When diving into the realm of legendary motorcycles, Harley Davidson is a name that often stands out. They’ve gifted numerous iconic, reliable bikes, each with distinct wheel and rim dimensions. To truly understand these variations and the possibility of interchanging wheels between different models, one must refer to the Harley Wheel Interchange Chart.
Mastering its intricacies becomes paramount. Delving into this chart illuminates the wheel fitment specificities of assorted Harley Davidson designs and shines a light on the custom rims tailored for each model.
But before venturing into which Harley wheel swaps seamlessly with which model, a grasp of the essentials related to wheel size is necessary.
🚀Recommended article: Harley Davidson Engine Size Chart
Deciphering Motorcycle Wheel and Tire Dimensions
Recognizing Size Markings
When swapping tires and rims from different Harley models germinates, a rudimentary understanding of sizing is imperative. Motorcycle and automobile wheel dimensions are often spelled out through a unique blend of letters and numerals, each bearing specific significance.
This alphanumeric concoction elaborates on the tire’s width (in millimeters), its stature (in inches), and the diameter of the rim. These figures are paramount, for they govern the tire’s fitment and consequent performance with its designated motorcycle variant.
Tire Width Explained
Motorcycle tires commonly flaunt widths ranging between 100mm to a generous 300mm. A surge in this number translates to a broader or taller tire, and wider tires generally imply enhanced traction and road control.
To put this in perspective, an 18″ sports bike typically sports tire sizes of 170mm and 180mm for its front and rear wheels. In contrast, cruisers might display 220/180 and 200/160 dimensions for their back and front wheels, pointing to a less expansive front wheel than the rear.
⚡️Another article: Harley Davidson Belt Size Chart
Wheel’s Aspect Ratio Demystified
The wheel’s aspect ratio dissects into two primary components:
- The tire profile’s height.
- The tread’s percentage against the tire’s breadth.
For illustration, a tire with a 120mm width and a tread percentage of 70% will have an aspect ratio translating to 84mm.
A boost in the aspect ratio suggests a taller tire. Moreover, taller and more spherical tires grant augmented stability during braking and sharp turns, a feature indispensable when navigating a Harley Davidson at brisk speeds in undulating terrains. However, the flip side to a taller profile is the added weight to both wheels and tires.
Diameter of the Rim
The rim’s diameter is relatively intuitive, expressing the wheel’s diameter. Defined in inches, this measurement is pivotal in determining the tire’s compatibility with the wheel.
Tire Construction: A Closer Look
Motorcycle tires predominantly fall under two construction categories:
- Radial: Renowned for their superior performance, radial tires boast an impressive resistance to punctures, enhancing their durability. Yet, their premium attributes make them a pricier replacement option, often causing hesitation among users.
- Bias-ply: These are known for their supple build, making them a favorite for prolonged journeys. The softer constitution is also advantageous for off-road adventures, albeit at the cost of decreased stability.
Speed Ratings Uncovered
The wheel’s speed rating indicates the top speed a motorcycle’s wheel assembly can sustain. This rating splinters into three facets:
- The apex design speed accounts for the wheel’s handling prowess and various road scenarios.
- An intermediate speed threshold, gauging the wheel’s treadwear and riding capability under normal conditions, is pegged at 60MPH.
- The base speed rating is anchored at 45MPH.
Such ratings typically find expression through specific code letters.
By arming oneself with the Harley Wheel Interchange Chart and the nuances of wheel and tire metrics, one ensures a smoother and safer ride on their iconic Harley Davidson motorcycles.
| Speed (MPH) | Speed (KPH) | Code Letter |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 100 | J |
| 68 | 110 | K |
| 75 | 120 | L |
| 81 | 130 | M |
| 87 | 140 | N |
| 93 | 150 | P |
| 99 | 160 | Q |
| 106 | 170 | R |
| 112 | 180 | S |
| 118 | 190 | T |
| 124 | 200 | U |
| 130 | 210 | H |
| 149 | 240 | V |
| 168 | 270 | W |
| 186 | 300 | Y |
| 149+ | 240+ | Z/ZR |
Understanding Load Rating in Tires
Every tire possesses a specific load-bearing threshold. This capacity is defined by the wheel and tire’s load rating.
Furthermore, this load rating adopts a numerical code wherein each figure translates to a specific load-bearing ability.
The coding embarks at “33” and escalates to a high of 99. The wheels’ load capacity typically begins at 254 pounds (115 kg) and climaxes at 1323 pounds (600) for motorcycles and automobiles.
💥See also: Harley Davidson Torque Specifications
Wheel Size Insights for Harley Davidson Touring Models
- Harley Davidson’s Touring Motorcycles: Built for extensive road adventures, the wheel interchange size chart for these models is detailed subsequently.
Wheel Dimensions for Harley Sportster Series
Renowned for its robust aesthetics and skill, the Sportster series resonates with speed enthusiasts. These motorcycles promise to be their go-to choice for adrenaline rushes. A subsequent chart highlights this series’s wheel dimensions and associated ratings.
Wheel Specifics for Harley Dyna Models
The Dyna series by Harley Davidson seamlessly merges the best of touring and urban bikes. Diverse tire and wheel sizes adorn these motorcycles, ensuring optimal performance.
Decoding the Harley Wheel Interchange Chart for Street Models
In 2015, Harley Davidson unveiled the Street models. Tailored for enthusiasts desiring the Harley experience but restricted by a budget, this lineup boasts the Street 500 and Street 750 variants.
🚀Recommended article: Harley Davidson Switchback Problems
Final Thoughts on Harley Wheel Interchange Chart
Diving deep into the Harley Wheel Interchange Chart unfolds a vast arena. This exposition covers the interchangeable wheel sizes for the Touring, Dyna, and Sportster iterations. Additionally, insights on the wheel dimensions for the introductory Street models are provided. A comprehensive spectrum of custom and standard sizes for front and rear wheels is laid out, ensuring clarity for all.
Moreover, the crucial decision between tubed and tubeless tires arises. While both options have merits, the avant-garde tubeless tires are commended for their enhanced resistance to punctures and superior braking prowess.