As requested by a few of you.

[IMG]local://upfiles/27846/207BD330EABE4FA2AD1AB08D166BE7C3.jpg[/IMG]

Ok here is the deal.
The 6" wide wheel is the largest wheel with 200 tire combination that can be shoehorned into an FXD with the stock fender set up.
I bought this bike new about 6 months ago and put it on the lift and tore into it.
I experimented with differnet combinations.
We build show bikes here and have the tools and means to do some tricky things.
All that was required to make this set up work was the following:
We installed a quick release sissy bar brkt with its stock HD hardware.
We cleaned up everything inside the fender including all fasteners and anything else that stuck out.
We replaced the stock turn signals with smaller ones and relocated them to the first hole of the fender rail (most forward hole).
When we had the fender off and apart, we spread the fender ever so slightly by adjusting the spacer between the fender and fenderrail and doing some every minor grinding on the inner face of the frame rail to allow the fender to "Spred" perhaps 1/8" more than stock. This may not have even been necessary but I felt better about it.
We then did the traditional experimenting and mocking up of thewheel/pulley/belt guard, etc to get the spacing right on it. We needed to machine some new spacers for the pulley and axle but it was nothing radical.
Rear was lowered via Progressive 412 shocks, 11".
All in all, it was very easy to do and everthing aligned perfectly.
Since the mod, I've now put about 2500 miles on it and just got back from Sturgis.
Everything is true and correct and has been running perfectly.
The looks I get with it and attention are quite remarkable.
The wheel is custom built using the orignal wheel as a base piece.
The wheel was resized from its 4.5" width to a full 6.0" width. I also increased the diameter of the wheel from 17" to 18" as its a much better look/ better tire availability and is the exact same overall height as the oem set up.
Now as to my Honda connection.
I have been offering Chrome exchange for over 3 years now for Honda motorcycles. we have also been building aand customizing honda VTX's for show, etc.
We found a niche here in that no one esle in the country was doing this and everyone and their brother was doing the HD stuff.
We have just recently however gotten into the HD thing in terms of offering some chrome exchange and custom work on them.
I grew up in a Harley family and ride them but just found it easier to make money with the metrics at the time. Now a lot of others have gotten into the metric business including many of the top bike builders.
My web site has not yet been updated to include the Harley stuff but it will.
Sorry for the long explanation buddy.
Mike
HANDLER

 

Nice work and great post.
Exactly the plan I have once I get the bike back from the engine build, except i was planning on purchasing an 18 x 5.5 rear rim to do the job.
Questions: What brand tyre did you use( I plan on a Metz 18 x 200 x 55), can you tellme the spacer specs, any spacing on front pulley,I presume you retained OEM belt and pulley.
Once again thanx for posting, I've always believed it was possible without too much fuss.
Great job, looks awesome.
Stix.

 

It looks fantastic!!!! [8D]

 

Looks Awesome! Hows the handling? Did you think about using the narrower belt from the softtail or the VRod?

 

Cool!!

 

I really like the look of the 200 tire. I think I just found something else to add to my things to do list!!!!!

 

Thanks for the nice words guys.
Let me try to answer some of these questions.

1. I never thought of using the narrower belt.
Didnt really need to and I plan to do some engine upgrades soon and if anything, I'll be wanting to increase the size of the belt. :-)

2. Handling is wonderful and I feel its enhanced. I do NOT feel that going to atire wider than a 200 is conducive though to good handling in the twisties. I think 200 is the limit and a wonderful balance between function and looking good.

3. The tire I used is the Metzler ME-880. 200/55-18.
This tire simulates the exact height of the stock tire set up and I love the Metzler tire in this size.
The sidewall is very strong and overall its a very impressive tire. I've used this same tire a lot on our custom bikes

4. The 5.5" wide wheel will be even easier to shoehorn in there and will work fine.
I've used the 200 tire with everwhere from a 5" wheel up to a 7" wheel. I think ideal is 6" like the one I'm using here.

5. The front pulley was not spaced over and is the stock set up.

6. Unfortunately, my dumb *** did not keep the dimensions for the pulley or rear axle spacing. At the time, its never occured to me that I would be asked about it and I forget to document them. I can tell you that it required very little change in spacing period.
Once I pull this set-up apart soon, I'll write down allof the parts dimensions.

Thanks guys,
Mike

 

Hey Handler, do you think I could just use the stock rim? If the spacing was the small, do you think I could get away with just throwing a 200 on and it may fit with out in mods? I'm sure you tried it, but just curious.

 

I didn't try it because it isn't correct.
I preach to guys all the time on metric list I'm on about this sort of thing.
You can mount a 200 tire on your 4.5" x 17" oem wheel but it will be an awful decision.
The wheel is substandard in width and will NOT work well and will pinch the bead of the tire in creating a crowning affect on the tread. This will lead to decreased footprint and premature wear of the tire.
In addition, most of the 200 tires I am aware of are built for a lighter sportbike application and are not ideally suited for your bike. The 18" size is much more consistent with cruiser type bikes.
Fit wise, I imagine it would work fine with no mods required.
I do not recommend doing it buddy.
Mike

 

Sounds good to me, I will begin the search for a new set of wheels and tires. I wanted to get some new ones anyway, just figured I could save some money now. But, that never works!!!!

Thanks man,

jeb