Rim Size

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Jan 9, 2011 | 08:03 PM

#11

skratch

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 20,616

Likes: 4,440

From: anacoco, la

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUSTEX RKC

To calculate the diameter of your current rear wheel /tire the formula is 16”+((0.65 X 7.09”) X 2) = 25.22” Diameter. If you were wondering where the number 7.09” came from it is 180mm converted to inches.

yeah, math makes my brain hurt! you can use the above formula, or go to tire size caluculator

and just plug in your own numbers......

Jan 10, 2011 | 02:23 PM

#12

Hogpro

Former Sponsor

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 10,968

Likes: 54

Here are some tire size dimensions that I got from the tire manufactueres that should help you out. Looking at these numbers your front tire will be less than 1/4" taller and the rear tire will be around a 1/4" shorter compared to stock. Also we have had a couple customers go to single disc on an ABS bagger so it is possible. Maybe try on search on here to see who has done it.

Dunlop 130/70-18 front- 25.32" diameter
Dunlop 180/65-16- 25.33" diameter

Metzler 120/70-19 front- 25.67" diameter
Metler 200/50-17 rear- 24.80" diameter

Jan 14, 2011 | 08:11 AM

#13

Wingert

Intermediate

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 31

Likes: 0

I have a slightly different question regarding tire size. On a 2011 FLHX the front tire is an 18" and the rear is a 16". While looking to replace the rims it appears that almost nobody has a rear 16" rim.

Does going to an 18" front and a 18" rear tire change the way the bike rides or handles much? I put a fair number of miles on through weekend and week long trips so I want something that performs well for highway miles as well as bike handling.

Second question would be - can a person go to a 21" front tire and 18" rear tire on this bike witihout modifying the front fender? Again - what about the bike's ride?

Thanks

Jan 14, 2011 | 11:43 AM

#14

DocHarley

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,911

Likes: 2

From: South Fla.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wingert

The sidewall of a tire acts as a dampener and absorbs shock. So anytime you change to larger rims and tires the ride will suffer some because of the shorter sidewall. The bike will be harder to handle during slow maneuvers but most experience improved handling at higher speeds.

I chose the 17" rim for the rear with a 200 tire. I've had many people tell me the 18/200 is a bad thing for a few reasons. I've seen bikes with both 17" and 18" rear wheels and I personally can't see the difference.

As for the front fender, most people who install a 21" wheel will drill out the rear bolt hole with a 3/8 drill bit then hold the fender up when you torque the bolts. This will help prevent the tire rubbing on the fender.

Last edited by DocHarley; Jan 14, 2011 at 11:45 AM.

Jan 14, 2011 | 11:58 AM

#15

ICIBUY

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,022

Likes: 3

From: Kewanee, IL.

Nice to see that the 17/50/200 I put on mine is actually shorter than the 16" that came stock! Thanks for the info Doc! My 2010 has 21" in the front 17/200 in the rear and I lowered the rear 1", also put a badlander seat on... I touch flat footed and I'm only 5'7". However I'm currently upgrading my ride to the Arnott Air Ride because I'm installing stretched bags, and stretched rear fasica and I dont want them grinding the pavment in corners. Cheers!

Jan 16, 2011 | 03:10 PM

#16

highrevvtwin

Advanced

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 77

Likes: 0

very minium

Mar 9, 2011 | 02:16 PM

#17

rosshog

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 364

Likes: 6

From: Birmingham, Alabama

You guys that are running the 200/50/17 notice much of a handling/ride difference compared to the stock wheel and tire? I'm thinking of going the 200 route with my 2010 Road King but don't want to lose cornering capability like I've heard others claim. Is it that big of a difference compared to the stock 180? Also, is tire life compromised that much stepping up to the 200? Any advice is appreciated.

Mar 9, 2011 | 02:18 PM

#18

slothy

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,347

Likes: 2

From: Michigan

EVER SO SLIGHTLY, its not like your riding a crotch rocket and dragging knee, and if you are more power to ya lol :P

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Mar 9, 2011 | 02:33 PM

#19

frenchbiker

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 3,948

Likes: 54

From: The Burgh

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosshog

I'm running the stock tire on my 09 Ultra so it's a 180/65. I think the ride is going to be stiffer with a 200/50. Not much difference in cornering IMO but in comfort due to the fact that a lower sidewall (1/2" less) will provide less dampening. It'll be even worse with a passenger.

Last edited by frenchbiker; Mar 9, 2011 at 02:58 PM.