I've got a 08 flhx with 16 inch wheels and I'm looking to make a change and plan on going with a 18 in front and stay with a 16 in the rear but was told to go ahead with the 18 in the rear I was wondering what others have done and what this will do to my ride height. I am flat footed currently and like the feel that I already have.

Thanks

 

18" Pirelli's - 140 front - HD Street Stalker fender - flush mount axle - C&C seat - 11" shocks

 

I just ordered a set of 18's front and rear with matching front rotors and tires. Package deal. I was told its a bolt on deal as the tires are low profile. So the overall diameter of my 16's should be about the same overall as the 18's. May be a little off, but should fit fine with clearance. Mine is an 07

 

18" Front tire/wheel is no problem as HD fits them OEM in '10 but the rear can be problematic to find a tire load rated near a 77 to match what you are taking off. I had the 18's on a '91 FLSTF(16's stock) and it was all good. I would consider staying with the 16" on the rear as it is hidden and trying to find a 18" tire to fit your application(130/70 140/70 x 18" rear tire on a 4.25" rim width) can be tricky especially on the road in an emergency.

 

I got an 18" front and rear package from Coastal Moto and couldn't be happier with it.

Shakey

 

A 18 x 4.25" rear with a 150/70-18 tire is around 3/4" larger overall diameter than a 16 x 3.0 with a MU85-16 tire. This will raise your rear about 1/3-1/2" if an inch which obviously isn't very much so most people don't even notice it.

 

The very last thing you want to do to an 07 Touring bike is to put a taller rear tire on with more roll out, the bike is already geared to tall. Stick very close to the OEM tire height or change your gearing to compensate for the reduced ability to get the bike rolling from a standstill.

 

I did that on the 08 FLHX Street Glide and it did not handle as well as it did when stock.

It drove me crazy trying to figure out what was wrong. I talked to the wheel guys in Daytona at bike week and they told me if I would change the rear wheel to an 18inch also the handling would come back. I wish I could tell you it worked but I sold the bike instead and bought a new Ultra.

Based on my experience I would change them both or leave them stock size.

Good luck