If you’re looking for the full chart in PDF form (that covers all models), you can access it below, or keep reading and I’ll break it down model by model.

When choosing tires and rims for your Harley Davidson motorcycle, know that many are interchangeable between Harley models, so long as the aspect ratio, rim diameter, tire construction type, and speed and load ratings match your bike’s specific requirements. This flexibility allows for a wider range of options when customizing your ride.

To make the selection process as simple as possible, we’ve put together a convenient Harley Davidson tire size chart (found below) providing all the needed fitment details to select the right tires, whether you’re riding an Electra Glide, Night Rod Special, Street Rod, Road Glide, or any other Harley model. This chart is an invaluable tool for understanding how to match wheels across different Harley models.

Let’s get started!

More resources you may need:

• Torque Specs for Harley Davidson: Ultimate Guide (PDF)
• Harley Spark Plug Gap Chart: A Guide for Experienced Riders
• Unlock the Power of Harley Diagnostic Codes: Ultimate Guide
• The Ultimate Harley Davidson Tire Pressure Chart (PDF Guide)
• Harley Davidson Wiring Color Codes Completely Explained
• Best Harley Touring Tires: Top Picks for Long-Distance Rides

Understanding Wheel and Tire Sizes

To understand the wheel and tire size details on our Harley Davidson wheel interchange chart, you should first know how to read a motorcycle tire’s sidewall. Each letter and number on the sidewall represents specific information about the tire, such as its dimensions, type, and performance capabilities.

For instance, a tire marked with “180/65B16 81H” can be decoded as follows:

• “180” indicates the tire’s width in millimeters.
• “65” is the aspect ratio, showing the height of the tire’s cross-section as a percentage of its width.
• “B” denotes the type of tire construction, in this case, bias-ply.
• “16” is the diameter of the rim size in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
• “81” is the load index, reflecting the maximum weight the tire can support.
• “H” represents the speed rating, indicating the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate.

Understanding these markings is key to selecting the right tires for your Harley, ensuring they match your bike’s requirements and your riding style.

Width of the Tire

The width of a motorcycle tire, measured in millimeters, is a critical aspect of your bike’s performance and safety. Tire width typically ranges from 100mm to 300mm, and choosing the right width for your Harley is key for several reasons:

• Traction and Handling: The width of the tire directly influences the amount of contact area with the road. Wider tires generally provide more traction because they have a larger surface area, enhancing grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
• Bike Stability: Wider tires can offer improved stability, especially at higher speeds or during aggressive riding. They help in evenly distributing the bike’s weight, contributing to a smoother ride.
• Compatibility with Bike Weight and Style: Different Harley models have varying power and weight characteristics. The tire width should match these aspects to ensure optimal performance. For instance, heavier bikes may benefit from wider tires for better support and stability.
• Aesthetics and Customization: For many Harley riders, the look of the bike is just as important as its performance. Wider tires can give a more aggressive, powerful appearance.
• Impact on Fuel Efficiency: It’s important to note that very wide tires can impact fuel efficiency due to increased rolling resistance.
• Ride Comfort: Wider tires can absorb road irregularities better, leading to a more comfortable ride, particularly on uneven surfaces.

For example, an 18″ sports bike might have a front tire width of 170mm and a rear tire width of 180mm, balancing performance and handling for that specific bike design. Selecting the proper tire width for your Harley model is crucial for ensuring the bike handles as intended and provides a safe, enjoyable riding experience.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of a motorcycle tire is also an important factor in its overall performance and handling. It’s expressed as a percentage and involves two key components:

1. Height of the Tire Profile: This is the height of the tire’s sidewall, measured from the rim to the tread. It’s a percentage of the tire’s width. For instance, if a tire has an aspect ratio of 65, it means the tire’s height is 65% of its width.
2. Influence on Tire Shape: The aspect ratio affects the tire’s shape. A lower aspect ratio results in a shorter sidewall and a wider appearance, while a higher aspect ratio leads to a taller, more narrow tire.

As the aspect ratio increases, the tire’s profile becomes taller and more rounded. This shape change impacts the bike in several ways:

• Improved Stability: A taller tire typically offers better stability, especially during braking and cornering. This is because the increased height allows for more flex in the tire sidewall, which can absorb road imperfections and enhance grip.
• Ride Comfort: Higher aspect ratio tires can provide a more comfortable ride due to the increased sidewall height, which acts as an additional cushion against bumps and potholes.
• Handling Characteristics: The shape influenced by the aspect ratio can affect the handling of the bike. Taller, narrower tires might offer better agility, whereas shorter, wider tires can enhance the bike’s handling at high speeds.
• Weight Considerations: It’s important to note that a tire with a higher aspect ratio might be heavier due to the increased amount of material in the sidewall. This can slightly affect the bike’s acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Understanding the aspect ratio and its impact on your Harley’s performance is essential for selecting the right tires, especially if you are considering a different size than what came originally on your bike.

Rim Diameter

Rim diameter is another important consideration when selecting tires for your Harley Davidson motorcycle. It is measured in inches and represents the diameter of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit.

• Determines Tire Fit: The rim diameter is key in ensuring that the tire will properly fit onto the wheel. If the diameter of the tire does not match the diameter of the rim, the tire will either not fit at all or fit improperly, leading to possible safety hazards.
• Influences Handling and Performance: The size of the rim affects the bike’s overall handling and performance. Larger rims can improve handling and offer a more responsive feel, but they may also result in a harsher ride due to less tire sidewall.
• Compatibility with Bike Model: Each Harley model typically has a recommended rim diameter that balances the bike’s design and performance characteristics. Deviating from this recommended size can alter the motorcycle’s handling, stability, and appearance.
• Aesthetic Impact: Rim diameter also affects the bike’s aesthetic. Larger rims are often seen as more modern and sporty, while smaller rims can give a classic or vintage look.
• Variety in Sizes: Harley Davidson motorcycles come with a range of rim diameters, typically from 16 inches to 21 inches. The specific diameter you choose should be based on your bike’s model, intended use, and desired handling characteristics.

Selecting the correct rim diameter is important not only for the fitment of the tire but also for maintaining the intended performance and safety standards of your Harley.

Construction of the Tire

The construction of a motorcycle tire is a key factor that affects its performance, durability, and how it handles different riding conditions. For Harley Davidson motorcycles, there are mainly two types of tire constructions: Radial and Bias-ply.

Radial Tires:

• These tires feature steel belts that run at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel, leading to less heat buildup and a more consistent contact area with the road.
• Radial tires typically offer better handling, longer life, and improved fuel efficiency. Their design allows for efficient heat dissipation, making them a great choice for high-speed and long-distance riding.
• They are known for their puncture resistance, which contributes to their overall durability.
• Although they provide superior performance, radial tires tend to be more expensive in terms of initial purchase and replacement costs.

Bias-ply Tires:

• Bias-ply tires have fabric layers that run diagonally, creating a crisscross pattern. This design gives them a more flexible sidewall.
• These tires generally provide a more comfortable ride, particularly on rough or uneven terrain, thanks to their flexibility.
• They are well-suited for long-distance and off-road riding, as they can better absorb bumps and shocks.
• However, bias-ply tires may offer less stability at higher speeds and could have less sharp handling compared to radial tires.

For Harley riders, understanding the differences between radial and bias-ply tires is crucial. The choice between these two types will depend on various factors, such as your riding style, the usual road conditions you encounter, and your personal preferences regarding ride comfort and handling.

Speed and Load Ratings

Next up are speed and load ratings, which are crucial for choosing the right tires for your Harley Davidson, as they directly impact its safety and performance.

Speed Rating:

• The speed rating of a tire indicates the maximum speed it can safely maintain over time.
• This is expressed as a letter, ranging from “J” to “Z”, each corresponding to a specific top speed. “J” is the lowest with a max speed of 62 mph, while Z is the highest and means the tire is rated for 149+ mph.
• Choosing a tire with an appropriate speed rating is essential, especially if you frequently ride at higher speeds. It ensures that the tire can withstand the heat and stress of sustained high-speed riding.

Load Rating:

• The load rating reflects the maximum weight a tire can support when properly inflated.
• It’s expressed as a number, with each value representing a certain weight capacity. For instance, a rating of “81” might indicate a load capacity of 462 pounds.
• It’s important to select tires with a load rating that matches or exceeds the weight of your bike, including luggage and passengers, to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Both speed and load ratings are key in ensuring that your tires are not only suited to your riding style but also capable of handling your Harley’s specific requirements. Overlooking these ratings can lead to decreased performance, increased tire wear, and even pose significant safety risks.

Decoding the Harley Davidson Tire Size Chart

Now that we understand how to read tire sizes, let’s delve into our Harley wheel interchange chart. Understanding this chart is essential for correctly interchanging wheels across different Harley models. If you’re looking for a paperback alternative, I recommend picking up a Haynes manual.

Touring Models

Touring models, designed for comfort on long rides, include popular bikes like the Road King and Electra Glide. These models offer a range of wheel sizes tailored to enhance long-distance touring capabilities. For example, a 2016 Road King can typically accommodate a 17″ front wheel and a 16″ rear wheel, providing a smooth and stable ride.

Sportster Models

As for Sportster models, these are celebrated for their sporty and aggressive style, and include bikes like the Iron 883 and Forty-Eight. These bikes usually feature smaller, more agile wheels. A 2018 Iron 883, for instance, can fit a 19″ front wheel and a 16″ rear wheel, enhancing its nimble handling.

Dyna Models

Next up are Dyna models, known for blending city and touring features, which include bikes like the Street Bob and Fat Bob. These models have varied wheel sizes to suit their versatile nature. A typical 2017 Street Bob might have a 19″ front wheel and a 17″ rear wheel, offering a good balance between agility and comfort.

Street Models

Street models, introduced as an affordable Harley range in 2015, include the Street 750 and Street Rod. These models feature unique wheel sizes for urban riding efficiency. For example, a 2019 Street Rod might come with a 17″ front wheel and a 15″ rear wheel, ideal for city maneuverability.

The Seasoned Wrench: For All Your Motoring Needs

Wrapping up our Harley wheel swap guide, whether you’re cruising on a Road Glide custom FLHX or darting through the streets on a Road King Electra Glide FLHR, the right wheels and tires can make all the difference. Armed with the knowledge from this guide, you’re now equipped to choose the best fit for your Harley Davidson, ensuring a ride that’s not only smooth but also tailored to your style and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)