This is an old revision of the document!


IH: Wheels, Brakes & Tires

Front Wheel Bearing Lock Nut Retainer

A number of 1972 Super Glide and Sportster models were produced with the front wheel bearing lock ring (11035) installed backwards which can result in the front wheel to be loose or the bearing (9009) to lock up. The retaining ring is flat on one side and beveled on the other and used on wheel hubs from 1964-1972 to hold the bearing in the hub. Affected Sportster VINs were (3A or 4A) 39624H2 to 50531H2. Some of the motorcycles affected were caught and corrected at the factory and affected dealers were notified also. But in case some of these motorcycles were already sold to customers, the MoCo treated it as a safety defect in accordance with the National Motor Vehicle Safety laws. The dealers were to remove all suspect front wheels and inspect the retaining ring and bearing for damages at a reimbursed cost of $2.10 for labor and handling each and reinstall the retainer with the flat side toward the bearing (beveled side out). 1)

Rear Wheel Rim, Tire and Tube Flap

  • From September 20, 1966 through the 1969 model season, a rubber tube flap (43148-67) was installed on the rear (steel wheel only) of Sportsters before the tube and tire were installed. 2)
  • This new tube flap was also recommended as a retro fit to earlier model Sportsters. Consequently, the ’59-’69 FSM includes the installation of this flap with no specification of year model used on. However, this new flap did not make it into the 57-67 Parts Catalog or the 68 Supplement Catalog. It first appeared in the 1969 supplement Catalog.
  • This is a wider rubber piece than the standard rim strip that extended from bead to bead and all the way around the rim. It rode between the tube and the tire at the bead area and between the tube and the rim at the spoke areas. This change was made as a safety precaution to provide greater protection against tube wear caused by the tire bead edge rubbing on the tube at this point under heavy operating conditions such as off rode or maximum accel / braking conditions.
  • The use this rubber flap was ended with the 1969 year models with the introduction of the 1970 year model taper beaded rims and tires.

Wheel Spokes

1979

The procedure for lacing 16 inch wheels changed to make them easier to lace in production. The relationship of the spoke flanges on the wheel hubs changed to match the new lacing pattern. Rims, spokes and nipples did not change. 3)

  • With the new style wheels:
    • The inner spoke pairs on opposite sides of the wheel cross each other. The outer spokes on opposite sides of the wheel cross each other.
    • Pick any outside spoke hole and sight straight across the hub. The first spoke hole to the right of the line of sight is an outside spoke hole.
  • With the old style wheels:
    • The inner spokes on both sides of the wheel angle in the same direction. All outer spokes angle in the opposite direction.
    • Pick any outside spoke hole and sight straight across the hub. The first spoke hole to the right of the line of sight is an inside spoke hole.

Wheel Hub

Front & Rear Hubs (by year and part number)
FRONT
YearModel(s)Hub PositionRim SizeHub and Brake Shell w/ bearings
1953-1963K/KH/XL/XLH/XLCHFront18“,19”43600-524)
1964-1972XLH/XLCHFront18“,19”43600-645)
YearModel(s)Hub PositionRim SizeHub Assembly w/ bearings and seals)
1973XLH/XLCHFront19“43600-736)
1974-1977XLH/XLCHFront19”43600-747)
1978XLH/XLCHFront19“43600-788)
1979-1983XL/XLSFront19”43600-78 9)
1984-1985XLFront19“43619-84 10)
REAR
YearModel(s)Hub PositionRim SizeHub Assembly w/ bearings
1953-1954K/KHRear19”41017-5211)
1955-1963KH/XL/XLH/XLCHRear18“41017-55B 12)
1955-1978KH/XL/XLH/XLCHRear18”41017-66A13)
1979-1981XLRear16“43457-79 14)
1982-1985XL/XLS/XLXRear16”40952-82A 15)

Rear Wheel Hubs

Sub-Documents

Rear Wheel Hub Internal Parts

16)

Axles & Wheel Bearings

Specs For Cast Wheels

Front Bearing Info
Model/Year Bearing ID/Type OD* Width* AxleType/Threads/WrenchSize
1979-85 3/4“ Timken (9052) 1.781” .655“
Hub Spacer = ID=????” … OD=????“ … Length=????”
*=Specs from Timken LM11910 / LM11949
Hub depth for bearing (expected to be .820) accommodates .400 width Oil Seal
Part Numbers For 1979-1985 Wheel Bearings & Spacers

(Based on Ronnie's Microfiche) unless noted otherwise

FRONT AXLE

1979-1985 - 3/4“ Front Axle
43623-78 - Sleeve, bearing spacer - 4.564” (Violet)
43624-78 - Sleeve, bearing spacer - 4.550“ (Pink)
43625-78 - Sleeve, bearing spacer - 4.536” (Gold)

REAR AXLE

1979-1985 - 3/4“ Rear Axle
41563-77 - 3/4” Axle shank w/ 1-1/16“ Hex Head (with 5/16”-18 Nut w/ 1-1/16“ Hex Head, — Lock Washer, Washer)17)
9052 —– Bearing (Timken Tapered Roller)

  • 1979 to 1981

43620-78 Spacer - between bearings - 3.937” (Red)18)
43621-78 Spacer - between bearings - 3.951“ (Green)19)
43622-78 Spacer - between bearings - 3.923” (Blue)20)

  • Early 1982

43601-78 Spacer - between bearings - 4.420“ (with flanges)21)
43602-78 Spacer - between bearings - 4.434” (with flanges)22)
43603-78 Spacer - between bearings - 4.448“ (with flanges)23)

  • Late 1982-1985

43604-78 Sleeve, bearing spacer - 4.420” (without flanges) (Orange)24)
43605-78 Sleeve, bearing spacer - 4.434“ (without flanges) (Yellow)25)
43606-78 Sleeve, bearing spacer - 4.448” (without flanges) (White)26)

Front Axle P/N

Cast or Laced Wheels 27) 28) 29)
Ref #Part #SizeKit Includes
A0143871-52
1954-1972
Axle Only. Also required are (7067) lock washer
(43886-52) shoulder nut.
Additional
Information
Also fits all '52-'56 K Models
A0143871-73
1973-1977
3/4“Axle Only. Also required are (6653) axle washer (5/8” x 1-5/16“ x 3/32”)
(7022) lock washer (5/8“)
(7813) nut (5/8” x 18 x 9/16“ x 15/16” Hex)
Additional
Information
A0143883-77
1978-1983
3/4“Axle Only. Also required are (6653) axle washer (5/8” x 1-5/16“ x 3/32”)
(7022) lock washer (5/8“)
(7813) nut (5/8” x 18 x 9/16“ x 15/16” Hex)
Additional
Information
A0143883-84
1984-1987
3/4“Axle Only. Also required are (6653) axle washer (5/8” x 1-5/16“ x 3/32”)
(7022) lock washer (5/8“)
(7813) nut (5/8” x 18 x 9/16“ x 15/16” Hex)
Additional
Information

Drawing of '73 Front Axle

Click on drawing to enlarge:

Drawing by Flying Monkey of the XLFORUM 30)

Front Axle Bearings

Factory Information - Front, Cast or Laced Rear Wheels
B01HD Part # 1957-1963 Sportster - 1952-1956 K Models - Model Year Front Bearing Info
9009 (1)Bearing ID/Type:
Ball Bearings
( shielded single row)
OD: Width:
9008 (1)
(brake side)
Bearing ID/Type:
Ball Bearings
(open single row)
OD: Width:
B02HD Part # 1964-1972 Sportster - Model Year Front Bearing Info
Retro fit to 1957-63 Sportster - 1954-1956 K Model
9009 (2)Bearing ID/Type:
Ball Bearings
( shielded single row)
OD: Width:
B03HD Part # 1973-1999 Sportster Model - Year Front Bearing Info
9052 (2)Bearing ID/Type: OD: Width:
3/4“ Timken 1.781” .655“ Solid - 5/8-18UNF - 15/16Nut&Head
Hub Spacer = ID=????” … OD=????“ … Length=????”
Hub depth for bearing (expected to be .820) accommodates .400 width Oil Seal
*=Specs taken from Timken LM11910 / LM11949 Bearing Components
47519-83A (2)Wheel Bearing Oil Seal - Fits in hub after bearing installed

Front Hub Spacers

H01
1953-1963 XL/XLC/XLH/XLCH
1952-1956 K Models
18“ & 19” Laced Wheels
(chrome or aluminum)
HD PART #CENTER HUB BEARING SPACER (with flange)
43740-52 31)Length ??
HD PART #Bearing Washer (shim)
41205-52
HD PART #Bearing Locknut
41201-52
H02Replaced 43740-52 for previous year models
1964-1972 XLH/XLCH 32)
18“ & 19” Laced Wheels
(chrome or aluminum)
Retro fit to
1954-1956 K Models 33)
1957-1963 Sportster 34)
HD PART #CENTER HUB BEARING SPACER (with flange)
43740-64Length ??
H03Original 1973 single spacer (43745-73)
replaced by variable length spacers below
1974-1977 XLH/XLCH 35)
19“ Cast 7 / 9 Spoke
1973-1978 XLH/XLCH 36)
19” Laced
All w/ Single Disc Brake 37)
HD PART #CENTER HUB BEARING SPACER (no flange)
43745-73Replaced by spacers below
43633-74Length - 2.162“ (White / Red) 38)
43634-74Length - 2.177” (Orange / Green) 39)
43635-74Length - 2.148“ (Violet / Gold) 40)
H04
1978 XLH/XLCH 41)
19” Cast 7 / 9 Spoke
Dual Disc Brake
HD PART #CENTER HUB BEARING SPACER (no flange)
43469-77
H05
1979-1991 XL/XLH/XLCH/XLCR
19“ Cast 7 / 9 Spoke or Laced
Dual Disc Brake
HD PART #CENTER HUB BEARING SPACER (no flange)
43623-78Length - 2.564” (Violet) 42) 43) 44)
43624-78Length - 2.550“ (Pink) 45) 46) 47)
43625-78Length - 2.536” (Gold) 48) 49) 50)

Measuring / Sizing Wheel Hub Spacers

  • If your unsure of which hub spacer you need , the best way to find out is to mock up your wheel / hub and do some measuring: 51)
    Wheel bearing endplay should be.004“-.018” with the axle nut torqued to 60-70 ft/lbs. 52)
  1. Install outer races into the hub, make sure they're fully seated. Don't install any seals yet.
  2. Clamp the axle in a vise vertically, threaded end up.
  3. Put axle spacer onto axle. (doesn't really matter which one)
  4. Slide 1 bearing onto the axle. (no grease or oil in the bearing)
  5. Put hub/wheel onto the axle.
  6. Slide bearing spacer onto the axle.
  7. Slide the other cone onto the axle.
  8. Put a spacer onto the axle that's long enough to reach the axle threads and still leave enough room to put the axle nut on.
  9. Put the axle nut on and snug it up. (not too tight yet)
  10. Lift the rim/hub and see if you have any end play.
    1. If you have too much, the spacer is too long and a shorter spacer is needed. You can try and find a shorter spacer or shorten the one you have. (a lathe is the best way to shorten it).
    2. If you don't have any play, the spacer is too short. Add shims until you get just a little play.
  11. Once you have a little end play, torque the axle nut to 60ft/lbs and check end play again. Use shims to get your desired end play (shown in the FSM).
  12. When you have the correct end play you can either: use with the spacer and shims that you have in there, or have a single spacer machined to the combined length of the spacer and shims.

Front Outside Bearing Spacers

Against Left BearingAgainst Right BearingYear Model Info
BS0143636-52 Grease Retainer
ID:
OD:
Width:
41201-52 Bearing Locknut
ID:
OD:
Width:
1957-1972 Sportster
1952-1956 K Models

Laced Front Wheel
BS01?
ID:
OD:
Width:
?
ID:
OD:
Width:
Laced Front Wheel
BS01?
ID:
OD:
Width:
?
ID:
OD:
Width:
Laced Front Wheel
BS01?
ID:
OD:
Width:
?
ID:
OD:
Width:
Laced Front Wheel

Right Side Bearing Spacer Washer (between the bearings) 1963-1978

  • On 1963-1978 XLH/XLCH Models, a bearing spacer washer HD part #41195-63 (or V-Twin part number 44-0395 53)) is placed between the two bearings on the right hub (brake side). This spacer washer is reportedly not installed at the factory but is a service part for alignment where the aluminum back plate butts to the bearing inner race due to wear. The race will plow right into the soft back plate when the axle flexes 54).
    • This is not a grease shield for the bearing. The grease shield used on the brake side →'62 was no longer in use by '63 and up models.
  • This small washer has a lip, its very thin, and is not a regular flat washer. It goes in between the right side bearings in the hub, and pushes/holds the outer bearing flush with the hub where it goes up against the inside of the brake backing plate. Others have also said it is OK to use a second one in between the backing pate and the outer bearing if you need a little clearance so the backing plate wont rub, but if you need more than those 2, you should look inside your hub for issues… 55)
Rear Wheel Bearing Spacer Washer (brake side) 56) App. Dims: ID -.737“, OD - 1.008” 57), width .012“ 58)
As it sits on the open bearing 59) As it sits (more loosely) on the sealed bearing. 60)

Wheels



Front

See also Factory Tire Information
All front wheels are the same from '74-'77 61)


Front Wheel 1957-1985

Sportster ModelYearSizeWheel and PositionHD Wheel Assembly without
bearings & bearing spacer
Wheel Assembly
includes brake shell
XLC 900 (883)195819”Front Laced (chrome)43506-52 62) 63)(drum brakes)
XLH 900 (883)1957-195918“Front Laced (chrome)43507-5364) 65)(drum brakes)
XLCH 900 (883)1958-196319”Front Laced (chrome)43506-52 66) 67)(drum brakes)
Front Wheel Notes
Sportster ModelYearSizeWheel and PositionHD Wheel Assembly w/
bearings & bearing spacer
Wheel Assembly
includes brake shell
XLH 900 (883)1960-196318“Front Laced (aluminum)43496-6068)(drum brakes)
1960-196319”Front Laced (aluminum)43497-6069)(drum brakes)
1964-196718“Front Laced (aluminum)43496-6470)(drum brakes)
1967-196919”Front Laced (aluminum)43497-6471)(drum brakes)
1970-197218“Front Laced (aluminum)43496-6472)(drum brakes)
1970-197219”Front Laced (aluminum)43495-7073)(drum brakes)
1970-197219“Front Laced (chrome)43505-7074)(drum brakes)
Also used
on '73 FX
197319”Front Laced (chrome)43509-7375)(single disc brake)
Also used
on FX/FXE
1974-197719“Front Cast 7 Spoke (black)43522-7776)(single disc brake)
1974-197719”Front Cast 9 Spoke (black)43615-7477)(single disc brake)
1974-197719“Front Laced (aluminum)43508-7478)(single disc brake)
Also used
on '74-'77 FX
1974-197719”Front Laced (chrome)43509-7479)(single disc brake)
197819“Front Cast 7 Spoke43461-7880)(dual disc brake)
197819”Front Cast 9 Spoke43617-8381) (dual disc brake)
197819“Front Cast 9 Spoke (black)43320-8082)(dual disc brake)
197819”Front Laced (aluminum)43351-7883)(dual disc brake)
Also used on
'78-'81 FX,FXE
FXEF, FXEF-80
FXE-80 models84)
197819“Front Laced (steel)43341-7885)(dual disc brake)
XLCH 900 (883)1960-196318”Front Laced (aluminum)43496-6086)(drum brakes)
1960-196319“Front Laced (aluminum)43497-6087)(drum brakes)
1964-196919”Front Laced (aluminum)43497-6488)(drum brakes)
1970-197219“Front Laced (aluminum)43495-7089)(drum brakes)
1970-197219”Front Laced (chrome)43505-7090)(drum brakes)
197319“Front Laced (chrome)43509-7391)(single disc brake)
43522-77 also on
FX/FXE
1974-197719”Front Cast 7 Spoke (black)43522-7792)(single disc brake)
1974-197719“Front Cast 9 Spoke (black)43615-7493)(single disc brake)
1974-197719”Front Laced (aluminum)43508-7494)(single disc brake)
1974-197719“Front Laced (chrome)43509-7495)(single disc brake)
197819”Front Cast 7 Spoke43461-7896)(dual disc brake)
197819“Front Cast 9 Spoke43617-8397) (dual disc brake)
197819”Front Cast 9 Spoke (black)43320-8098)(dual disc brake)
197819“Front Laced (aluminum)43351-7899)(dual disc brake)
43341-78 also on
'78-'81 FX,FXE
FXEF, FXEF-80
FXE-80 models100)
197819”Front Laced (steel)43341-78101)(dual disc brakes)
XLH 1000197919“Front Cast 9 Spoke43311-78 102)(dual disc brake)
1979-198319”Front Cast (black)43617-83)103)(dual disc brake)
(L) 1979-198319“Front Laced43321-79104)(dual disc brake)
43312-84 also on
'84 FXE 105)
1984-198519”Front Laced43312-84 106)(single disc brake)
XLCH 1000197919“Front Cast 9 Spoke43311-78 107)(dual disc brake)
Also used
on '77 FXS
78-80 FX/FXEF
FXS-80/FXEF-80
XLCR 1000197719”Front Cast 7 Spoke43499-77 108) without bearings/ sleeve
(dual disc brakes)
197819“Front Cast 7 Spoke43499-78 109) without bearings/ sleeve
(dual disc brakes)
XLS 1000197919”Front Cast 9 Spoke43311-78 110)(dual disc brake)
1979-198219“Front Cast 9 Spoke (black)43617-83)111)(dual disc brake)
(L) 1979-198319”Front Laced43321-79112)(dual disc brake)
198319“Front Cast 9 Spoke43309-83113)(dual disc brake)
1984-198519”Front Cast 9 Spoke (black- tubeless)43626-84114)First use of tubeless tires
(single disc brake)
Also used
on '84 FXE 115)
1984-198519“Front Laced43312-84 116)(single disc brake)
XLX-61 (1000)198319”Front Cast 9 Spoke (black)43617-83)117)(dual disc brake)
1984-198519“Front Cast 9 Spoke (black- tubeless)43626-84118)First use of tubeless tires
(single disc brake)
1984-198519”Front Cast 9 Spoke (silver-tubeless)43338-83A 119)(single disc brake)

Rear

See also Factory Tire Information
All rear wheels 55-78 will interchange. 120)


Rear Wheel 1957 - 1985

Sportster
Model
YearSizeWheel and PositionHD Wheel Assembly
w/ bearings &
bearing spacer
XL 900 (883)195718“Rear Laced (chrome)40989-53B 121)(drum brakes) also
fits '53-56 K models
1957-195918”Rear Laced (chrome)40989-53A 122) 123)(drum brakes) also
fits '53-56 K models
1957-195918“Rear Laced (chrome)40989-53C124)(drum brakes)
1957-195918”Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black)41037-77 125)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1957-195916“Rear Cast 7 Spoke41035-77A 126)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1957-195918”Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40999-78 127)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1957-195918“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold)41002-78 128)XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
XLH 900 (883)1958-195918”Rear Laced (chrome)40989-53A 129) 130)(drum brakes) also
fits '53-56 K models
1958-196318“Rear Laced (chrome)40989-53C131)(drum brakes)
1960-196318”Rear Laced (aluminum)40990-60A132)(drum brakes)
1960-196918“Rear Laced (aluminum)40990-60C133)(drum brakes)
1970-197118”Rear Laced (chrome)40989-70134)(drum brakes)
1970-197118“Rear Laced (aluminum)
Low Road Clearance
40990-60C135)(drum brakes)
1958-197118”Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black)41037-77 136)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1958-197116“Rear Cast 7 Spoke41035-77A 137)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1958-197118”Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40999-78 138)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1958-197818“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold)41002-78 139)XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
XLCH 900 (883)1958-195918”Rear Laced (chrome)40989-53A 140) 141)(drum brakes) also
fits '53-56 K models
1958-196318“Rear Laced (chrome)40989-53C142)(drum brakes)
1960-196318”Rear Laced (aluminum)40990-60A143)(drum brakes)
1960-196918“Rear Laced (aluminum)40990-60C144)(drum brakes)
1970-197118”Rear Laced (chrome)40989-70145)(drum brakes)
1970-197118“Rear Laced (aluminum)40991-70A146)(drum brakes)
1958-197118”Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black)41037-77 147)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1958-197116“Rear Cast 7 Spoke41035-77A 148)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1958-197118”Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40999-78 149)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1958-197818“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold)41002-78 150)XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
XLH 10001972-197718”Rear Laced (chrome)40989-70151)(drum brakes)
1973-197818“Rear Laced (aluminum)40991-70A152)(drum brakes)
1972-197818”Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black)41037-77 153)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1972-197816“Rear Cast 7 Spoke41035-77A 154)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1972-197818”Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40999-78 155)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
(E)197918“Rear Cast 9 Spoke40962-79156)
40952-79157)
(disc brake - this year &
all future models)
(L) 1979-198016”Rear Laced (chrome)43720-79 158)
198016“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40953-79A 159)
198116”Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40955-81 160)
198116“Rear Laced (chrome)43720-81 161)
1982-198516”Rear Laced (chrome)40951-82 162)
1982-198516“Rear Cast 9 Spoke41015-82A 163)
1958-197818”Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold)41002-78 164)XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
XLCH 10001972-197718“Rear Laced (chrome)40989-70165)(drum brakes)
1972-197818”Rear Laced (aluminum)40991-70A166)(drum brakes)
1972-197818“Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black)41037-77 167)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1972-197816”Rear Cast 7 Spoke41035-77A 168)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
1972-197818“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40999-78 169)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
197918”Rear Cast 9 Spoke40962-79170)
40952-79171)
1958-197818“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold)41002-78 172)XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
XLCR 1000197718”Rear Cast 7 Spoke40995-77 173)without bearings/ sleeve
(disc brake)
197818“Rear Cast 7 Spoke40995-78 174)without bearings/ sleeve
(disc brake)
XLS 1000197916”Rear Cast 9 Spoke40963-79175)
1979-198016“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40953-79A 176)
(L)1979-198016”Rear Laced (chrome)43720-79 177)
198116“Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black)40955-81 178)
198116”Rear Laced (chrome)43720-81 179)
198216“Rear Cast 9 Spoke41015-82A 180)
1982-198516”Rear Laced (chrome)40951-82 181)
1983-198516“Rear Cast 9 Spoke40983-83A 182)
1984-198516”Rear Cast 9 Spoke41015-82A 183)
XLT 10001977-197818“Rear 7 Spoke (black)41037-77 184)Option retro'd for prior years
(drum brakes)
XLX-61 (1000)1983-198516”Rear Laced (chrome)40951-82 185)
1983-198516“Rear Cast 9 Spoke41015-82A 186)
1983-198516”Rear Cast 9 Spoke40983-83A 187)

Tapered Bead Rims

The “special” tapered wheels that were paired to the “special” tapered bead rims were known as “C-section” rims. 188)
“C-section” rims can be positively identified after the tire is removed from the rim by the part numbers stamped in rim.
The taper was at the 'normally flat' area from the inside bead seat corner and the shelf edge at the drop towards the drop center.
The metal 'shelf' tapered toward the center with a safety hump just before the drop down.
This was a “special package” buy from Goodyear with the rim included since you couldn't buy the tires to properly fit the rims anywhere else but them.

  • “C-section” Rim Part#s for “High Ground Clearance” Sportsters:
    • Steel Rims:
      • Front (43003-70) 19 x 2.50C
      • Rear (43004-70) 18 x 2.50C
    • Aluminum Rims:
      • Front (43010-70) 2.50C-19
      • Rear (43008-70) 2.50C-18

Standard low clearance models did not have the “special” rims and use standard tires.

  • Other notes:
    • 43005-70 steel 18“ steel spool rear drum
    • 43008-70 (250 C) aluminum 18” steel spool rear drum
    • 43002-70 steel 19“ '64-72 style front drum
    • 43010-70 aluminum 19” '64-72 style front drum
    • 42998-74 (250 C) aluminum 19“ aluminum hub front disc (made in Italy)
    • 43018-73 steel 19” aluminum hub front disc

Factory Wheels Pics

Click on a picture to enlarge it.

19“ front (43522-77) & 18” rear (41037-77) 189)
1971 front and rear (taper base) rims from an XLCH 190)
2.50C-18 (43008-70) aluminum (taper base) 18“ steel spool rear wheel on 1974 XLH. 191)

Tires

Tire Fitment Chart

  • HD issued a bulletin in June of 1978 regarding tire fitment on 1000cc, 1200cc and 1340CC models for proper matching of tires and rims. 192)
    • “For the personal safety of the motorcycle rider, tires and inner tubes must be correctly matched to the wheel rims. Mismatching tires, tubes and rims may result in damage to the tire bead during mounting or may allow the tire to slip on the rim damaging the tube and causing rapid tire deflation. In addition, using tires and tubes other than those specified may adversely affect motorcycle stability”.
    • Tires:
      • Use only tube type tires with inner tubes on all Harley-Davidson wheels. Tubeless type tires will not seat properly. Protective rubber rim strips must be used on laced (wire spoke) wheels.
      • 16” (seven spoke cast) wheel requires a center valve tube (40553-78) while all other 16“ wheels use a side valve tube (40550-77). Tires were inter­changeable between cast and laced (wire spoke) wheels.
      • 18” tires and tubes were not interchangeable between cast and laced (wire spoke) wheels. The bead diameter of the MN90-18 tire was app. 0.075“ (app. the thickness of a nickel) larger than the 4.25-18T tire.
      • 19” used the same size tube for both cast and laced (wire spoke) wheels but the tires were not interchangeable. The MJ90-19 tire also had a larger bead diameter.
June 1978 193)
Wheel SizeWheel DescriptionModelsTube Size (Goodyear)Tire Size
16“Rear Cast 7 SpokeFX/FXE/FXSMT-90-16cv (center valve)5.00-16T
5.10-16T
MT-90-16T
Front & Rear Laced 16 SpokeFL/FLHG5.10-16T (side valve)
Rear Laced & Cast 9 SpokeFX/FXE/FXS
18”Rear LacedXL/XLH/XLCH/XLT/XLCRW18 / W194.25-18T
Rear Cast 7 or 9 SpokeV18 / V19MN90-18
19“Front LacedXL/XLH/XLCH/XLT/XLCR
FX/FXE/FXS
V19 / V193.75-19T
MM90-19T
Front Cast 7 or 9 SpokeMJ-90-19

Factory Tire Information

  • Rim size and contour are cast or stamped into exterior surface of rim.
  • Example: T19x2.50 CO DOT. “T” indicates the rim conforms to 'Tire and Rim Association' standards, 19 is the nominal diameter of the rim in inches measured at the bead center diameter, 2.5 is the width of the bead seat measured in inches, CO designates the rim contour, DOT means the rim meets Dept. of Motor Vehicle Standards. 194)
  • See Tire 101 for decoding sizes, conversion, cross reference charts, etc.
HD Recommendations per Year Model
1957-1959 XLWheel Size and PositionTire SizeRecommended
Tire Pressure
18” Front and Rear3.50×1814 psi Front, 18 psi Rear
1958-1966 XLHWheel Size and PositionTire Size
18“ Front and Rear3.50×1814 psi Front, 18 psi Rear
1967-1969 XLHWheel Size and PositionTire Size
19” front3.25/3.5×1916 psi
18“ Rear4.00×18“20 psi
1959-1969 XLCHWheel Size and PositionTire Size
19” Front3.25/3.50×1914 psi
18” Rear4.0 x 1818 psi
1970-1978 195)Wheel Size and PositionWheel TypeRim ContourTire Size (Goodyear or Yokohama)
Use corresponding size inner tubes
Recommended
Tire Pressure
XLH-XLCH-XLT19“ FrontCast, 7 or 9 spoke T 19 2.15 TL 196)MJ90-19 * (XLT use Yokohama Y-980 only)
XLH-XLCH-XLT19” FrontLaced 3.75-19T or MM90-19197) (Taper base bead tire size, use on taper base bead rim only)198)18 psi199)
XLH-XLCH-XLT18“ RearCast, 7 or 9 spokeT 18 2.50 TL 200) MN90-18 Tire obsolete, acceptable replacement 120/90-18 * (XLT use Yokohama Y-622 only)
XLH/XLCH/XLT18” RearLaced 4.25-18T (Taper base bead tire size, use on taper base bead rim only)201)30 psi202)
XLH-XLCH16“ Rear (accessory)Cast 7 spoke MT90-16 / 5.00-16T / 5.10-16T
1979 XLH-XLCH-XLS203)Wheel Size and PositionWheel TypeRim ContourHD Tire SeriesGoodyear Tube SizeGoodyear Tire TypeGoodyear Tire Size 4 Ply
19” FrontLaced Early '792.50 CMNAV 18/19Sport Rib (Tapered Bead) 204)MM90-19T
19“ FrontLaced Late '792.50 TLAYYYV 19/19Eagle A/TMJ90-19
19” FrontCast2.15 TLYYYV 18/19Eagle A/TMJ90-19
18“ RearLaced Early '792.50 CMNAW 18/19All Traction (Tapered Bead)205)4.25-18T
18” RearCast2.50 TLNAV 18/19Eagle A/TMN90-18 Tire obsolete, Acceptable replacement 120/90-18206)
16“ RearLaced3.00 DWWWG5.10-16Eagle A/TMT90-16
16” RearCast3.00 DWWWG5.10-16Eagle A/TMT90-16
1980-1985 XLH-XLS-XLX207)Wheel size and PositionWheel TypeRim ContourHD Tire SeriesTube Size 208) /
Valve Stem Type
Tire Size Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 4 Ply
19“ FrontLaced2.50×19 TLAYYYMJ90-19
Rubber (center pos.)
Either brand MJ90-19
19” FrontCast2.15×19 TLYYY
16“ RearLaced or Cast3.00x16DWWWH-16 (MT90-16) 209)
Rubber or Metal (side pos)
11/32” rim hole
G 5.10-16 210)
Rubber (side pos)
5/8“ rim hole
Goodyear MT90-16


Dunlop MT90-16
1985 XLH-XLS-XLX211)Wheel size and PositionWheel TypeRim ContourHD Tire SeriesRim Valve Hole DiameterTire Size Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 4 Ply
19” FrontTubeless Cast2.15×19 TLYYY0.45“MJ90-19
16” RearTubeless Cast3.00×16 DWWW0.34“MT90-16
1983-1984 XR-1000 212)Wheel Size and PositionWheel TypeRim ContourHD Tire SeriesRim Valve DiameterTire Size Dunlop K-291S 4 Ply
19” FrontTubeless Cast2.15×19 TLRRR0.45“100/90V-19
16” RearTubeless Cast3.00×16 DPPP0.34“130-90V-16

Tapered Bead Tires

Starting in 1970, Harley Davidson partnered with Goodyear for new “special” tires and rims for standard “high ground clearance” Sportster models. 213)
The tires are identified on the sidewall as (front - 3.75 x 19 Sport Rib and rear - 4.25 x 18 All Traction)
The MoCo has written that these tires must be used exclusively for replacement on the special “C-secton” rims.
These rims have a special tapered bead seat with a safety hump at the top of the center drop.
By design, standard tires such as Goodyear 3.50 x 18, 4.00 x 18 or 3.25/3.50 x 19 sizes will not fit correctly on these rims and are an unsafe replacement.

Goodyear Taper Bead Tires (70-78)

Goodyear taper beaded tires: MM90-19 Front and 4.25x18t Rear (for taper bead rims only) 214)


1)
HD Service Bulletin #638 dated August 14, 1972 pg OC-407
2)
HD Service Bulletin #545A dated June 7, 1968 as revised in April of 1970 pg OC-230
3)
HD Service Bulletin #M-738 dated October 17, 1978
4) , 64) , 69) , 87)
HD 1953-1963 Sportsters and KH Models Parts Catalog pg44
5) , 70) , 71) , 72) , 73) , 74) , 88) , 89) , 90)
HD XLH, XLCH 1000 Sportster Parts Catalog pg 87 (99451-78B)
6) , 7) , 8) , 75) , 78) , 79) , 83) , 85) , 91) , 94) , 95) , 99) , 101)
HD XLH, XLCH 1000 Sportster Parts Catalog pg 89 (99451-78B)
9) , 10) , 104) , 106) , 112) , 116)
HD 1979-1985 XL Parts Catalog pg 75
11) , 12) , 124) , 131) , 132) , 142) , 143)
HD 1953-1963 Sportsters and KH Models Parts Catalog pg 41
13) , 133) , 134) , 135) , 144) , 145) , 146) , 151) , 152) , 165) , 166)
HD XLH, XLCH 1000 Sportster Parts Catalog pg 79 (99451-78B)
14) , 15) , 158) , 161) , 162) , 177) , 179) , 181) , 185)
HD 1979-1985 XL Parts Catalog pg 65
16)
1971 rear wheel hub components by The Doctor71 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?postid=5643997#post5643997
17) , 18) , 19) , 20) , 21) , 22) , 23) , 24) , 25) , 26)
1979-1985 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 63
27)
Spare Parts Catalog for All Sportster and K Models pg 34
28)
Spare Parts Catalog for All Sportster and K Models 1952-1959 pg 39
29)
1979-1985 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 73-75
31)
1952-1959 Spare Parts Catalog for all Sportster and K Models pg 39
32) , 33) , 34)
1954-1976 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 63
35) , 41)
1954-1978 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 91
36)
1954-1978 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 89
37) , 38) , 39) , 40) , 44) , 47) , 50)
HD Service Bulletin #M-734 dated July 5, 1978
42) , 45) , 48)
1979-1985 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 53-55
43) , 46) , 49)
1991-1992 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 47-49
52)
1979-1985 Sportster FSM pgs 2-9, 2-15
61)
Dr Dick
62) , 66) , 68) , 86)
HD 1953-1963 Sportsters and KH Models Parts Catalog pg 44
63) , 65) , 67)
1952-1959 HD Sportster and K Model Spare Parts Catalog pg 39
76) , 77) , 80) , 81) , 82) , 92) , 93) , 96) , 97) , 98)
HD XLH, XLCH 1000 Sportster Parts Catalog pg 91 (99451-78B)
84) , 100) , 105) , 115)
1971-1984 HD FX Parts Catalog pg 119
102) , 107) , 110)
1979 Harley Davidson XLH/XLCH/XLS-1000 Parts Catalog pg45
103) , 111) , 113) , 114) , 117) , 118) , 119)
HD 1979-1985 XL Parts Catalog pg 73
108)
1977 HD XLCR Parts Catalog pg 43
109)
1978 HD XLCR Parts Catalog Supplement pg 43
120)
DR Dick
121)
OSKRG/www.harleyKmodel.com Spare Parts Catalog for Sportster and K models pg 30
122) , 129) , 140)
Replaced 40989-53B
123) , 130) , 141)
1952-1959 HD Spare Parts Catalog pg 36
125) , 126) , 127) , 128) , 136) , 137) , 138) , 139) , 147) , 148) , 149) , 150) , 153) , 154) , 155) , 164) , 167) , 168) , 169) , 172) , 184)
HD XLH, XLCH 1000 Sportster Parts Catalog pg 81 (99451-78B)
156) , 170)
1979 Harley Davidson XLH/XLCH/XLS-1000 Parts Catalog pg 39
157) , 159) , 160) , 163) , 171) , 176) , 178) , 180) , 182) , 183) , 186) , 187)
HD 1979-1985 XL Parts Catalog pg 63
173)
HD 1977 XLCR Parts Catalog pg 37
174)
HD 1978 XLCR Parts Catalog Supplement pg 37
175)
1979 Harley Davidson XLH/XLCH/XLS-1000 Parts Catalog
188) , 213)
HD Service Bulletin #597
189)
Photo by Mike02king of the XLFORM
190) , 191) , 214)
photos courtesy of The Doctor71 of the XLFORUM
192) , 193)
HD Service Bulletin #M731 dated June 20, 1978
194) , 203) , 207) , 211)
1979-1985 HD Sportster FSM
195)
1970-1978 HD Sportster Parts Catalog pg 1-1
197)
The Doctor71 of the XLFORUM
198) , 199) , 201) , 202)
HD Shop Dope Service Bulletin No 516A update from Oct 15, 1966
204) , 205) , 206)
HD Service School service bulletin #597
208)
Manufacturer - Carlisle Tire & Rubber Company
209) , 210)
HD Service Bulletin #M-838 dated October 2, 1981
212)
HD Service Bulletin #M-867 dated March 11, 1983
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