wider tire change out
wider tire change out
We have a 1998 FLH Electra-glide ultra Classic Shriners' edition. When we bought the bike it had roughly a couple thousand miles on the tires. 8,000 mile later the back tire needs replacing. Got a brand new Dunlop 140/90-16 for $50. The old tire was a Dunlop 130/90-16.
Previous research had two local bike shops assuring us that going to a wider 140 would be better and no hassle switch.
Does anyone know what is required to accommodate the 140. Pulling off the old tire and mounting the new one was no hassle, but when we put it back on the left side rubs the belt and fender. 3/4 inch clearance on the right side.
Using the old school method of two nails and an unstretching tape shows the axle to be a perfect 90 degrees to the frame.
Previous research had two local bike shops assuring us that going to a wider 140 would be better and no hassle switch.
Does anyone know what is required to accommodate the 140. Pulling off the old tire and mounting the new one was no hassle, but when we put it back on the left side rubs the belt and fender. 3/4 inch clearance on the right side.
Using the old school method of two nails and an unstretching tape shows the axle to be a perfect 90 degrees to the frame.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the bike should have had a Dunlop MT90/16
some evos can take a Dunlop MU85/16- but that is a case- by- case....some fit, some don't and it'll cost you $200 to find out.
The MU85 has more capacity and is wider.
You can check the dunlop site for the mm sizing of the MT and MU
Even tires of the same marked size may be actually different dimensions from different manufacturers
If you want to run a wider tire than the MU85 ( assuming even the Mu85 fits), then you'd need to convert to a chain drive- that'll allow a tire about 1" wider if you sets the sprocket spacers correctly.
Mike
some evos can take a Dunlop MU85/16- but that is a case- by- case....some fit, some don't and it'll cost you $200 to find out.
The MU85 has more capacity and is wider.
You can check the dunlop site for the mm sizing of the MT and MU
Even tires of the same marked size may be actually different dimensions from different manufacturers
If you want to run a wider tire than the MU85 ( assuming even the Mu85 fits), then you'd need to convert to a chain drive- that'll allow a tire about 1" wider if you sets the sprocket spacers correctly.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 1, 2014 at 08:10 PM.
Thank you for the information, but this still doesn't explain why or how the tire is setting off side, nor what is the proper method for shifting it back to the center where it belongs.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have used a 140/90 with success on my earlier bike. IIRC you should have a little more tyre/belt clearance with your model, however you may still find that clearance with your belt guard is tight. I got over that problem by removing the rubber curtain on my guard, which left plenty of clearance (about 3/16") between tyre and belt. The MU85 Mike refers to was used on later bikes and is 140/85, so slightly lower in profile.
The benefit of using an MU or 140/90 is that they have a higher load rating, which if you ride 2-up a lot is taking some of the strain off the rear tyre. The stock MT is marginal on loading for a fully laden bike.
The benefit of using an MU or 140/90 is that they have a higher load rating, which if you ride 2-up a lot is taking some of the strain off the rear tyre. The stock MT is marginal on loading for a fully laden bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
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I have found thatfor what ever reason, that Harley did not center the tires in the swingarm. The 140/90-16 is also taller & the Dunlops are some of the taller & wider of that size tire. On my 99 Ultra I ran into issues with the Dunlops where I didn't with the Metzler or the Kenda. Since then I have gone to a 1" belt, respaced & centered my wheel ( I also shaved a few thousands off my brake bridge) & found that the 150/80-16fits better (not as tall). Hope allworks outfor you. I am also running 2005 SG wheels on mine which helped with the belt conversion.
Toby
Toby
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
The original MT, MU and 150/80 are all very close in diameter, while the 140/90 is a little larger. When fitting my first one of that size I could tell I had to reach a bit further down to the ground! I later fitted a 1 1/8" belt which has allowed me to use a 150/80 and reach the ground a little easier. More recently I use a 160/70, but that is a long story!
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This is my first thought.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: currently an Okie
05 Street Glide?
I have found thatfor what ever reason, that Harley did not center the tires in the swingarm. The 140/90-16 is also taller & the Dunlops are some of the taller & wider of that size tire. On my 99 Ultra I ran into issues with the Dunlops where I didn't with the Metzler or the Kenda. Since then I have gone to a 1" belt, respaced & centered my wheel ( I also shaved a few thousands off my brake bridge) & found that the 150/80-16fits better (not as tall). Hope allworks outfor you. I am also running 2005 SG wheels on mine which helped with the belt conversion.
Toby
Toby
I always thought 06 was the first year of the Street Glide.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
The guy I got the wheels from said 2005, but they could be 2006. I do know that they have the 1" wheel bearings converted to 3/4" bearings ( I have the original bearings) & they don' t have the IDS pulley.
Toby
Toby