Tires,
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
H from the UK and welcome to HDF. That question comes up often!
There are two limitations, rim size and belt clearance. Your stock tyre is an MT or 130/90 and the alternatives that we can fit on a stock 3" rim are MU85, which is 140/85, also a 150/80 will fit. They are all pretty well the same rolling diameter. Some brands sell a 140/90 which will also fit, but is a little larger in diameter.
That deals with rim size. Different tyres vary in fitted width, but you should find a 140/85 and 140/90 will go in, although it may be necessary to trim the rubber curtain on your belt guard. The Avon 140/90 gave me only 3/16" clearance between belt and tyre!
So with no modifications, your MT is all you can be certain of fitting. An MU will fit, but may need minor adjustments. A few have successfully installed a 150/80, but you need to be lucky or very determined to get one in.
There are two limitations, rim size and belt clearance. Your stock tyre is an MT or 130/90 and the alternatives that we can fit on a stock 3" rim are MU85, which is 140/85, also a 150/80 will fit. They are all pretty well the same rolling diameter. Some brands sell a 140/90 which will also fit, but is a little larger in diameter.
That deals with rim size. Different tyres vary in fitted width, but you should find a 140/85 and 140/90 will go in, although it may be necessary to trim the rubber curtain on your belt guard. The Avon 140/90 gave me only 3/16" clearance between belt and tyre!
So with no modifications, your MT is all you can be certain of fitting. An MU will fit, but may need minor adjustments. A few have successfully installed a 150/80, but you need to be lucky or very determined to get one in.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 287
Likes: 18
From: Bartlett, TN
I asked the exact same question over on the tire section a couple of days ago. I think our friend from the UK is the tire guru for sure. I've been running the stock size Avon's with a narrow white stripe, but Avon has discontinued that tire. Looks like to get the narrow white I got to go with the Metzler. So, I think I'll pull the trigger on the MU85. For insurance I may go ahead and get a rear spocket spacer. The one from Pingle is about 60.00, but Vulcan has one for 13.00. Don't know why the big difference in price, but both are described as being used on 2000-2003 FLH models to allow for up to 142mm wide tire.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Second, in the spirit of this forum, as big as you want as long as you don't exceed the weight limit on the tour pack when you strap it on.
HEY! You didn't say where you wanted to put it on your bike!
Again, WELCOME to the forum!
I think grbrown did a great job of getting you a "real" answer.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
lazybee, I've been doing this for a long time! I've used MT, MU, 150/80 and now 160/70 on my 1990 Glide...... 
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
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From: Twin Cities, MN
On my '99 RK I can get the MU and 140 in without mods and have used them for years. But a 150 or 160 no way.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
They can be done, but only with a little 'determination'! Not for beginners.
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