Honda VTX1300 fat tire (240) install overview 

Hi Ianko, this is a heavily modified stock swing arm that has been cut, plated, and welded to fit the larger tire. There are several build threads out there documenting the conversion, but for most people buying a custom swing arm is the way to go. If you're interested what's involved, here's my build thread: www.vtxoa.com/forums/7-vtx-1300-riders-board/323785-randy-s-2006-vtx-1300c-build-page.html

Yes, but more than cutting and grinding. Cutting to clear the tire and rim, then structurally reinforcing by welding internal braces and external caps. Grind and powder coat. I'm very anal, so I got my clearances super tight, within 1/8" on either side, in order to keep the surgery to a minimum. You can get more info on that in my blog linked above. Thanks for watching.

A 240 tire will not fit on a stock VTX rim. It needs a wider rim and wider swing arm.

The largest tire you can fit on a VTX without either modifying or changing the swing arm is a 200. If you wanna go bigger like the 240, you can either buy a completely custom swing arm, buy a stock arm that has been modified to accept a 240, or modify the swing arm yourself. Google "Foots mod" for step by step for the 200 mod. Talk to Kurt at Sumo-XStore, link above, for either the completely custom arm or the stock modified one. I don't get any kind of kick back from SumoX, but Kurt is a great guy to talk to about this mod and he'll make you a great deal on any parts you need. If you're really frosty, you can do it yourself, but that's beyond the scope of your average rider. Here's what I did in a nutshell: The swingarm had to be modified on both sides for the 240 package to clear. I wanted to cut as little as possible so my clearance is 1/8" left/right. After making sure everything is calculated properly, cutting begins. The left side which houses the driveshaft gets a very specific slice taken out, then the right side. Once cut, I fabricated metal plates to fit inside as reinforcement. These were welded in place before the custom fabricated caps were welded to close the modifications. After all is welded up and a trial fit of the tire/rim checks out, I ground the welds not all the way down, but enough so it looks like the other factory welds already present on the swingarm. Next step was to bring it to a shop for sand blasting and black gloss powdercoat. Looks like a million bucks when done and fits like a glove.

@@Explore-Gobal Dope. Thanks for the info. I do like the look of the 200 on there. Idk if I'm ready for that large of a mod just yet (240+). I will definitely be in touch with Kurt. Much appreciated. Ride safe. Love the vid.

@@sargentg07 Thanks for checking it out and glad it was useful. Ride safe!

If I remember correctly, the setup for the rear swingarm between the bikes is not compatible. You either have to modify a stock 1300 swingarm, or buy a custom one for your bike. Another option you might look into is called the Foots mod. This would put a 200mm wide tire on your rear with less cost. www.vtxcafe.com/threads/a-how-to-doing-a-foots-slapjack-mod-to-put-a-200mm-wide-rear-tire-on-my-1300r.147705/

Proper terminology should have been “I modified the stock swingarm to accept the fat tire”.

@@Explore-Gobal And how did you do that?

Hi, thanks for watching. This build is a one-off, so I wouldn't be able to help in that regard. Although it's been a few years, I'm fairly certain a few aftermarket Honda custom suppliers still sell a swing arm for the fat tire conversion. Just did a search and found one right away at Xchoppers. Downside is the ridiculous price $899 unpainted. Might wanna look around a bit to see if you can find it for less. Good luck.

I've not had that issue, but if you had very limited clearance, I can see that some tires may rub. That's good to know, when it comes time to change my tire, I'll replace with same.

No, no modification is needed for the actual driveshaft. The shaft is actually very thin inside the swing arm and the new or modified swing arm will be all that’s needed for the clearance issue. It’s a great conversion, you’ll love the results. Good luck and safe riding.

@@Explore-Gobal Thank you very much.....Now I know that I can buy everything I need to do it.

Glad the video was useful. I'm seriously considering getting an 1800 also as I don't like going on the freeway with the feeling that I don't have enough upper end, lol.

Did you ever get that 1800? If so, what year? Cant wait to see what you did, the 1300 looks food! Even...not fully in tack

i have 240 on my vtx 1800 and i can tell you it handles well but when the tire wears down it gets a little tricky in turns because of how square it gets

What exactly happened? What caused you to crash?

Thanks for watching it and sorry for the late reply.

Sure thing. If you're new to modding a bike, it's better to get a kit and go from there. It's a little more money, but well worth it because it's almost plug and play. In my humble opinion, the SumoX kit is the best one out there. First off, the design is very well thought out, and the owner of the company stands behind his work and is super helpful, his name is Kurt. I've included three links above. One of them is my build link, it's long, but has tons of useful info on it. Here's what you need: New fender New wheel New tire New seat Modified swing arm You can keep the 1300 rotor, but I used a bigger 1800 caliper I put bullet turn signals on the new rails that come with the fender Relocated license frame holder - usually on the left side of the rear wheel I know you'll have plenty more questions, but tally it all up first, and then see if you're up to spending that much on the bike - it's not a cheap conversion. If you are still game, join the VTXOA and send me a private message there for further help. Good luck

Thank you Eric.

Even if you don't go the 240 route, there is still lots of info on the VTXOA about a mod called the "Foots" mod. Basically you take the rear wheel off a VTX1800, put a 200 tire on it and fit it under your 1300 fender. It fills the fender up nicely and still gives you a fat tire look. Google "foots" mod and you should get enough links to keep you busy for a while. In any case feel free to hit me up any time when you've got more questions.

Thank you much Eric. That was good info

Junior Montanez a

Hi ziad, thanks for watching my video. The 200 is the largest your stock rim and swingarm will take. There are only two basic ways of getting a 240 on your bike. One, you buy a custom swing arm and custom rim, or two, you modify your stock swing arm and buy a custom rim. If you have the money or you're not that technically inclined, I'd go the kit route. I got my wheel at SumoX. They have everything for the conversion. Talk to Kurt, he's the owner and a good guy. Gave me lots of info when I did mine and a nice deal on the wheel to boot. I did my own swing arm modification. You can find more info on my blog here: www.vtxoa.com/forums/7-vtx-1300-riders-board/323785-randy-s-2006-vtx-1300c-build-page.html If many of the pics don't load, blame Photobucket, they screwed everyone over trying to squeeze money from us. Hope that helps. Good luck.

It's been a few years since I've done the conversion, but I don't think I modified that bracket. It may be a mute point since I bought the bike with a custom Cobra exhaust already installed and the previous owner may have done something in that regard, but again, leaning towards no. I'll go in the garage tomorrow and look under the tarp to see what I can see. Will let you know. Thanks for watching

Mzia Chikviladze The largest tire size that I know will fit without problems is a 200 width. Google foots mod and you should get plenty of info and pics comparing stock vs 200.

If memory serves me right, a 200 tire will only fit on an 1800, but that can be swapped onto a 1300. This is what's called the Foots mod. A lot of guys have done it and love it. Here's a link to start you off: www.vtxcafe.com/showthread.php/14515-Foots-Mod

It's a fun project and worth the effort. Thanks for watching.

I'm planning on getting one myself 750 Shadow. Did you install fat tire?

In short, yes. You can modify the stock one, but it's much easier to just buy the kit. Kurt at SumoX can steer you in the right direction: www.sumo-xstore.com/

Thank you, glad it was useful.

Hi Sam, thanks for checking in. I don't have a flickr account with the bike, so the best info is on my blog at the vtxoa. The bike has been in storage for a while now since I've been building a couple of businesses, but I'm close to lifting the tarps off the beast. If there is anything specific I can answer for you, let me know.

Haitham, I installed an air ride system that I put together myself. To see that and the other things I did to that bike, check out my blog here: www.vtxoa.com/forums/7-vtx-1300-riders-board/323785-randy-s-2006-vtx-1300c-build-page.html

That's actually the stock Honda caliper mount, believe it or not. I just polished the crap out of it and painted the indents gloss black. Thanks for noticing and thanks for watching.

Yes, with enough money and willpower the world is your oyster; however, this cannot be done with a stock modified swing arm like I did here. The majority of kits stop at 240, as this is the limit before to much has to change design wise and structurally with the bike.

Lol this is my dream a soft tail Honda vtx or fury with 1700cc or more and a 300 that’s a nightmare for sure , being realistic if you want a 300 size tire you going to get a custom chopper with no suspension (big dog, Harley evo frames, MAYbe boss boss ) no thanks tbh

Boss hoss****

200 if memory serves me right. Google "Footes mod".

Randy Hoffman You can get a 240 combo for any of the VTX bikes. The main difference between the bikes rear end is the fender and that will be replaced along with the 240 anyway. Check out the SumoX website for different options, that's where I purchased my rim. Another option is Miamimetrics, but I prefer the SumoX design.

Yeah, but it sure feels good riding down the road, lol.

Check the link above for SumoX, that's where I got some of the stuff for my conversion. I pieced mine together, but Kurt (Owner of SumoX)has the full kit too. Tell him I sent you and he may give you a really nice deal - I'm not affiliated with SumoX and make nothing off the recommendation, lol. If nothing else, he can steer you in the right direction, really nice guy and very knowledgeable.

superturboawesome1 My setup is DIY, no kit. I do know that the driveshaft is not moved at all with a 240 tire, just the housing of the shaft is modified, so no worries.

Eric Camden cool thanks for the info, nice work on that!!

www.sumo-xstore.com/category_s/25.htm

www.sumo-xstore.com/category_s/25.htm

It's probably a polished vtxtreme or a sumo x check out xchoppers.com they have the whole kits. You need the wide swing arm and wide rim you will also need a wide rear fender and different seat look for sumox 240 kits. Usually in 3000 dollar range for everything or buy a bike that's already customized

Sure, the company is called SumoX. Ask for Kurt, he's a great guy and will give you a great deal. Tell him I sent you, lol. www.sumo-xstore.com/category_s/53.htm

Julio, thanks for watching my humble video. The width of the swingarm did not change at all, I removed material from the wheel side of the drive tube and a bit from the other side for just enough clearance to fit the tire. both sides were cut and then reinforced with steel plates welded inside, then a cap welded on the cuts. There is a lot of measuring to be done to get it just right. You want to take off as little as possible for the conversion. If you do this or have it done for you, you need to take into account the thickness of the caps. If you cut only enough for the tire width and then you weld on the caps, they will take up enough room to throw off the fit. Mine came out to within 3mm on both sides. No rubbing, just pure perfection, lol. Under the video you'll find a link to my build page with lot's more detail and pictures. Good luck and stay safe.

Hi Stevie, thanks for stopping by and checking out the vid. Since this is a stock VTX 1300 arm that I specifically customized for my tire/rim combination, it's unlikely that it will work on your 1100....but, if you put your mind to it, i'm pretty sure the same thing can be done with the 1100. I don't have that bike, nor am I familiar with it, but that's the beauty of doing custom work, you have a vision, make a plan and then make it happen, one way or another. A project like this takes lots of time, lots of planning, and lots of research. The more you prepare, the easier it is. Good luck.

1100 what?

Randy Hoffman Here's a link to the wheel, it's called the Mimic as it's the same design as the existing front wheel. Saves over a grand for the conversion since you don't have to buy a matching front wheel. www.sumo-xstore.com/product_p/sum485004.htm

Eric Camden thanks for link that's all I really have left to do I wish I could show u bike work of art

Randy Hoffman You can show your bike. Take some pics of it, upload to Google pics, picasa, or better yet Photobucket and paste the link here. Would love to see pics of your bike.