I currently have a factory 150/80/16 tire on the rear of my '09 Sportster 1200C. I'm ok with the width, but I'd like to go with a 17" wheel. Will that create any kind of problem from a fitting standpoint? Will it create a disparity between the speedometer reading and the actual speed? Thanks, ya'll.

 

Your rear wheel is probably a stock Harley size of 3" x 16", which is a size they have been fitted for ages and takes a high profile tyre, such as 130/90 or the 150/80 you currently have. I have one on my 1990 Glide as well.

The problem with 17" wheels is they are designed to take low profile tyres and that is all that is available for them. The Harley Deuce rear wheel is 4.5" wide and intended to take a 160/70 tyre. It looks great and mine is due any day now, as I intend trying to fit one to my Glide! But I haven't done it yet.

My understanding is that 160 tyres tend to be more than 160 wide when fitted. So I expect to have problems with tyre clearance inside the fender, as well as with the belt. You are likely to have similar problems. A 160/70 is half an inch larger in diameter than a 150/80, or 25.7" instead of 25.2, so your speedo will be about 2% fast, which is not a big deal IMHO.

So it is worth looking into, before taking the plunge. I suggest you call in the Sportster forum here, to see if anyone can help. Not many HDF members call by this forum.