove the belt guard as it is "hard plastic".[&:] Maybe someone can chime in on how they were able to avoid both, but I personally can't see how after seeing how close a 150 is.

RE: Going with 18's
 

I put a 160 on my SG had to remove the belt guard NBD

RE: Going with 18's
 

A 140 Metz will fit fine. No rubbing. A 150 is close...really close. Some fit OK, if it hits the belt guard, get in there with a dremel or even a file and shave a tiny bit from the guard - it's just plastic.I have not heard of a 160 fitting in the stock swingarm without some more serious modifications.

Also,another thing to consider is the profile height of the 18" tire vs. the 16". I guess it really wouldn't make a difference...it's still the same width and rolling next to the belt. So forget that one.

I'm jealous...that is a nice wheelset coming to you! Enjoy!!

RE: Going with 18's
 

i run the same size rubber on my SG with 18's ... no prob....got two buddies who run the 160, they did surgery to the belt gaurd...one of em shaved the rib on the tire just a scootch....the 150 is rated less but i've had no probs loaded and two up on long trips

RE: Going with 18's
 

I run a 160 60 18 metzeler me 880 on the back. I had to notch the bolt holes and do a little trimming to the belt guard, things are close, but Ive rode all day two up on the interstate and have had no problems to date.

RE: Going with 18's
 

not familiar with those wheels - got a link so I can see 'em? Tried to google - but nothing came up. Thanks

RE: Going with 18's
 

What is the purpose of going to an 18 over the stock 16?