Unique tire size dilemma???
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: CNY
If it is Hitting the fender it may have shocks to short or a lowering kit bolted on where the lower shock mounts are.I think stock RK shocks are 13"extended. 12" should'nt rub as they are stock on RK customs and SGs unless there are lowering brackets and the 12" shocks. Measure the shock length Eye to eye centers with the shocks fully extended and check for lowering brackets on the swingarm. If the shocks are shorter than 12" you may need new ones, if you're lucky there will be brackets you can remove. There are always new take-off shocks on the auction sites cheap too. If it is'nt the shocks or lowering brackets not sure what else. I believe thats the correct tire and someone else put the other on to hide a problem.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Very strange! The MT/90 tyre is 130mm wide and nominally 25.2 inches in diameter. The MU/85 is 140mm wide and nominally 25.4 in diameter. But the MT was worn, so will be slightly smaller in diameter than your nice new one.
So it may be as simple as when you bought the bike, with your combined weight the tyre was only just clear of the fender, but the new tyre being larger in diameter is rubbing.
The MT you have is a stock tyre for Harleys going back into the mists of time and is what my 1990 bike came on. But it is marginal when 2-up and recent bikes up to 2009 used the MU that you replaced. Out of interest I now have a 2007 swingarm on my bike with a MU/150/80 tyre.
I have over last winter at last stopped my bike from bottoming out when we are both on it, but that is using stock length custom shocks. Without wishing to be rude, your undoubtedly lovely wife
deserves more suspension travel and good quality shocks.
When you next fit a rear tyre, go to the MU/85, alternatively a 150/80, or you could even consider a 160. In the meantime, you need a decent set of stock length shocks. You both deserve it, but especially the love of your life!
Added later: Also increase your tyre pressures a couple of pounds over stock.
So it may be as simple as when you bought the bike, with your combined weight the tyre was only just clear of the fender, but the new tyre being larger in diameter is rubbing.
The MT you have is a stock tyre for Harleys going back into the mists of time and is what my 1990 bike came on. But it is marginal when 2-up and recent bikes up to 2009 used the MU that you replaced. Out of interest I now have a 2007 swingarm on my bike with a MU/150/80 tyre.
I have over last winter at last stopped my bike from bottoming out when we are both on it, but that is using stock length custom shocks. Without wishing to be rude, your undoubtedly lovely wife
deserves more suspension travel and good quality shocks.When you next fit a rear tyre, go to the MU/85, alternatively a 150/80, or you could even consider a 160. In the meantime, you need a decent set of stock length shocks. You both deserve it, but especially the love of your life!
Added later: Also increase your tyre pressures a couple of pounds over stock.
Last edited by grbrown; Jun 8, 2010 at 04:32 PM.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Have you checked the pressure in your shocks? The tire size difference is minimal and I suspect you are overlooking the obvious. If your wife is 200 and you are at least that (well, too lazy to check my manual) but I suspect you need to check into that. Any worthy indy or HD shop should be able to help if you do not have a pump/gauge but I highly suggest getting one and checking your pressure monthly.
I'm assuming that's what you meant by checking the pressure?
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
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I've measured the shocks. They are 11 and 1/2 from center pin to center pin.
And they are mounted directly to the swing arm(no bracket in between.).
They are definitely "Progressive" brand, as they have the sticker with the Progressive Logo and the words "Progressive Suspension".
And they are mounted directly to the swing arm(no bracket in between.).
They are definitely "Progressive" brand, as they have the sticker with the Progressive Logo and the words "Progressive Suspension".
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
There is likely to be very little compression in those shocks left, to deal with bumps and potholes. Stock ones are at least 13" long. The bike is perfectly capable of carrying you both, but those shocks ain't! I have a 150/80 rear tyre and it doesn't hit the fender.
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Can you PM me?
Otherwise, I can post my email here......unless that's against forum rules or something???
the measurement should be around 13 in eye to eye....for stock hieght. if its less thats y ur bottoming out on the tire... if they are progessive shocks u should be able to adjust them . you mite try cranking them up when u put the mrs on the back....
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I raised them to the top notch as soon as I heard them bottoming out. It didn't help.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 9
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Lightning knocked out my connection, and I hadn't attached an email account to my username yet, so now I can't get into it.
My email address is Hornet.Coach@gmail.com
I'd like to talk to you about those shocks!