120 mm tire on front of touring?

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Aug 29, 2011 | 07:54 AM

ocezam

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 1,145

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From: Colorado Springs

120 mm tire on front of touring?

I said in another thread I am considering changing my 16" rim to an 18" off a Street Glide. There are a lot more tire options, not to mention cheaper options, in a 120mm tire for an 18" inch rim than a 130mm tire in an 18" inch rim. Anybody run a 120mm tire up front on any Glide? Either a 16" or 17" or 18"? 10mm can't make much difference can it?

Thanks.

Aug 29, 2011 | 10:15 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,897

From: Bedford UK

The weight of your bike does make a difference! Some of those front tyres will have much lower load ratings than a stock tyre. The traditional MT 16" front is rated 74, the current touring 17" is 65 and the 18" SG is 63. So you should look to use a tyre with a similar load rating IMHO. I wouldn't personally use a lower rating tyre.

I'm also considering fitting an 18" front SG wheel, but will use an Avon Venom 130/70B18, which is higher rated than the factory Dunlop, at 69.

Aug 29, 2011 | 07:40 PM

DuraGlide

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 1,895

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From: Southern WV

The front AXLE weight rating on all 08 FLs is 500lb according to the owners manual. Why would the tire weight rating have to be so much higher than the axle that carries the load? Seems that would make the axle the weak link. Most bikes with a 21 front are running a 120/70 21 with a 62 (583 lb) weight rating, mine included. 25K miles with no issues.