I'm about to replace my rear wheel and tire on my 2002 Fatboy. Stock is 130 and I've read many people put a 150 tire on the 3" rims, all they have to do is to grind or reverse the fender studs. Now, what is the advantage of a wider vs. narrower tire on the rear, besides look? Which lasts longer, which is better for cornering etc?

If someone has info on characteristics of different front tire sizes, that's great to know too

 

Stick with the stock 130 is my call. Bigger fatter back tires do not mean better handling.

 

Fatter tire gives more rubber to road contact, so more traction.

 

I just did this swap on my '02 Fatboy, the 150 fit with just trimming the bolts and still handles pretty much the same. I put a bobber rear fender and preferred the look of the 150 over the 130.

 

Which tire did you use? I'm going with Dunlop American Elite.

 

Funny you should mention the Dunlop Elite

 

Is it my imagination or does that tire look out of round and high on the left side?

 

I never noticed that until you pointed it out, runs true on the bike though.

 

If you look close, it's just the way the shadow covers the top of the tire...

 

130 vs. 150 is maybe not a big enough difference for any changes in characteristics?

But in general a wider rear tire lasts for less miles, worsening the cornering ability, but has better traction, is that correct?