I have an 07 electra glide and originally ordered a 21" front and 16" rear. Now I decided against the 16" rear and changed that to a 18x3.5. This is probably a really dumb question but is it harder to find a tire to fit the 18x3.5, I just see everyone is going with the 4.25". or is that just for the extra width?

 

The comment I would make is that the tyres we can fit to our Harleys have jumped from the 90% profile, like stock MTs that were used for decades, to much lower profile tyres. One of the earliest big twins Harley fitted a low profile tyre to was the Deuce, which has a 4.25" x 17" rim and takes a 160/70 tyre.

As rim diameter is increased, the profile seems to get lower. So I think you will find with a 3.5" x 18" rim you are limited on tyre choice. I have a Deuce wheel I am going to try to fit into my bike (with an 07 swingarm etc), as I reckon it is the widest I can easily get in and suitable tyres are available.

 

my question, why would you NOT go with the 18x4.25?

the 4.25 allows you to go as wide as a 160, or fit a 150 all day long


what is your motivation with only sticking with a 3.5?

 

I just wanted to stick with the stock width on the rear rim.

 

If you can I would switch to the 18x4.25

Since that seems to be the new choice in aftermarket rims, the tires will be easier to find