[DaveFxst]

As noted in this forum, the '06 FXST line will have 200 mm rear tires vs the old 150 mm. At Laconia this year I saw some massive rubber on some Jesse James custom bikes. In fact just about every custom bike exhibitor there had gone with this format. Other than appearance, is there a functional reason for going to a wider tire? I understand the obvious applications for a drag bike, but is there any advantage for a street bike? Logic indicates more expensive tire replacement and a loss of gas mileage due to increased friction and unsprung weight. Is there an offset in stability and traction control? Cornering? Just wondering what the intended payoff is.

[Seahag]

Well there would be a larger contact patch for a little more traction...other than that, I can think of no benefits of oversized rubber.

As I've heard it, anything over 230mm doesn't handle well. I personally wouldn't go over 200mm...That way it will look and handle good. I have modified my bike to run a 150mm rear tire...more for traction and load bearing than any looks. You can't really see a baggers rear tire anyway...especially when outfitted with a mud flap like mine is.

[Tomflhrci98]

A while back I had asked for help on how to get a wider tire on a 98 FLHRCI. I got back some answers but I never felt comfortable with any of them, such as adding washers to the inside of the pulley to offset it. It did get me thinking and after I researched the Dunlop website I got to understand the measurements. I measured my stock tire clearance and it looked like I had enough to fit the new MU85 Dunlop that HD offers on the new bikes. 3 different HD dealers gave me 3 different reasons why it wouldn't fit. None of them made any sense. I spent the money and put the MU85 on myself and after the last 3,500 miles I'd say I haven't had one bit of rubbing. I fit perfectly and looks a lot better.

Getting to the point .... the ride is 100% better also. Especially when I ride over groves that go along the lanes. The bike doesn't wobble nearly as much as it did with the old MU90. I needed that for the lane splitting I do every day here in LA. The tire tread is deeper also.

There.... my .02 for ya'll
PS I think the MU85 is equivalent to a 143 mm.