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Softail Wheels

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by garyplais, Mar 18, 2005.

  1. garyplais

    garyplais New Member

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    I have a 2002 Heritage Softail Classic. What is the widest tire I can go on that bike Without going to a new swingarm. Also what parts and mods would I need for it? thanks
    garyplais, Mar 18, 2005
    #1
  3. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

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    200 series is the widest that I know of that you can go w/out up-grading the swingarm, but some will argue with that. There are some minor mods you will have to do in order for this to work properly, but my suggestion is to go with the wider swingarm. You'll get more satisfaction out of accomodating that way and have far less limitations. The choice is yours.....enjoy & keep the rubber on the ground!
    bikerjim1, Mar 21, 2005
    #2
  4. garyplais

    garyplais New Member

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    So what is a good Swingarm kit for a 2002 Softail. Im looking to go no wider that 200? I have noticed that Santee has a kit for up to a 1999 model for about $1900, then the price jumps to about $3000 for 2000 year and later models! What gives with that? I would like to be able to do this for under $2K if I can, think its possible?
    garyplais, Mar 28, 2005
    #3
  5. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

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    Santee is cool, just keep in mind that when doing any kind of custom work that can affect the handling or safety of the bike, you need to go with an application that is specific for the bike at hand. When you're talking about swingarms, and other major components, stay with a reputable builder. Santee has lots of experience with things of this nature.
    bikerjim1, Mar 28, 2005
    #4
  6. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I have a 160 and from the way it fits I can see no way a 200 is going under that fender. I centered the 160 and have barely any room on each side.

    To do it correctly you'd need to have a wider struts and fender setup up top or you'd risk rubbing the fender on a heritage, maybe not a duece but on a heritage you have a full fender.

    You'd have to make new spacers, cut down the brake caliper, center the wheel and make sure the narrow belt is running straight. May have to trim back the splash guard before the wheel and the belt covers.
    hotroadking, Mar 28, 2005
    #5
  7. wmiconi

    wmiconi New Member

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    160 on a 05 FXSTI?

    HRK,

    160 will fit? I am so tight with the 150 and the solid disk i put on.

    ?
    wmiconi, Mar 28, 2005
    #6
  8. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Only if you center the tire/wheel under the fender, you should consider centering the 150.
    hotroadking, Mar 29, 2005
    #7
  9. AFNurse

    AFNurse Moderator Staff Member

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    I am just wondering what the advantage of a wider wheel is??!! I have heard that you want to sorta match front and rear wheel for handleing (super wide rear, narrow front = squirly)....I am not planning on changing, but am curious so I may have options in the future. :cool:
    AFNurse, Mar 29, 2005
    #8
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    the wider tire gives more contact patch on the road which is more traction (also looks cool) I have found better handling with my avons than the dunlops, cornering is much better.

    90 on front 160 on rear and it's not much of a handling consideration never notice a problem.

    You have wide rear tires on softails for years and dynas compared to the skinny front 21 inch rims.
    hotroadking, Mar 29, 2005
    #9

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