Can a guy put a 150 rear tire on a 98 sporty without hitting the belt guard? I can fudge the fender one way or the other with spacers I'm sure.

 

not sure if you could do that or not but from what I understand it may not give you the "wide" look your after .They(who are "they" anyways?[sm=shades.gif]) say you need a wider rim to give a wider look.

 

they are kinda pricey but theres a 200 and i think a 250 swing arm you can buy.

 

You know just my opinion, but those big fat tires are very much a result of all the choppers shows out there today...i personally the old school thin look...just a thought....especially on a Sporty???

 

I agree with you on the wide rear tires, Its all out of proportion and overkill. On a funny note though, my wifes 2004 883 has more rear tire than my Roadking. Wider tires cost more, ride rougher, and with a contact patch of 3" at best, your wasting alot of rubber with each tire. However, If youre out for eye candy and bling, a wide tire looks great.

 

The 04 and 05 model sportsters have a 150mm tire in the rear.
The difference between the stock 130mm and a 150mm is only an inch.
Try this link for a 180mm wide tire kit.
http://www.chopperscycle.com/page/VTS/PROD/46-132/10892

 

If your sporty has a 130 tire on it like mine does, I was told by many aftermarket techs, that the biggest tire you can go up to is a 140. Anything bigger would rub or not fit. The 04 and 05 models have a complete different design in the rear and thus can accomidate the wider 150 tire.

 

My buddy has a 94 Sporty with stock swing arm and a 150 on it. He did have to change it to chain drive though. Not sure how far you want to go. Good luck.
-Tom

 

a 140 is as big as you can go but you can buy a wide swing arm kit that will fit up to a 180 but you will also need a 8.5 rear fender a 16x5 rim and a 180 tire of your choice

 

Realize that, all else being equal, going to a wider rear tire will make the bike slower-steering (less responsive).