Sportster Wide Tire Conversion how to

How to convert you stock Sportster to a wide tire bike using the stock swingarm.
This bike is now for sale! only 1,3xx miles garage kept 2010 48!

[@buddydog1956]

Soon afte I bought my 48 from the dealer, I inquired a/b changing the stock tire to a 180. They said, 'a 180?', I said, 'yea, I'd like you all to install a 180 rear tire on the bike.' They didn't have a clue, so I just forgot a/b it and stayed w/ the stock tire. After watching/listening to what you went through to get the 180 installed on your bike, I'm glad I didn't let the dealer do it. Nice lookin' bike man ~

[@robert-to7ev]

That chain looks so much better than a belt to me.

[@Iberia2Az]

...This is what makes America Great. Choice...no kidding!!! Living is Spain and I can’t even change a freekin mirror without an enginer approving of it. Nice build, reminds me of the bikes running around on Long Island in the late 70's

[@miketrevino8761]

You can use reducers for the axle. My 05 1200 was a night mare for wheels. U can buy a wheel with a 25mm and use a reducer to go down. Most wheels come w a axle kit if you order new. So if that's the case you can play w it but remember that your pulley and rotor have to match

[@happyfamily3372]

ABsolutely Beautiful work man! Jack from Penn Jersey Cycles had a serious motor cycle accident 3 days ago! That cycle shop is awesome!!

[@jam79car]

I love it. Great job. Bike looks amazing

[@KWagner983]

I LOVE the chain. They can get messy when you first put them on but the new ones are O Ring sealed and dont require oiling anymore. After 50 or so miles I cleaned the wheel and its been good so far. It is alos rated for 30,000 miles. I really put it on to make room for the wide tire and for the retro look. I also have an 08 Ultra Classic I ride as a daily driver. This bike is a week ender.

[@transdetendal]

like your job and how the tank sit on top , bikes in all looks pretty cool!!

[@KWagner983]

Thanks.

[@MaximusMJG]

Thanks for the reply...I was fitting the chain on was was like damn that SOB is close lol but feel better out it now since your reply...I'm doing this on an 01 883 XL Hugger the process on my bike is a little more extensive since my stock tire was a 130 so the fender struts sit a bit closer then the 48 model but I'm getting 'er done. I'm from Runnemede, NJ right across the river from Philly

[@KWagner983]

Cool..post pictures and send them to me. I can't wait to see it. And yes. The chains do look scary close lol

[@l.t.keefer9310]

realize seat was off to show work done, couldn't have just set it on for a second so could see how it looks. Very informative video, bike looks fair with no seat

[@anthonycook5561]

Sportster look really good, nice to have a larger gas tank to go further.... u took my bike from qilmington,nc to myrtle beach ,sc ...1 hour I ride that with ease, drove to Charleston, SC on 17 Mt weekend ventures....

[@anthonycook5561]

Wilmington nc to myrtle beach sc then to Charleston, sc ......

[@abnx9670]

This video is 3 years old. You were ahead of your time for sure. The widest you can go is 170 without doing any mods whatsoever. A 170 is plug n play super easy, but the 180 looks a bit better for sure.

[@KWagner983]

Thanks.

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. The ride is the same but I can feel a slight difference in turning with the wider rear tire. I really like it.

[@fishwilldominate]

How far are you from penn jersey? I live around there and im shocked I never saw your bike, would like to see it in person sometime get a better idea of whats involved... Looks good!

[@mrfisha]

I just bought a brand new '12 model 48 and I`m trying to get it looking similar to yours! Very nice bike!!!! Thanks for the vid!

[@Dingovon]

I dont know if you keep reading this, but your bike is amazing andi have a question to you. Where did you get that 5,5" rim. Did you change the al

[@KWagner983]

Prices will vary depending on the area you live and the bike shop you use. I did this myself with the helpful advise of my local bike builder. I would guess I have about $1000.00 in parts for the wide tire alone. That does not include exhaust,speedo relocation etc.... I would say to take your bike to a local bike builder to get a prie if your not doing it yourself. You could also call my guy (Penn Jersey) to see what he would charge but that may require shipping charges.

[@OscarVidal4057]

your bike is pure perfection !!! hope to get my sportster trough the controll here in switzerland

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. Hope yours works out soon.

[@KWagner983]

I have. My Nephew has a new VRod Muscle. For a sport bike rider, I would think you would like the VRod much better. I consider this bike a bobber/bar hopper. The VRod is much faster off the line and takes the corners tighter. They are 2 different rides.

[@KWagner983]

The bike rides nice. It corners a bit different with the wider tire but stills handles them very well. No problems with any changes. I thought the chain would be noisey but you cant hear it with the exhaust. Thanks

[@illetrop79]

Sick sick bike man. Those pipes makes it stand out a lot. Everyone goes with the short shots. I got short shots on my street bob looking for something else. Reminds me of the nightster I had minus the wide tire. What brand are those pipes?

[@KWagner983]

Yes, if you can find one. Ive seen it done before. I bought a new rim and by removing the belt drive system it allows more room for the chain drive and tire. This is the new rim with the stock swing arm. If you cant find one, look for a new rim that will fit a 25mm axle and your all set.

[@RLN1972]

Thats the sickest looking sporty ive ever seen!!! Nice Job Bro!!!

[@toddtapia2082]

Bike looks fantastic bro, Im going with the 200 conversion soon on my 2016 48, My question to you is, what exhaust is that on your bike? and where can i get it? I havent seen that profile anywhere...

[@jobett77]

dude, yor bike is awsome!...I have a 2006 sportster custom and I wanted to convert it to wide tires like yours. if you don't mind me asking how much you spent to complete this job? I'm about to retire from the army in less than a year and i'm thinking instead of buying a new bike, I'm just gonna modify mine and that's going to be my retirement bike. thanks bro, safe riding.

[@RXRRipped]

Looks outstanding! Can I ask what rear fender you went with? I have a 02, but it still might point me in the right direction. Thanks!

[@truckandtea]

I can’t wait to change mine. Looks dope. How much did it cost?

[@CrownBroyles]

I'm sure someone has asked but I didn't see in the comments so, what pipes are those? They look great! You've done an awesome job with your styling choices on the bike. Cheers.

[@KWagner983]

Not sure what make it is. I bought it from Penn Jersey cycles, a custom bike builder in my area. It was a full fender that I cut down to its current size and shape. Im sure you can find tons of them on line.

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. Yes I just used a regular grinder. It didnt take to long to remove enough to make room for the fender. I bought the bars from My local Harley dealer. I think they were around $75.00. I really dont remember but you can get them from any dealer.

[@rickshine2362]

Great job.Do you know what ofset the front sprocket is and are you useing a 520 or 530 chain.Once again Great Job

[@KWagner983]

Sorry I have no idea of the specs. I bought the chain conversion on line

[@KWagner983]

Im about 5 minutes from Pen Jersey in Levittown. Its been a really busy year so far and I havent had either of my bikes out much. I only did a couple bike nights. I hope next year is better for me. Riding wise that is. I could always meet you there some time if you want to check it out. Let me know

[@bryanbay-ramyon8194]

Thanks. Their website has been down for awhile. Im here in CA, but thanks for the response bud

[@dr6219]

Nice work and it looks really nice...how much time did you spend converting the bike to the wider tire?

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. The pipes are Martin Bros. Very hard to find since they dont make them anymore. I was lucky and found a set in Wisconsin.

[@KWagner983]

Nice, Thanks again. What did it cost you to do the motor work? Did you do it yourself?

[@salchipapa8000]

cool, and yeah, looks like I'm bonn shave to get one of those big tire kit swing arms, and would it be too much to ask if you can make a vid of how i can space out the chain when i do it and how i would have to space out the springs/suspension ? and may be a video of how you converted it from belt to chain drive ... sorry for the hassle, I'm trying to learn ! Hahaha :-)

[@MrGtcrx]

i really like this one,the chain drive really looks killer.i'm originally a sportbike guy,now ride a z1000.my next bike will certainly be one of these or a vrod.any chance you've ridin both ? any thought on power,handling between the two ? again the bike looks great, thanks for the vid

[@dorbsz]

sounds like a lot of work, thanks for sharing.. do you happen to know the max tire size the stock wheel will take?

[@KWagner983]

Sorry but I don't. I'm sure some of the Harley forums can tell you

[@KWagner983]

Go to E-Bay and search "Sportster Tank Lift". They make them in 1,2 and 3 inch lifts. Very easy to install. I also got the ignition/coil relocation bracket from E-Bay too.

[@Razzle_Dazzle718]

Amazing job man .Beautiful bike . What kind of pipes are those ?

[@mikelivingston6650]

Hey hows it going, I saw your video and I gotta say good work. Ive been turning wrenches for a little while now and I have a couple questions about the Chain Drive Conversion. Did you have to remove your pipes in order to swap the belt out? In the video you also said you had a gentlemen finalize your chain , do you know exactly what he did to finalize it? thank you -Mike-

[@im6482]

anything done to the front end? looks meaty ...nice bike man

[@artsbest1]

Great informative video. Thanks. We're "doing" a Fat Bob conversion now. Much work but fun.

[@privateundisclosed4448]

KWAGNER983 Looks awesome!! Do you still have the bike? have an 04 Sportster 1200 XL Custom and want to put the 48 fender on as my stock fender is just way to long, I found a video which Ill share with you where a guy did a 48 with the bigger tank and looked killer. Perhaps you can tell me which brand of drage bars he used because id like to purchase the same one. Great job man and thanks for any help. This is my first HD,

[@bryanbay-ramyon8194]

Hey man, great bike. Quick question: where did you order your 16 x 5.5 rim at? Ive been looking all over and cannot find that laced rim anywhere!

[@sanquanch22]

I love the wide tire kit on the sportster. The 180 looks perfect. Does the chain conversion come with wide tire kit?

[@reneo6620]

Awesome bike! do you have any videos on how you chopped the rear fender and the tools you used to do it? did you take it off or did it right on the bike?

[@KWagner983]

It was cut off the bike. I just used a cutting wheel and cut if on the bench. Buy any fender that fits your width and trim it to size. My body shop finished the shape and then did the paint.

[@kellywest1556]

Wicked bike and great info on how to. Wouldn't change a thing, bike looks exactly how I would want it

[@KWagner983]

Yes on the chain conv. I bought a new 5.5 rim but on a newer bike with the 25mm axle, it would be easier to use the stock hub and re-lace the wheel to a 5.5 wide. I had to convert my axle to the new 3/4 axle size.

[@samhks2k]

Thanks for the help. Thanks for responding so quickly. I will definitely try a 200 on. You made a comment on a 180 tire being more lower then a 200, just wondering how much on a difference it will make, and is it noticeable. You have the best 48 out there buy far. You should make a video of yourself riding it. I would love to see the stance of the bike in motion. Thanks

[@rickystratton8237]

Right on brother, thank you for sharing! I've got a 2013 48 and I'm gonna put a 200 on her. I'm curious about the spacers so I'll call Penn. Did you use a regular 4" grinder with a disk? BTW, your scoot is sweet! I've got 12" RSD Vintage King Apes with 3" risers on right now but I'm gonna put some bars like yours on. What kind are they, where and how much? if you don't mind me asking. Peace!

[@KWagner983]

@steveoggill What year and model bike do you have. I didnt have to do anything to the swingarm. Im not sure of the model of the rim. I have to stop at Jacks (penn jersey) next week so Ill check. Did you get the rim from Jack? You do have to convert to a chain drive to make it fit. Also, does the new rim have the same amount of spokes as the original? If it does, you can re-lace the original hub into the new wheel.

[@KWagner983]

I went to the 3/4 axle. I had to make sims so it fit into the stock sway bar. If you get a new wheel, make sure it has the sme axle as your bike not. It will save you that extra work. The 2 gal (stock) tank gives it a nice look. I also have a 2008 Ultra to take on longer rides so thats why I just kept the small one. If this was my only bike, I would have went to a larger tank. The 2 gal just doesnt cut it for long rides. Only good for riding around town.

[@tylerkoester1263]

is your rear fender strong enough to carry a passenger? ive wanted to chop my rear fender and frame for awhile but heard it wasnt structurally strong enough for a passengers weight, thought maybe yours would be different since its not the stock fender? sweet bike btw

[@KWagner983]

It can be done to any sporty but there are differences like axle size. It's not too hard if you have the right tools.

[@KWagner983]

Thanks

[@justinherbert8885]

Hi mate. Im in the process of fitting up an 8.5" fender to my nightster. Was wondering if you've got any pics you could share showing how far you ground out the inner shock mounts/frame to make it fit. Cheers. Regards justin [e-mail]

[@schlot77]

Any clearance issues on bars? What are the dimensions? Sorry but I really like those bars and want them on my 48... U have a beautiful bike my friend nice job

[@KWagner983]

No clearance issues on the bars at all. These drag bars I bought from my local Harley Dealer. They are 30' end to end.

[@sundeamon666]

Great vid! hows the ride? any improvement or about the same?

[@Bmxking658]

Looks great man! I got a 98 1200 custom, it's got a 90 rear tire, I've been looking into lacing a spoked wheel and now I'm in love with the 180 tire look. Everything looks kinda tight even with the 90. Is this possible with my bike using the fabs you did?

[@KWagner983]

I'm not sure because of your year but I would think it would be relatively the same. Find someone with a 180 tire and measure it just to make sure it will fit inside the swing arm . If it does I would go for it.

[@AWS125267]

Loving those pipes, could you please tell me what they are called and who makes them ?

[@TheDunhill225]

Hey man. Nice job. Im trying to see what i can squeeze in a 98 super glide rt now. I have very little mechanical exp but seeing similar things done makes me feel like its doable for me to do. Btw. Jersey also. Used to be Glassboro and now Toms River. Curious, what size was the stick rim and tire? Thanks man.

[@KWagner983]

I think it was 3.5 X 16. I'm sure you can do something to squeeze a larger tire in there. Check with a local builder and ask them. If not my builder is in levittown, pa. He's the Best and your not too far from him. Let me know if you want his number.

[@vvvvraptorvvvv]

nice work! Just wondering if you considered going to a taller wheel? If I went to 17 or 18 wheel with a 200 tire then the tire would probably be a shorter side wall or low profile. However, i;m really satisfied with the look you got from the stock 16. again thanks for educating us sportster fans!

[@sleeevless]

love the bike gonna do my 2014 883iron .. i can't wait. you did a awesome job i watch your vid over and over. any chance you can say how much in total it cost you?

[@KWagner983]

Doing most of it myself I would guess around 3k. Thanks. Send me pics of yours before and after

[@OGchaibhai48]

Nice job! What pipes have you used? Achropovich?

[@KWagner983]

48 tooth rear, 23 tooth front. My wife bought them for me for Christmas from led sleds customs.I cant place the link. It wont let me. Google Led Sled and it will come up, then go to their store, then belt to chain conversion. I did get the fender from Penn Jersey.

[@ralo20072007]

I have bought the chain conversion kit along with the offset front sprocket to accommodate a 180 rear tire. I wanted to know what size spacers did you use on the rear wheel using a 5.5 width rim? I am looking forward to finishing my project and will definitely send you a pic once completed.

[@redline721]

Hey buddy awesome conversion.how did you know what size front and rear sprocket and chain length and pitch to convert to?has it played with your gear ratio?it will be a great help.thanks.

[@KWagner983]

Go to Led Sled Customs Web page and order their chain conversion kit. It's a complete kit. Easy to install and doesn't change anything your ratio.

[@herbertdavis82]

Bike look fucking SICK dude , wow I love it

[@1fltjponr]

I also dig those pipes. Who makes them?

[@KWagner983]

Sorry about that. They did a great job for me. What model sporty do you have?

[@andrewjordan956]

Love the mods and the bike is probably the sickest one out there. With the mods you've made do you find your size effects anything. Im 6' and about 200lbs, I've read a few things about adjusting the suspension settings, just wondering your thoughts?

[@KWagner983]

I'm 6 220 and the ride and handling still feels the same. I guess I can feel the larger rear tire a bit more on a slow turn but its all good

[@andrewjordan956]

KWagner983 Thanks for the response, I think that was the final straw I needed.

[@KWagner983]

Andrew Jordan nuce. Show pics or video when your done.

[@andrewjordan956]

KWagner983 Will do.

[@KWagner983]

Thats the one thing Im not sure of. I just trimmed the spacers down on each side, a little at a time until I got them right. Sorry I cant help with that one. I cant wait to see yours

[@ShadowIsTheBestlolSubPLS]

good job bro .. envy of your bike coz i got 48 too .. thx fo putting video out there.. great work n 48 looks sick

[@dlcogburn]

Sweet bike... i was wondering if the front sprocket is offset and if so how much also what size sprockets did you use

[@mithigarcha1]

@KWagner983.. thanks, for the kind words kwagner . and that bike looks real cool. cheers

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. Ive always like Harleys but Ive owned all the metrics too. They make some sweet bikes.

[@MrFibbs01]

nice ride mate, where did you source those indicators? (front and back)

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. They are the stock turn signals. I removed the rear mounts and just placed the lights in tight on the rail

[@KWagner983]

Thanks, Not to sure about an 03. I would think it would be the same. Look up the dimension of the rear axle size. If its 3/4 your golden. The rest will fit. I wanted to extend my swing arm 4 inches but decided against it due to time and expense. Let me know if you do it. I would love to see it done.

[@saucerfly]

Hi brother, thanx 4 the info, but older sporties like mine, '01 xl883c came with rear 16x130, not so good looking, I wonder if it takes any mods 2 put a 150, more b nicer, without braking my SSA budget, my Clymer book doesn't even mention the fender or how to remove it, I put a 140 & tore up all the wires underneath the fender & bottoms up on bumps.

[@lucas-bradleypope5823]

Nice! I'm looking at doing the same to my 48. It's the same year as yours 2010. What size axle will I need. Cheers, all the way from New Zealand

[@KWagner983]

It depends on the wheel you buy. Try to buy a wheel that takes a 25mm axle. It will save you a lot of work over one with a 3/4 inch axle. That way you can just use the stock axle.

[@EpicHeroSandwich]

hmm. might do this to my older sportster. thanks for the advice on taking those awkward posts out to tighten up the rear taillights

[@Ironhideuk13]

Would you post a new video of the rear, I'm trying to see how near the chain is to the wheel and how near the chain drive disk is to the swing arm, been doing some measuring and I've got about 12mm from the side line of the tyre to the inside of swing arm

[@rubynav]

Awesome vid...I'm looking into getting a Sportster and you just sealed the deal for me. I appreciate your in depth comments and directions for modifying the bike. Great work man.

[@nicholasjoly4816]

I know this is an older vid, but where did you get your wider fender? I seem to can't find anywhere on the net to buy a wider fender for sportsters? Did you go to pennjerseycycles for the spacers?

[@MaximusMJG]

Well done! How close does your chain sit to the tire? Trying to do the same and I've been using your video as a referral....much love from Jersey

[@KWagner983]

The chain is real close to the tire but any old bike builder will tell you , if you can slip a business card in between the tire and the chain, it's good. The chain won't move side to side especially under the load of the engine. If it does, it's not on straight.

[@KWagner983]

Where at in Jersey. I'm outside Philly

[@rjjr454]

Nice sporty, i live real close to penn Jersey cycles jack is awesome very helpful not always pushing to make a sale. Chuck at Throttle City is very good also you should check him out especially if you ever need machine work done !

[@KWagner983]

It would be kinda hard to video it now since its already done. Search youtube for other belt to chain conversion videos. There are some good ones. Your spacers are going to be different if your changing out the swingarm to fit a 240. If I was going to go that big, I would buy a complete large tire conversion kit. That way you know you have all the correct parts right from the builder. Search google for 240 tire change for a sportster and you will see a ton of them.

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. They are Martin Bros, Two Downs but I dont think they make them anymore

[@bryanbay-ramyon8194]

Hey I appreciate it KWagner983. Just wanted to get some price quotes but I do appreciate your help. So, what axle did you end up with? And can you recall the spacers you used as well? I was thinking about purchasing a 3.3 Nightster tank because I heard the pea nut one doesnt cut it. Any thoughts?

[@andreiborissov7556]

Hey. Nice bike. What kind of pipes are these?

[@dingdongdillybean]

Nice ride, curious if those are stock bars?

[@KWagner983]

Mine was all chrome too. I had the wheel powder coated here at a local shop. It cost around $75.00. Im sure you have someone near you that powder coats. It fast too. 2 days for mine

[@Nicko30able]

Two questions. Is the rear sprocket dished or flat, and if it is dished, how much. And, what is the offset on the front sprocket? Thanks

[@flyingtigers92]

It may be hard to tell with those martin bros., but do you notice any more noise from the chain drive versus the belt? I'm looking to put a chain drive on my 07 1200N. Can't decide if I want to go 180 or just put 160 on stock rim.

[@loze06]

Hi what's the size of your front wheel and if it's possible to tell me where did you get it? regards Jean

[@KWagner983]

Thanks. If you do the work your self. the tire conversion cost around $1500.00. But thats just for the rear end. not the exhaust and the rest of the stuff. I think I have around 3000 into it.

[@Route0766]

Good looking bike! Can I keep the passenger pegs with the exhaust you installed? Thanks,

[@samvjr07]

Nice harley!! I got a Harley Davidson XL 883C SPORTSTER 2002. Can I do this to my bike. Thanks again nice harly the best I seen in years

[@Dingovon]

I am sorry, did you change the all wheel or just the rim, where did you get it?