I've got a 2012 SG and really want to put a 21 on the front. Here's my question: I found a spoked wheel that requires a 1 inch axle. Now the SG axle is a 25mm? I know that 1 inch = 25.4mm.................WTF? I read somewhere that the HD wheels come from Australia so they mark them as 25mm but they are basically 1 inch? Anyone clear this up for me? Can I use a wheel that requires a 1 inch axle? Also, anyone know the hub size of the stock wheels?
Thanks, Jeff

 

I told you on the phone 25mm bearings. The 25mm and 1" bearings are different widths too. Find something properly configured out of the box, it is a much simpler way to do things. Getting a less expensive wheel that is not quite right usually turns out to cost about the same but you also have to deal with the hassle of getting the work done to make the wheel fit properly.

Do not use a 1" bearing on a 25mm axle. These are wheels and your bike only has two. They need to be configured properly. IF your bike came with 1" axles and bearings you could use a 25mm axle with 25mm bearings but not the other way around.

I hate to be so rigid but this is not something to mess around with. Get the right fit the first time. Take it from someone who deals with wheels, bearings, axles, etc all day long every day that the best thing to do is to get the right thing the first time.

 

No need to "reinvent the wheel", pardon the pun. Replace the 1" bearings in the new wheel with the OEM 25mm bearings. If the bike is ABS, that must be taken into consideration as well when replacing bearings. Install the bearings per the service manual; it make a difference using the OEM inner spacer. Don't install the tire and mock up the wheel using the OEM outer spacers. Torque axle per the service manual and check rotor to caliper alignment; wheel should spin freely but probably won't and you will have to space the wheel to achieve alignment.

The OEM outer spacers are very hard and brittle and hard to cut down, even on a lathe. There are aluminum spacer "kits" that include several spacers of different lengths. Trial and error with spacers is the only way to achieve rotor to caliper alignment.

If you can find a wheel that will "bolt up" using all OEM components, much easier to go that route but where there is the will, there is always the way to make something work.

 

I know that we like to joke with Aussies that being upside down all the time isn't good for 'em, but I wouldn't accuse them of trying to pull that sham off. WTF indeed!

What I will say is that back in 1975 the US Government passed a Law introducing metrication. Unfortunately they didn't say when, but it seems the time is ripe. The rest of the World has been metric for decades.

What you can do is swap the bearings in that wheel from 1" to 25mm, by using a Harley bearing kit. Look at their website, or ask your local dealer. For a few years Harley made wheels that will take 3/4", 1" and 25mm bearings, with the appropriate kit. They may not however take an ABS bearing easily if your bike has that.

Now go and brush up the metric system........

 

I posted this before we spoke, and you're right. I understand how this all works now. It's amazing how many different things/opinions we can hear about how to do something when it comes to wrenching motorcycles. I try to research and ask as many people/questions s I can..........then just do the job myself. Thanks for spending the few minutes on the phone with me, it was very helpful.