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 ~
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
...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
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.
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
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.
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....
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Justin.herbert78@gmail.com
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
I plan on doing another video of the bike running down the road soo but no other pics on line as of now. I bought most of my parts from Penn Jersey Cycle in Levittown, Pennsylvania but some things on line. The speedo relocation bracket is from Joker Machine. They have some nice sporty parts on line. I also bought the ignition relocation bracket on E-Bay. Thats where I bought my parts. Thanks
Nice. Just google it. I think you have a 3/4" axle but you better check it before you start. Your Harley dealer can tell you also. Having the 3/4" axle will make it much easier. Send me pics when you get it done.
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
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.
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.
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.
Its very strong but I would not put a passenger on it. 1st, its too short and theres nothing to stop someone from falling back onto the tire. Ouch... I would guess if you left it longer and placed a pad on it it would work. Again, Dangerous ride for the pass either way. Thanks
I removed the "arm" from the turn signal unit, than placed a new mounting bolt from the inside of the the wheel well. into just the light housing itself.
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.
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 !
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
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
I really dont know what the parts are. The fender and rim/tire were all purchased from Penn Jersey. Give him a call and he can tell you or get them for you. The bars are just standard drag bars I bought from my local Harley dealer, Brians Harley Davidson.
This is what makes America Great. Choice. Some riders love that fast turning, scrape the pegs handling of a nice racer. Some of us love the nice, enjoy the road, ride. It really didnt change the handling of the bike that much. Remember, It had a 150 on it from the factory. If I stretched the swingarm like the sport bike rider do, that would have made a major difference in the handling. To each his own....
U need to post another video u riding it gotta give it to you Nice bike. I just got a Sporster 48 and I wana conver it into a bobber with a 200rear or 180rear wheel like yours.
Talk to Jack and tell him you saw my video on You Tube. Im getting ready to do a video for him on some of his builds. You wont be disappointed with his work. He's the best. If your in NE Philly he and I will be at the grand opening of Johnny Mac Chopper House next Saturday in Bristol. 915 Ray ave Croydon, pa. Food, Bands and all. Look for my 48 and the Penn Jersey tent. Jack should have a lot of his bikes there for you to look at. Hope to see you there.
hey! that is a beautiful build.. wet my pants watching... 5 stars!!! im looking for a Sportster 883 Iron right now. and after i saw this vid i have another project already pending... if you can send me the link for penn jersey.. i couldnt find him on the net... and again, damn what a beast uve built..
Thanks so much. On RU-vid go to mithigarcha1's site or search "nightster bobber" and look for his videos. He's running a 2010 Nightster with a 200 rear tire (stock swingarm). I got some info from him as well. He is a master machinist and cut most of his own parts for his bike. Side by side, the 200 was much taller but not much wider so I stuck with the 180. Im going to try to get some video of the bike running down the road. I"ll let you know
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?
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.
It does look "dished" a little but I dont know how much. I bought the chain and sprocket from led sled customs. Im sure they could answer your questions. Sorry I couldnt help on that one.
In 1979 i was working for a Harley dealer and that year Harley started putting a fat tire on the back of sporsters. I couldn't believe it. The no-nothings had won again. Fuck handling, it's all about looking COOL! I have watched, with saddness as most of the great bikes have disappeared from motorcycling over the past 30 years. Now all we get is a bunch of posers, making noise, going from bar to bar!.
When i tested the tire change i had made on Danny's sporster, i almost dropped the bike in a big parking lot. To make sure it was just not me, an other sporster rider with a bike exactly like the one i put the fat tire on, took the bike for a ride and he couldn't believe how bad it hurt the bikes handling. After his test, he said no way would he do that to his bike. It's the same old hd bullshit, sacrifise everything for looks.
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.
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
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.
@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.
