I just completed a 150 tire install on a '95 Sportster. If interested, the info can be seen at
http://www.geocities.com/when_pigs_fly_mc/880.html.htm

The bike looks nice,I like al the mods.Where do you find the rear pully?

Thanks for the positive comments on the bike. I got my pulley spacer from these guys:
http://vulcanworks.net/store_4/product.php?productid=83&cat=24&page=2

If you meant the actual rear pulley, I got it from Surdylke:
http://www.surdykeharley-davidson.com/

Nice write up Ron, good link to bookmark. The 150 tire looks like it belongs on your bike.:)

what about the transmision pulley ?

:doh I was thinking the same thing, if the driven pulley is spaced out 3/8 of an inch and the drive pulley is not then the belt is misaligned, meaning it can't be running with full contact in one of the pulleys causing an uneven load on the belt ??????

For those of you that are concerned about the pulley allignment you need not be. I have had the wider tire mod done here for about 10 years now and I am still on the same belt with 20000 miles on it. I was told then that it can't be done and once again there is proof that it can. With the proper spacing the impact of the offset is marginal. This offset was originally designed tor a BT and the motorcompany bever worried about the angle so why would you???? This is one of those mods you just do and don't worry so much. Cheers to you Ron, glad it worked out.

After reading your how to, I will now do the same jack mod on my swingarm. I just pry it apart everytime and that is a pain. I finally understand the part about the carriage bolts as well. Looks good and I learned a few things here. I will ditch the left side spacers as well. Never gave them much thought just thought I needed them intuitively. Nice writeup.

One other thing. I drive like an idiot most of the time and spend a lot of time on full power runs so if the belt was the weak link it appears to be strong enough to not worry about.

Ralph,
Thanks again for the original tip on the pulley spacer.

To answer the other questions, I used a laser and also a straight edge for a belt travel check. The front pulley is wide enough to allow for the slight offset caused by the rear spacing. I think it runs truer now than before. Anyway, the belt runs straight, there are no signs of abnormal wear, the tire is very close but does not rub the fender or the belt, and I'm a happy camper.

I have the smaller 1/4 spacer. How much clearance do you have with the 3/8ths spacer. My belt clearance is marginal to say the least.

Ralph, I just measured the belt to tire clearance at .178 which is close to 3/16"

Good thing to know about the belt alignment, I was just concerned that the alignment didn't cause you premature belt wear.

Which 150/80-16 Metzeler tire are you running? ME880??? I see they offer a 150/80-16 and a 150/80 B16. The later (B) one is 153 mm wide (6.02") and the regualr one is 161 mm wide (6.34"). Also the B tire is shorter.

Shu,
I'm running the "B" version 150, which although listed as being 6.02" is only 5.75" mounted on a 3" rim. Was the other tire you mentioned an 880? I couldn't even find reference to it.

Cool, I'm ordering the spacer for mine and will convert it this winter. Oh and here is a link to the Metzeler 880 tire sizes.

http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/media/m_full_line.pdf

Shu,
the larger size you mentioned is for a Metzeler "Wide White Wall" 880. I, too, used the link you mentioned as my source for information. I thought I was having another senile moment thinking I missed an important piece of the puzzle.

To anyone else attempting this project, please keep me updated with your outcome. I will gladly incorporate your learning experiences with my "How-To" page.

Thanks all.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/Mark_Shumaker/MetzelersTires.jpg

The second one is the non B tire and the bottom one is the B tire, both blackwall tires. BUT since you used the B one, that'll be what I order just so that I know it works:)

Really nice scoot. Thanks for the write up, I will be doing this soon. I will have to research the tires as I am going with Avon tires. I already have an Avon Venom on the front so I guess I will follow suit on the back....

Thanks again.

Shu,
I'm sorry I questioned you. It was definitely negligent for me as I missed it even after you pointed it out. It looks like that tire is designated as a front tire.

Hey Newberry, I used a 150/80/16 on my 3.5 inch rc comp rim. AM18 supervervenom will work. This is a V rated tire and will fit. I had one the first time I did this change. Really wide, I think it will be wider than the Metz and therefore a little harder to fit but still possible.

I think my next tire will a 140-150 thanks to ron's custom work. hopefully with the chain drive I wont have to space the sprocket out any. it clears the tire by a good half inch now.

Hey Newberry, I used a 150/80/16 on my 3.5 inch rc comp rim. AM18 supervervenom will work. This is a V rated tire and will fit. I had one the first time I did this change. Really wide, I think it will be wider than the Metz and therefore a little harder to fit but still possible.

Thanks ralph. I will look into it.. I really want a bigger tire, this is the way to go I think....Thanks for all the good info...

Hey Jason, The make offset sprockets for this job anyway but the chain is narrower than the belt so you should be able to go with a wider tire anyway. I was originally told I need to go to a chain if I wanted a wider tire.

Ron has written an excellent how to that is for sure. I am still trying to figure out how I am going to use the carriage bolts on my struts since the holes for the mount hardware are all recessed.

Think this mod will work on a 01 1200c?

All rear components are the same so why not. I really don't think the year matters one bit. The swingarm and wheels are all the smae from late 80's to 03 I think.

Why diden`t the MOCO deliver this from the beginning, lokks much better now. Did the job last night, on my 00 xl 53C.
Hawen`t been abel to testride it yet, but shure looks great:D :D :D :D http://xlforum.net/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/8856/cat/500/ppuser/638

Why diden`t the MOCO deliver this from the beginning, lokks much better now. Did the job last night, on my 00 xl 53C.
Haven`t been abel to testride it yet, but shure looks great:D :D :D :D
http://xlforum.net/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/8856/cat/500/ppuser/638

I'm almost finished with the Dunlop 404 150/80-16 install on my 2000 XLH. Took the advice in the sticky: 3/8 spacer from company recommended and I needed 2 washers on the right side between the swingarm and the bushing. A 1-3/8 long bushing will eliminate need for washers; I'll have to check the Indy tomorrow. If he doesn't have them, they can be ordered from the spacer company.

Clearance between the belt and tire is about 1/8 to 3/16"; plenty there. I installed 2" long 7/16 x 14 bolts in the hub pulley due to the 3/8 spacer and used Locktite Red. I did have to grind the Grade 8 markings off the bolt heads; the raised markings rubbed on the shock bolt (just enough to hear them). I'll have to work on polishing the bolt heads now. The belt alignment looks right; there is no obvious misalignment that got my attention.

The wider tire did cause some problems with installing the caliper; had to take the pads out, get the bushing between the caliper and wheel, then get the axle in (yeah, I could have used a third hand). Anyway, after getting the axle in, the pads slipped in from the bottom pretty easy. Also, the axle is about 1" too short due to the washers and hub spacer; I can't get the cotter pin in the castelated nut. I'm not sure if a nylon insert locknut would give me 2 or 3 threads after torquing the nut.

The look?
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/100_1336.jpg
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/100_13371.jpg

I am getting ready to change out my 140/90 kenda which measures 6.25 across to a 140/70/16 kenda for the low profile mean ass look. Going to a 120/70/19 up front. Looks like I will need a new front fender. I did not have the axle problem with my 150. Must be the brand of axle you have because mine works fine.

ok so I have a 01 1200c and I started out following the info in the sticky. I ended up mocking the bike up several times with different combos. I started out with the 3/8 pully spacer and needed 2 washers on the drive side for pully space on the swingarm. But really the issue I had was with the space in the fender. I got shorter progressive shocks and wasnt happy with the fit in the fender. I ordered a 1/4 spacer and mocked it up with one washer on the drive side. I still wasnt happy with the fit in the fender. Believe it or not I gave it a shot with no spacer and I put one washer on the left side of the bike. This combo is the keeper. spacing in the fender is fine on both sides and although the fit is tight with the belt to clear the tire it fits fine. I will add some pictures tomorrow. Looks and handles great. Oh yeah I went with the metzeler 880's and they look great. 150/80HB-16 in the rear and 90/90H-21 in the front. oh and I didnt use carriage bolts. I had chrome bolts in the fender and wanted to keep the look. so I just got thinner nuts about 1/3 the thickness of the factory nuts. I then shortened the bolts and they fit fine. overall you cant tell the bike didnt come from the factory this way. I guess that there must be differences atleast from 95 to 01 because there was way too much space with the 3/8 spacer.

ok so I have a 01 1200c and I started out following the info in the sticky. I ended up mocking the bike up several times with different combos. I started out with the 3/8 pully spacer and needed 2 washers on the drive side for pully space on the swingarm. But really the issue I had was with the space in the fender. I got shorter progressive shocks and wasnt happy with the fit in the fender. I ordered a 1/4 spacer and mocked it up with one washer on the drive side. I still wasnt happy with the fit in the fender. Believe it or not I gave it a shot with no spacer and I put one washer on the left side of the bike. This combo is the keeper. spacing in the fender is fine on both sides and although the fit is tight with the belt to clear the tire it fits fine. I will add some pictures tomorrow. Looks and handles great. Oh yeah I went with the metzeler 880's and they look great. 150/80HB-16 in the rear and 90/90H-21 in the front. oh and I didnt use carriage bolts. I had chrome bolts in the fender and wanted to keep the look. so I just got thinner nuts about 1/3 the thickness of the factory nuts. I then shortened the bolts and they fit fine. overall you cant tell the bike didnt come from the factory this way. I guess that there must be differences atleast from 95 to 01 because there was way too much space with the 3/8 spacer.

PLEASE DO POST PICTURES! I have an '00 Custom that is an inch lower than stock in the rear so your results will be very helpful to me.:clap

Great post, but what somewhat scares me is the method for widening the swingarm. I just wonder if that will compromise the integrity of the steel/welds somewhow? Not a metal expert by any means, any comments?
Swankster
Happy with the seemingly wide Dunlop 140 tucked in tight.

PLEASE DO POST PICTURES! I have an '00 Custom that is an inch lower than stock in the rear so your results will be very helpful to me.:clap


I definitely will post pics. I left my camera at work but should have them posted by tomorrow night.

Good article.
I want to know if a avon tire 150-80-16 is widw as the metzeler. If so i would put a avon. My front is Avon. Thanks

Exellent thread. I will definately refer to this when I convert to a 150, though I want a dunlop tire. Nice to see that you don't have to convert to a chain to make it fit.

Just FYI, I had a spare Dunlop 150/80/16 Harley Davidson tire that I attempted to mount on my 2003 Sporty using the following method and it WIL NOT work since the tire is wider than the Metzeler listing in the post. I am thinking it would take an additiona 3/8" (3/4" total) spacer to accomodate this tire and that is too much in my book.

I am debating about getting the Metzeler or sticking with the original Dunlop style tire and will have to get back with everyone on my choice.

You're right. The Dunflops measure wider than indicated. But I know that the 150 Avon Venom X fits OK

I ordered the Metzeler M880 150/80/16 for the back and a front M880 100/90/19 so I would have matching sidewalls and tread. I am hoping they will be in tomorrow or Monday so I can do some test fitting. I really do hope the rear tire measures the 5.75" that was mentioned in the write-up because it wont fit if its any bigger than that.

Everyone cross their fingers for me!!!

My Kenda 140 measured just shy of 6 inches across. Its all in the spacing. I am going to be putting on a 140/70/16 on the back of my bike next. I am looking forward to the new look.

Just FYI, I had a spare Dunlop 150/80/16 Harley Davidson tire that I attempted to mount on my 2003 Sporty using the following method and it WIL NOT work since the tire is wider than the Metzeler listing in the post. I am thinking it would take an additiona 3/8" (3/4" total) spacer to accomodate this tire and that is too much in my book.

I am debating about getting the Metzeler or sticking with the original Dunlop style tire and will have to get back with everyone on my choice.

It did take a 3/8 spacer to get the 150 on my 2000 XLH; have gone back to the 130/90. Axle was almost too short. Nice look, premature tire wear with OEM wheel.

Regards,

Got the Metzeler tires in yesterday and the back measures 5.75" just like Ron said it would (yippee). From all the measurements I have taken this should fit. I will hopefully get a chance tonight or tomorrow to mock it up with the tire mounted on the wheel. I'm also in the process of chopping my rear fender so this project is sort of snow balling. I hope to be riding before the end of February!

Got it all mocked up and everything looks great!! I did NOT have to spread the rear forks to get everything in either...it was tight but not impossible. The space between the tire and the belt is just a hair over 3/16", which should be well within tolerance. I have about the same amount of space between the swing arm and the bolts holding the rear sprocket on since I used a washer for additional clearance as outlined in the original write-up. I'm jazzed that everything is fitting so nicely and cant wait to get the fender back on. BTW, I am also using carage bolts and acorn nuts for mounting the fender, as suggested.

When I get everything done and field tested I will post again and try to get some picks!!

Thanks to everyone for their comments and especially Ron for the original sticky!!

Okay, I have FINALLY finished my wide tire installed...I also chopped off my rear fender. This project took way to long waiting for parts and weather and for me to get back in town! I have pics (in the Chopper section under the title (Chopped it Wider), but remember I just got back from a 150 mile shake down run to San Antonio and back (Austin). I am very happy with the look of my bike and the new tires make a huge difference over the Dunlops!! Like I said, I have been to SA and back and no problems what-so-ever. Wide tire install was not difficult at all, just time consuming waiting for parts. The chopped rear fender was sort of an after thought while I was waiting but I'm real pleased with the results.

Here is a list of the things I did:
spaced out the rear sprocket to accomodate a 150/16
installed two new Metzeler M880s
new brake pads while I was at it
chopped the rear fender
installed Sparto brake light
changed rear turn signals to run/brake/turn lights
moved the front turn signals to the fork
moved the rear view mirrors to under the bars...not sure how I like the look of this but the funtionality of the mirrors is way up with my mini-apes.
and added a nifty little tool bag to my swing arm and a tank bra just for fun

I just did the 150 thingy....With My stock 2001 swing arm ...I did not have to spread it...I used the Dunlop 150/80/16 Harley Davidson tire and a 1/4 inch pulley spacer..had to make the pulley side axle spacer 1/4 inch longer but all seems well....had alittle problem with the lower belt guard but I think I have that resolved.....Going to test it as soon as I get a good day...What I need to know is...How much air pressure should I use? and What is the minimum clearance on the tire to belt space?.....I will post pics soon....Thanks

Here is my 150/80/16. I got cheap and bought a street shark tire because I wanted to secure the right look and fitment before spending a lot on a tire. This is the the sixth tire this year due to some mods I have been trying(front and rear). Actually feels quite sticky so I will let you guys know if it is crap or not. http://www.clubchopper.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Picture_0601.jpg

http://xlforum.net/photopost/watermark.php?file=19071
http://xlforum.net/photopost/watermark.php?file=19071http://xlforum.net/photopost/watermark.php?file=19071

AAAAhhhhh screw the darn pic.....

Thanks for the write up!!!

I read an article years back about fitting a 145 tire to a 99 Sporty, but lost it. Everyone I spoke to said you couldn't increase the tier size. I've been looking around for someone's experience with this!

Whats the largest tire anyones put on a 06 1200 C sportster ?

Great writeup .. I'v been asking about tires , mostly rims thu , but I was very happy to see this post , now I have a starting point over the stock size . now if I can just get the rim issiue solved I'll be ready to start buying parts . All I want is nice 60 spoke rims , so if anyone has one or a set let me know maybe we can work something out :)
Thanks
Wolf

I upgraded to the 140 last year, without spacers, and it's a nice improvement over stock.. The 150 will be my next stop when I need new Rubber...

BTW I have over 5000 miles on the ME880 and Still plenty of rubber left.

Has anybody actually done this with an Avon? I see where somebody says it should work, does anybody know for sure.

Has anybody actually done this with an Avon? I see where somebody says it should work, does anybody know for sure.

Yup. I put on an Avon VenomX 150 without problem. I'm not using spacers but I am running a chain conversion. The chain is slightly narrower than the belt but I have at least 1/4" space between the tyre and the chain. Should be ok with the belt but it'll be close.

Back when I originally did my conversion to a wider tire I used a super venom 150/80. It will fit fine but I think you can forget it without doing some spacing.

I see that Avon has 2 sizes of the 150 Vemon X. Did you use the 77V (6.2") or 77H (5.9"). I was thinking about try the 77V, but from my measurements I will need a 1/2" pulley spacer, would that be to much?

I'm thinking about this conversion, but let me ask...will the 150 still fit if the shocks have been lowered to progressive 11"s?? does shock height make a difference? Thanks.

JR

I had not problems with the shocks.....

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/653/150_tire_test1.jpg

WOW!!! This is the most exciting thread I've seen on the forum since reading about setting the squish.

I have been planning to try to run a 150 tire for a long time. This thread eliminates both of the sticking points that have been holding me up.

Number one, just put a 150 tire on the stock wheel. I thought you would need to go to a 4".

Number two, just space out the rear pulley. I've been trying to figure out how to space out the front pulley. I never thought about just doing the rear. That's really thinking outside the box. When I think about it now, it makes since to me. The difference in angle to the rubber teeth on the belt isn't really that great.

On top of all this, my GMC swing arm is already wide enough to handle a 180 tire. Nothing to stop me now. Wouldn't you know I just ordered a new tire 130tire last week. Looks like I'll be sending it back now for a bigger one.

Ya mus Be frum TEXASS!

I just got done stuffing an Avon 150 (77H) on my 01. I had a few minor setbacks but I think I am in good shape now. I ended up needing 3 washers on the right to keep the pully bolts from rubbing.If you run into that problem I would suggest super glueing them together, it will make it easier to hold when you slide the axle back in. Also I stuck a socket extension through the left side to hold the spacers up while I was messing with the washers. I had to bend out my chainguard just a hair. I also had to use a thinner washer on under the castle nut on the axle in order to get my cotter pin back in. The biggest problem I had was the lip of the tire rubbing on the left side. It was fine with just me, but when I went down the road with my wife on the back I had a problem. I ended up grinding down the fender support bracket that back fender bolts screw into to get clearence. I also had to grind down those bolts so they weren't sticking out past the bracket. Make sure you check this real close, I wouldn't have seen it in time if I wasn't out of gas and had to stop before taking it out. I would recomend giving the shocks a good workout to simulate hard bumps to make sure you don't have a problem. I am just glad I cought it before I had a blow out.

Hi,

Just to tell you I did the conversion to a 150 Metzerler on my 2003 Sportster Custom without any changes, the only thing a did is not put the belt guard back (not the iron one, the plastic one that prevents water to "splash" everywhere...) and that's it !

Great look !

i have a spaced rear pulley the front is stock also and drive like a nut i have like 25k on my bike same belt i had to take my lower belt guard off to

all good info. so a 2002 would only need the wider tire and not put on the lower belt guard? that seems simple enough.. did you still have to clearance the fender with the carrige bolts?

What about metzelers white walls? they seem wider than black walls.. anyone tried to mount one? or know how it will come up?

did the 150 mez and it looks good.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/-2----6-2-08_Small_.JPG
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/medium/-1----6-2-08_Small_.JPG

nice. i like the way it looks.

here's mine with the 150..

http://i28.tinypic.com/33elddv.jpg

Whoot..

Here's the thread.. (http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=215510)

Also got a 150 (Metzeler ME880 Marathon) on my 2003, didn’t change a thing, just didn’t put the anti-splash tuff back on that’s all, only got 1mm between the belt and tire, but I’ve done 4000 miles so far and no problems .

Also got a 150 (Metzeler ME880 Marathon) on my 2003, didn’t change a thing, just didn’t put the anti-splash tuff back on that’s all, only got 1mm between the belt and tire, but I’ve done 4000 miles so far and no problems .

So you're saying you didn't do the offset or the carriage bolts?

didn't do squat !

Well I just had go grind off a little of the turn signal stem, it was rubbing against the tire when I'd go over really bad roads. I thought I'd be ok with the 13½" shocks.

A friend did the same yesterday, but since there wasn’t a Metzeler available he took a Dunlop/Harley Davidson instead, well there’s a clearance problem, the belt touches the tire ! so we took an old disk brake as spacer (just kept the inner circle without the braking surface of course !) And it was just about enough (he’s going to buy spacers though, but till then…)

Good luck on the spacers, seems he should verify the actual spacing. I think the rotors are a lot more then the 3/16" spacer I used.

I see him on Friday, I’ll ask him if it went well…

i was looking at this mod.. i figure if you can put it all to geather with no spacer for 2000 to 2003 then a 1/4 inch spacer for front and back would allow you to use the stock guards. and since the brakes are still loacted were they are you would theoretically only need to re space the sprockets.

I used spacers on the rear only. 6.5 inches is the absolute widest you can go. Kenda challenger 140/90 is as big as you can go. I have not found a 150/80 that is as wide as the kenda. I actually rubbed under the fender on the bolts.

thanks for the info i may try this next time around

You have to be carefull with the front spacer. I could only go about .100" and still have a full nut of threads on the trans. output shaft. I also used a 3/16 spacer on the rear.

so .100 is ten thousandths of an inch.. not alot. i know some one makes a offset sprocket for wide tires sportys.. i think pipedreamz.iz has one.

i did it to my 97 with an 150/80/16 me880 and a .300" spacer. plenty of belt clearance, the pulley bolts needed more clearance then the one washer the website advises, but that was easy enough to remedy. it went fairly smooth otherwise. i'll post pics lata.

i did it to my 97 with an 150/80/16 me880 and a .300" spacer. plenty of belt clearance, the pulley bolts needed more clearance then the one washer the website advises, but that was easy enough to remedy. it went fairly smooth otherwise. i'll post pics lata.

What do you mean the pulley bolts needed more clearance?

i mean the bolts that hold the pulley to the wheel hub were rubbing the inside of the swing arm, that is why the write up in the link from the first post said use a 1/4" washer, well that wasn't quite enough so i ground a little off the bolts and viola, clearence.

I had to use two spacers, but that was mostly because someone bent up my sprocket cover and it started rubbing. Prior to that I didn't need but the one washer.

I have to get a longer axle shaft as the one I have now is currently just making a smaller cotter pin and using a thinner washer.

Good luck on the spacers, seems he should verify the actual spacing. I think the rotors are a lot more then the 3/16" spacer I used.

Anyway, it fits with just a rotor on the pulley's side ! and that's beause he didn't use Metzeler 150's like I did (didn't have to put a spacer at all !)

OK, so I lowered my 2001 xlh 2" using the Progressive kit in the front forks and
11 1/2" Progressive 418's in the back. Does anyone know if there will be a clearance problem if I go with a Metzler 150? I've wanted to do this mod for a long time and never could get any info till I found this forum.

OK, so I lowered my 2001 xlh 2" using the Progressive kit in the front forks and
11 1/2" Progressive 418's in the back. Does anyone know if there will be a clearance problem if I go with a Metzler 150? I've wanted to do this mod for a long time and never could get any info till I found this forum.

You might run into a problem with rubbing.. you'll need to make sure that all your interior bolts are button head allen or Carriage bolts.

Depending on how your turn signals mount that may be an issue.

I had to grind mine down a little when I changed the preload on my shocks. and I have 13½" progressives.

What about 10" shocks, anyone?

What about 10" shocks, anyone?


Good Luck. Tell us how it works out :)

I don't think that 10" shocks will work with a 150.. Just to close to call.

I would love to get a fat tire in the rear.

Does anyone know if this 150 tire swap will work on a 2000 883?

Yes it will work if you follow the instructions in Uquaqmeups writeup. Fender clearance is fine with shorter shocks asd long as you use carriage bolts for the fender mounts. If you have nuts on the inside you ill probably rub on the inside.

Ralph, was that an answer for the 10" shocks and 150? I still have a pile of parts to go on my '02, including the 10" shocks, -2 fork kit, bars, seat, new 16" front and rear wheels from Black Bike(black powdercoat). Still trying to decide on the tail light mounting location (side mount), and what pipes and rear tire to run, as well as if I should go to mid-glide triple trees or mill the oem fork down a tad for tire clearance.