Would like to convert to a stock 180 rear tire that comes on '09+ RKC's onto my '01 RKC.

A few things I see from initial measurements;
1.) I need to go to wider fender. Will the '09 RKC fender fit the '01 RKC frame?
2.) If I stay with my '01 Pivot arm, I may need to go a 17" wheel to clear the Brake caliper.
3.) need to change to thinner drive belt & pulleys.

a couple Questions:
a.) Did H-D change the main frame under the seat. See attached picture (hopefully, the Pic I tried to upload can be seen clearly)?
b.) H-D wheels sells just rims & spokes. Can I stay with my hub and respoke a 5.00 rim, and have proper offsets, etc.? I prefer to stay with classic look of spokes.

Any other gotcha's ?

Thanks,
-DC

 

The 09 fender won't fit your bike without a fair amount of sheetmetal fabrication. Your fender supports are narrower than the ones on the newer bikes. It can be done, though, by any decent bodyman familiar with custom work. You will probably need to go to the 1" rear pulley used on the 07 bikes. You'll also likely need custom spacers. Don't know about your swingarm. If you use a 16 inch wheel, you'll need to clearance your rear caliper mount a little.

The frame was totally changed in 09, and now there is a bolt-on sub-frame that the rear fender attaches to. If you look up a parts diagram of the newer frame, you'll see what I mean. At one point, I was considering trying to adapt the 09 subframe to an older frame, but just gets too complicated because the two frames are different enough that all kinds of issues come up, like side covers, saddlebag supports, battery box, etc etc.

 

Thanks B-dude. Man, it looks tempting to get into it.....I've been looking at one site with parts diagrams, but it's not the most detailed. Any good detailed parts diagrams out there?....so for pre-'09 RKC, it's maxing out with the MU85B16, unless willing to go with 3rd party (and expensive) kits?

-DC

 

B-Dude,
Thanks much. You're confirming my search.
Looks like the widest tire I can fit would be Dunlop's MU85B16-WW, which is ~3/8" wider than the stock MT90B16 (130 equiv.). The MU85 is compatible with both the stock 3.0" wide rim and optional 3.5" wide rim. If stay with the stock 3.0" rim, all i need is a 1/8-1/4" spacer for the final drive pulley. But if I go with a 3.5" wide rim (~$180 for 40-spoke wheel assy), I may get another 1/4" or so in width, therefore will need to go with the 1" wide belt.
So, since I need to get new rear tire anyway, the 180 kit is off the table (too much $'s), so my dilemma is:
A.) Go with the MU85 and stay with my stock 3.0" rim, which cost me about $175 (tire & spacer), since I'm a real DIY'er, I've changed my own tires since my wheel assembly is already balanced and the tire comes with a balanced alignment marker on the tire.....or,
b.) Go with the 3.5" for the MU85, and dish out another ~$550 (40-spoke wheel assy, and 1" belt & pulleys)............
...and now that the good weather is coming, I'll most likely just go with the less than $200 direction, and save my $'s for some metal working & equipment for my garage and my own damned 180 conversiom kit.

Nice Chatting with you!.

 

You can always start making a plan for next winter......