I've been looking through some of the informative posts here about installing a wider front tire on a Sportster. However most of the information pertains to newer bikes. I was wondering what my options were for putting a wider tire on a 1997 Sportster 1200 Custom. I believe I could use this kit from Vulcan: http://vulcanworks.net/store_4/produ...&cat=11&page=1
and add a 16" wheel but I'm not sure if that's all that's necessary. Will the change from a 21" wheel to a 16" require any other mods or adjustments? What do you think is the widest tire I could put on the existing wheel without any other mods? Thank you all in advance for your input. It is all appreciated.

 

Can you post a front shot of your own bike, for comparison with that link? I can't see what you will gain by buying wider trees, except a wide glide look. If you have a wire-spoked front wheel you can have it rebuilt with a 16" rim on your current hub. That will mean your brakes, axle, spacers all stay the same.

 

This is the best pic I could get. It's a bike I'm considering buying but I wanted to see what it would take to add a wider tire up front. Thanks!