When it comes to motorcycles, choosing the perfect wheel size can be pretty tricky, especially if you’re a new rider. Worse still, some riders may find it challenging having to find the digit wheel for their bikes. However, with the Harley wheel interchange chart, you can easily find their way around it.
With myriads of options available in recent times, you will be well acquainted with the different wheel sizes. It is the primary reason it is crucial to know the bike type and the wheel size that fits perfectly. Supposedly, a motorcycle rider has been looking for the best way to get all the knowledge about the Harley wheel interchange chart and how to read motorcycle tire sizes; this article serves as an in-depth and comprehensive guide to all concerns around the Harley wheel chart.
Are Harley Wheels Interchangeable?
This is one of the frequently asked questions you will likely find on the internet when learning about Harley wheels. Without mincing words, the answer to this question is not too distant to infer. Harley wheels are one of the best and most efficient motorcycle wheels available. And when it comes to interchanging wheels, they provide a smooth process.
In a more relatable term, Harley wheels are essentially interchangeable. Since most wheels are 16 × 3 rims alongside a ¾ axle, it’s easy to interchange them. Moreover, if the stock at one’s disposal shares the same specs, it will fit perfectly.
With the Harley wheel interchange chart, You can an easily handle changing their wheels with little or no technical expertise. Although it requires some knowledge, it is not difficult to figure out. However, if one cannot find their way around it, the nearest local shop might be the best alternative.
Harley Wheel Interchange Chart in 2023
The Harley wheel interchange chart is a comprehensive chart containing all the figures and specifications for all Harley wheels. It is a brilliant way to provide both existing and new motorcyclists with enough wheel details.
The chart covers all that a motorcycle lover needs to know about every model. Contained in the paragraphs below is the Harley wheel interchange chart for touring models.
| Model | Year | Model Code | Front Wheel | Rear Wheel | ||||||
| Harley Standard | Custom | Harley Standard | Custom | |||||||
| Rim Size | Tire | Max Rim | Max Tire | Rim Size | Tire | Max Rim | Max Tire | |||
| Road King, Electra Glide, Road Glide | 2000 – 2003 | FLH, FLT | 16 × 3 | 130/90 – 16 | 21 × 3.5 | 120/70 – 21 | 16 × 3 | 130/90 – 16 | 18 × 4.25 | 150/70 – 18 |
| 2004 – 2008 | FLH, FLT | 16 × 3 | 130/90 – 16 | 21 × 3.5 | 120/70 – 21 | 16 × 3 | 140/85 – 16 | 18 × 4.25 | 160/60 – 18 | |
| Road King (except classic), Electra, Street, Road Glide | 2009 | FLH, FLT | 17 × 3 | 130/80 – 17 | 21 × 3.5 | 120/70 – 21 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road King Classic | 2009 – 2013 | FLHRC | 16 × 3 | 130/90 – 16 | 21 × 3.5 | 120/70 – 21 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road King (except classic), Electra Glide | 2010 – 2013 | FLHR, FLHT | 17 × 3 | 130/80 – 17 | 21 × 3.5 | 120/70 – 21 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road glide Ultra | 2011 – 2013 | FLTRU | 17 × 3 | 130/80 – 17 | 21 × 3.5 | 120/70 – 21 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Street Glide, Road Glide Custom | 2010 – 2013 | FLHX, FLTRX | 18 × 3 | 130/70 – 18 | 21 × 3.5 | 120/70 – 21 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road King, Electra Glide, Ultra | 2014 – 2019 | FLHR, FLHT, FLTRU | 17 × 3 | 130/80 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Street Glide | 2014 – 2019 | FLHX | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road Glide | 2015 – 2019 | FLTRX | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road King Special | 2017 – 2019 | FLHRX | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 18 × 5.5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road Glide Special | 2019 | FLTRXS | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 18 × 5.5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Street Glide Special | 2018 – 2019 | FLHRX | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Ultra Limited, Ultra Limited Low | 2019 | FLHTK | 17 × 3 | 130/80 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 18 × 5.5 | 180/55 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road King | 2020 | FLHRX | 18 × 3 | 130/70 – 18 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 18 × 5.5 | 180/55 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Road Glide | 2020 | FLTRX | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 18 × 5.5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Electra Glide | 2020 | FLHT | 17 × 3 | 130/80 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 16 × 5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
| Street Glide | 2020 | FLHX | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 17 | 19 × 3 | 130/60 – 19 | 18 × 5.5 | 180/65 – 16 | 18 × 5.5 | 200/50 – 18 |
How Do you Read Motorcycle Tire Sizes?
There’s always a prior knowledge of everything. Without this, even the basic things can be a big challenge. Therefore, it is likely to be the case when one has little or no knowledge about motorcycle tire sizes.
Usually, these sizes are expressed as a series of numbers and letters. For instance, one can have a size of 200/55R16 or 120/90-17. Also, these sets of numbers have what they stand for. There indicate the width measured in millimeters, height (highway speed) measured in inches, and rim diameter. It is vital to take note of these measurements because they determine how well a tire fits on the rim. Not only that, but they also dictate the performance of the bike.
When there is a low number, it means a broader tire and a relatively taller profile than the height. On the other hand, when there’s a higher number, the performance will increase while the profile will drop.
Below are some basic things to know about motorcycle tire sizes and determine their measurements.
1. Width
The width of a tire is pretty easy to determine. Usually, the figure lies between 100mm and 300mm. The principle surrounding it is pretty simple; the higher the figure, the taller or bigger the tire. On most sport motorcycles of 18″ wheels, it is easy to find tire sizes of 180mm rear and 170mm front. If it’s a cruiser, it will be 220/180mm rear and 200/160mm front.
2. Aspect Ratio
This concept refers to the height of the tire profile. To determine the tire profile’s height, the rider would need to take the tread percentage of the bike’s width into account. Perhaps a little math will help in this case. For instance, the width of the tire is 120mm. If the tread in percentage is 70. The aspect ratio will be:
70% of 120 = 84 mm.
The height of the motorcycle also plays an essential role in how stable it is. The more round and taller the tires are, the more stable they would be when braking or cornering. However, it is worth mentioning that taller tires will be heavier than their skinny counterparts.
3. Speed Rating
It refers to the maximum speed at which the tire can run. Most motorcycle tires come with a readily attached speed rating.
Before coming up with a speed rating, three test speeds must be considered. The first is the maximum speed design. The only limitation to this is the handling considerations. Next is the lower value. It goes side by side with standard service rideability as well as treadwear specifications for cars. It is pegged at 97km/h (60 mph). Lastly, there’s the lower limit. It is usually pegged at 72km/h (45 mph).
The most extended tread life and best rides come with lower-speed rated tires. If one wants better handling considerations, on the other hand, higher speed ratings might be what is needed.
4. Rim Diameter
It is often measured in inches. It is the diameter of the wheel on which the tire will be placed.
5. Load Rating
It is another measurement that is often attached to the tire marking. It indicates the amount of load that the tire is capable of carrying. For instance, a tire of 150/80R16 87H has a load rating of about 1201 lbs or 545 kg.
6 Construction Type
The construction type is another thing you should know about motorcycle tire sizes. Primarily, there are two kinds – bias and radial ply.
Perhaps all that one wants in a motorcycle tire is durability and resilience; the radial tires are the best bet. They resist punctures better and are highly durable. The only setback they have is that replacing them costs a fortune.
If a person is a fan of long-distance rides, the bias-ply comes in handy to give a soft ride even on the roughest terrains. However, it cannot compare its tire casing to that of radial-ply. It is less durable.
Wrap Up
Motorcycle wheels provide stability and speed. However, there could be challenges in selecting the perfect wheel for bikes. If one owns a bike or plans to get one in the future, getting oneself acquainted with the different wheel sizes is crucial. With the Harley wheel interchange chart, it is assured to make significant headway.
