2008 Road King - 'new' front wheel from older FL - axle vs bearing question(s)

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May 13, 2013 | 04:16 AM

loseranacummins

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From: Stuttgart, Germany

2008 Road King - 'new' front wheel from older FL - axle vs bearing question(s)

Hey gang,

[Also posted in Wheel/Tire/Brake tech forum, and searched with no luck]

I'm replacing my stock spoked front wheel on my 08 RKC with a wagon wheel from an older FL (the old black kind). I had hoped it would "bolt right up" but the old wheel needs a bigger axle. (From my research, I think 1" vs the 2008's 25mm.)

If the above is true (measurements), what is the best route: a 1" axle (with spacers if necessary(?)) to utilize bearings in old wheel --OR-- a 25mm bearing kit installed in the old wheel to match the 08 axle/spacers?

Thanks in advance for any answers/thoughts,
TJ

May 13, 2013 | 06:06 AM

kyote

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From: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

If I were you I would go with the 25mm axle bearings...

May 13, 2013 | 06:23 AM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

TJ, can you confirm what the older wheel is? 'Old kind' is kinda non-specific! Your bike has 25mm sealed ball races for wheel bearings. From around 2000 the wheels are similar, but with 1" bearings. You can buy a HD bearing kit, with bearings and internal spacer, to adapt your 'new' wheel. However if the older wheel you have has tapered roller bearings, you have problems! Clarify what you have and we can give you better info.

May 13, 2013 | 07:17 AM

loseranacummins

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From: Stuttgart, Germany

The older wheel is an ebay "2000 and up" 9 spoke wagon wheel with bearings marked: H-D 9247 and NBR+Fe 13-7.

My mechanic measured the axle space and it came out to .994" or something close, and just slightly bigger than 25mm, so I'm guessing 1".

Thanks grbrown.
tj

May 13, 2013 | 07:59 AM

grbrown

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All you need to fit your bike is a 25mm bearing kit. Harley sells them for their range of custom wheels. They come with instructions and it is simplest to get that kit, as you need the correct internal spacer, to go between those bearings. The 1" bearings are wider, so I understand the spacer in your new wheel isn't long enough to use with 25mm bearings.

May 13, 2013 | 10:13 AM

loseranacummins

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From: Stuttgart, Germany

Thanks for that info. I'll get a bearing kit on its way soonest.

Any recommendations for doing it without a bearing puller? haha I hate taking stuff to a mechanic... (I kinda tried a block of wood and hammer...gave up in fear of breaking something)

Or what about taking bearings out of the stock wheel and putting them in the new(old) one?

Last edited by loseranacummins; May 13, 2013 at 10:30 AM.