Check for clearance with a 3/8 or 7/16 nut taped to the center of the tire and spin the wheel with the front wheel off the ground. If the nut rubs the inside of the fender it is a good idea to elongate the fender holes. A company such as us have a tendency to state the importance of doing this as we do not want any customer to have an issue related to a wheel that we have provided to them.

Some companies insist "this is never a problem with XXXX brand tire" but we always recommend double checking as it only makes logical sense. If you do not have the skill, time or necessary tools to do this ask the installer to check. It makes more sense to take 5 minutes doing this compared to having an issue with the paint burning off the fender from tire rub.

In the long run all I can do as a vendor is recommend that customers do what I would do on my own motorcycle and hope they take the time to do it. Problems such as this become warnings once a customer has experienced an issue and we feel that it could potentially affect other customers. We pride ourselves on providing quality information to customers with regards to the products that they purchase from us and how these products can affect the motorcycle in any way.

Take a look at many of the vendors out there who always insist "it will fit with no issue" but whom have never installed a wheel. We derive all of our information from first hand experience and feel the providing the consumer with said info is beneficial to running a successful business. Providing excellent customer service in the motorcycle industry is extremely important as some do and some don't and our reputation is at stake on a daily basis. We work hard to keep that reputation positive.

If that means we spend an extra 10 minutes explaining how to check for clearance to our customers regardless of what other info is out there we will do that.

If that means sitting here an typing this information on the forums for fellow Harley enthusiasts so that they can better understand the potential issue we will do that. Going above and beyond is the only way to run a healthy business in the motorcycle industry.

If you have other questions please feel free to give us a call and we will answer all your questions to the best of our ability.

 

Great advice Hogpro. You're in a tough spot, damned if you do, and damned if you don't tell everyone to drill em out.

 

Well I have a Metzeler and it rubbed..Case by case I guess OR doing 120 mph when its a 100 degrees outside might equate to the tire stretching...Something I do not advise but certain times cause for certain speeds...

 

Which is exactly my point. Every rule has an exception and I have seen it time and time again. Thus I suggest what should be done but it is ultimately up to a customer unless they have their wheels installed here in which case we will elongate the holes. On my bike I did not check, just elongated the holes.

Would you know the holes were elongated if you looked at my bike? Nope. Did I do it for peace of mine? Yup. Has it rubbed? Nope. Would I do it again? Yup. 'Nuff said.

 

No clue bud, agreed probably a case by case situation. That's why I say check the clearance first thing, that way you have an idea where you stand before going on the road.

 

Done the same thing never checked just drilled the holes out. why not you have the wheel off? what's 4 bolts and two holes to drill? Did it make me feel better? Yes

 

I will be putting my fender back on next weekend, whats the hurry it was 31 f--$n degrees yesterday. So can anyone lend the direction do you slot the holes or just oversize drill. I would rather take the time to slot them in the proper direction to tilt it. A larger hole could promote moving in the wrong direction later causing even more rub than stock.

I think DeadManWalkin and I are just looking for a direction, are we trying to lift the rear of the fender or drop it???

Thanks guys and ecspecially HogPro's I took it for a freezing ride yesterday. Looks and rides awesome, now just need my fender on.

 

Slot the rear two holes longer towards the ground.

 

I DONT LIKE telling people to drill out their stock tins on their $20,000 bike unless they HAVE to. Would you go get a tooth filled if their was no cavity? ... a better analogy for ya. We also don't advise this due to some of the people not having the ability to do this... it seems like a simple task but unfortunately can end up in them running a drill bit up the side of their fender and then they are mad at us. When we sell a set of wheels, we make it very clear to our customers that they MAY have to drill the rear fender mounting holes on 2013 and back bikes but ONLY AFTER they check the clearances. Thats what our article encourages, CHECK THE CLEARANCES and THEN DRILL IF NEEDED. We have sold now into the THOUSANDS of 21" wheels for Baggers... this isn't our first rodeo.

One more thing... We don't speak badly of other vendors on here because we have enough self respect that people will choose us on their own. We are all in the same industry here and it does us no good to undermine or insult our competitors. Our most important goal is not just selling wheels but making sure that people Ryd Safe and love our service.

 

I had to drill out my rear holes by a few sizes to get the clearance I wanted on my 04 Electra Glide. Pretty easy thing to do, so no big deal! Every bike is a little different as has been said a thousand times......