I have been reading and searching for hrs and now I've come here for the answer.
The stock wheels on a 2001 FLHTCUI are 16" x 3" stock, I'm wanting to put some twisted 80 spokes on this bike. All the sites for these (rear) wheels show a 16" x 3.5" fitting this same bike.

Will a 3.5" wheel replace the 3" with no issues width wise?

If it will work, do I still mount the same size tire as the stock one 130/90/16 (MT90 B16 rear) onto a 3.5" rim?

Please limit the answers to those who really know, whereas I'm trying to make some purchase decisions. Thanks guys.

 

Well, I do know of a 1996 R/K with a 3.5" wide spoked wheel with a stock tire mounted. It clears, but the belt is really close to the tire and it doesn't show any signs or rubbing.

Makes the rear tire look pretty good.

 

Thanks AJ, that's kinda what I think my out come might be.

Anybody else with more knowlege of this? Where are the wrenches?

EDIT: No I don't think it will work, I only have about 3/16 between wheel and belt gaurd.

 

A 3.5" rim is in many ways a better rear rim for a dresser IMHO, than a 3". I have run a 140/90 or MU sized tyre on the 3" rim with the stock wide belt, am now running a later spec narrow belt with a 150/80 tyre on a 3" rim, but am waiting for a Deuce rear wheel to arrive, so I can try a 4.5" rim, with 160/70x17" tyre. So I am used to messing around back there!

If you fit a stock sized tyre on a 3.5" rim the tyre may come out a little wider, but I doubt it will be much different. There are a number of things you can consider. One is to simply trim the belt guard, to provide clearance where the tyre gets close to the belt. I did that to get in my 140/90 and had 3/16" clearance. Close, but not too close!

If you look along the belt to the trans, you will see the front pulley is much wider than the belt. It is possible to use that extra width by fitting a spacer behind the rear pulley, which will move the belt away from the tyre. You need to ensure the rear pulley stays clear of the swingarm, so the thickness of the spacer is limited, but you will be able to get enough room.

A third way is to replace your rear pulley and belt with the later spec 1 1/8" belt. This increases clearance between tyre and belt, because the outer edge of the belt stays in the same place as the wide belt, giving 3/8" extra inner clearance between belt and tyre. Your front pulley will be fine with the narrow belt.

Frankly you don't have much to risk! If you like the idea, get stuck in and solve the problems as you go. The first suggestion above will give you all the clearance you need IMHO.

 

As grbrown stated a spacer will gain you clearance. The 1-1/8" wide pulley is .150" farther to the left than the 1-1/2" pulley. I have done what grbrown has done and I measured the old pulley location to the new 1-1/8" pulley.

You should be able to find a spacer here.

http://vulcanworks.net/store_4/home.php?cat=2

A good read here for a 150 tire install.

http://www.*****************/forums/wh...tire-flhs.html

 

Thanks guys! That really helps me move forward. I went back out into the garage and did some more measuring also and then it dawned on me! That the part of the tire closest to the belt which is 3/16" would remain the same even if I went from a 3" wide to a 3.5" wide. The only part that should get wider is where the tire meets the rim, not the widest part of the tire. So your input is correct, but now you have me thinking of modifiying for the 150 size. I can't thank you guys enough, I can run with it from here, later brotha's!

 

That's useful to know. I know I got plenty of room to get in my 150/80 tyre after I fitted my new 1 1/8" belt, but didn't make that measurement, so many thanks! This thread will also help me try to make my latest bright idea work - a Deuce 4.5"x17" rear wheel and 160/70 tyre!

 

I'm running a 150 on a stock 3" wheel. I would really like to have a nine spoke wheel 3.5" wide, but that's not going to happen. Keep us up to date with that 4.5" wheel fitment.

 

Deuce wheels don't have any spokes! The seller on US Ebay hasn't shipped it yet, so it may be a while before I can see if it will fit.

 

I know, I was just wishing for a stock Harley wheel 3.5" wide.

Did you convert your rear axle to 1"? If so will you have to drill out the hub of the Deuce?