Table of Contents
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 | ||||
Year | Model(s) | Hub Position | Rim Size | Hub and Brake Shell w/ bearings |
1953-1963 | K/KH/XL/XLH/XLCH | Front | 18“,19” | 43600-524) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1964-1972 | XLH/XLCH | Front | 18“,19” | 43600-645) |
Year | Model(s) | Hub Position | Rim Size | Hub Assembly w/ bearings and seals) |
1973 | XLH/XLCH | Front | 19“ | 43600-736) |
1974-1977 | XLH/XLCH | Front | 19” | 43600-747) |
1978 | XLH/XLCH | Front | 19“ | 43600-788) |
1979-1983 | XL/XLS | Front | 19” | 43600-78 9) |
1984-1985 | XL | Front | 19“ | 43619-84 10) |
REAR | ||||
Year | Model(s) | Hub Position | Rim Size | Hub Assembly w/ bearings |
1953-1954 | K/KH | Rear | 19” | 41017-5211) |
1955-1963 | KH/XL/XLH/XLCH | Rear | 18“ | 41017-55B 12) |
1955-1978 | KH/XL/XLH/XLCH | Rear | 18” | 41017-66A13) |
1979-1981 | XL | Rear | 16“ | 43457-79 14) |
1982-1985 | XL/XLS/XLX | Rear | 16” | 40952-82A 15) |
Rear Wheel Hubs
Sub-Documents
Rear Wheel Hub Internal Parts
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 |
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(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, with 5/8“-18 Nut 17)
— Lock Washer, Washer)
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 # | Size | Kit Includes |
A01 | 43871-52 1954-1972 | Axle Only. Also required are (7067) lock washer (43886-52) shoulder nut. |
|
Additional Information | Also fits all '52-'56 K Models | ||
A01 | 43871-73 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 | |||
A01 | 43883-77 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 | |||
A01 | 43883-84 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 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
B01 | HD 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: | ||
B02 | HD 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: | ||
B03 | HD 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 | ||
H02 | Replaced 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) |
43740-64 | Length ?? | |
H03 | Original 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) |
43745-73 | Replaced by spacers below | |
43633-74 | Length - 2.162“ (White / Red) 38) | |
43634-74 | Length - 2.177” (Orange / Green) 39) | |
43635-74 | Length - 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) |
43623-78 | Length - 2.564” (Violet) 42) 43) 44) | |
43624-78 | Length - 2.550“ (Pink) 45) 46) 47) | |
43625-78 | Length - 2.536” (Gold) 48) 49) 50) |
Measuring / Sizing Wheel Hub Spacers
- Install outer races into the hub, make sure they're fully seated. Don't install any seals yet.
- Clamp the axle in a vise vertically, threaded end up.
- Put axle spacer onto axle. (doesn't really matter which one)
- Slide 1 bearing onto the axle. (no grease or oil in the bearing)
- Put hub/wheel onto the axle.
- Slide bearing spacer onto the axle.
- Slide the other cone onto the axle.
- 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.
- Put the axle nut on and snug it up. (not too tight yet)
- Lift the rim/hub and see if you have any end play.
- 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).
- If you don't have any play, the spacer is too short. Add shims until you get just a little play.
- 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).
- 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 Bearing | Against Right Bearing | Year Model Info | |
---|---|---|---|
BS01 | 43636-52 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)
Wheels
Front
See also Factory Tire Information
All front wheels are the same from '74-'77 61)
Front Wheel 1957-1985
Sportster Model | Year | Size | Wheel and Position | HD Wheel Assembly without bearings & bearing spacer | Wheel Assembly includes brake shell |
XLC 900 (883) | 1958 | 19” | Front Laced (chrome) | 43506-52 62) 63) | (drum brakes) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
XLH 900 (883) | 1957-1959 | 18“ | Front Laced (chrome) | 43507-5364) 65) | (drum brakes) |
XLCH 900 (883) | 1958-1963 | 19” | Front Laced (chrome) | 43506-52 66) 67) | (drum brakes) |
Front Wheel | Notes | ||||
Sportster Model | Year | Size | Wheel and Position | HD Wheel Assembly w/ bearings & bearing spacer | Wheel Assembly includes brake shell |
XLH 900 (883) | 1960-1963 | 18“ | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43496-6068) | (drum brakes) |
1960-1963 | 19” | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43497-6069) | (drum brakes) | |
1964-1967 | 18“ | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43496-6470) | (drum brakes) | |
1967-1969 | 19” | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43497-6471) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1972 | 18“ | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43496-6472) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1972 | 19” | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43495-7073) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1972 | 19“ | Front Laced (chrome) | 43505-7074) | (drum brakes) | |
Also used on '73 FX | 1973 | 19” | Front Laced (chrome) | 43509-7375) | (single disc brake) |
Also used on FX/FXE | 1974-1977 | 19“ | Front Cast 7 Spoke (black) | 43522-7776) | (single disc brake) |
1974-1977 | 19” | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 43615-7477) | (single disc brake) | |
1974-1977 | 19“ | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43508-7478) | (single disc brake) | |
Also used on '74-'77 FX | 1974-1977 | 19” | Front Laced (chrome) | 43509-7479) | (single disc brake) |
1978 | 19“ | Front Cast 7 Spoke | 43461-7880) | (dual disc brake) | |
1978 | 19” | Front Cast 9 Spoke | 43617-8381) | (dual disc brake) | |
1978 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 43320-8082) | (dual disc brake) | |
1978 | 19” | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43351-7883) | (dual disc brake) | |
Also used on '78-'81 FX,FXE FXEF, FXEF-80 FXE-80 models84) | 1978 | 19“ | Front Laced (steel) | 43341-7885) | (dual disc brake) |
XLCH 900 (883) | 1960-1963 | 18” | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43496-6086) | (drum brakes) |
1960-1963 | 19“ | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43497-6087) | (drum brakes) | |
1964-1969 | 19” | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43497-6488) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1972 | 19“ | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43495-7089) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1972 | 19” | Front Laced (chrome) | 43505-7090) | (drum brakes) | |
1973 | 19“ | Front Laced (chrome) | 43509-7391) | (single disc brake) | |
43522-77 also on FX/FXE | 1974-1977 | 19” | Front Cast 7 Spoke (black) | 43522-7792) | (single disc brake) |
1974-1977 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 43615-7493) | (single disc brake) | |
1974-1977 | 19” | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43508-7494) | (single disc brake) | |
1974-1977 | 19“ | Front Laced (chrome) | 43509-7495) | (single disc brake) | |
1978 | 19” | Front Cast 7 Spoke | 43461-7896) | (dual disc brake) | |
1978 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke | 43617-8397) | (dual disc brake) | |
1978 | 19” | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 43320-8098) | (dual disc brake) | |
1978 | 19“ | Front Laced (aluminum) | 43351-7899) | (dual disc brake) | |
43341-78 also on '78-'81 FX,FXE FXEF, FXEF-80 FXE-80 models100) | 1978 | 19” | Front Laced (steel) | 43341-78101) | (dual disc brakes) |
XLH 1000 | 1979 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke | 43311-78 102) | (dual disc brake) |
1979-1983 | 19” | Front Cast (black) | 43617-83)103) | (dual disc brake) | |
(L) 1979-1983 | 19“ | Front Laced | 43321-79104) | (dual disc brake) | |
43312-84 also on '84 FXE 105) | 1984-1985 | 19” | Front Laced | 43312-84 106) | (single disc brake) |
XLCH 1000 | 1979 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke | 43311-78 107) | (dual disc brake) |
Also used on '77 FXS 78-80 FX/FXEF FXS-80/FXEF-80 |
|||||
XLCR 1000 | 1977 | 19” | Front Cast 7 Spoke | 43499-77 108) | without bearings/ sleeve (dual disc brakes) |
1978 | 19“ | Front Cast 7 Spoke | 43499-78 109) | without bearings/ sleeve (dual disc brakes) |
|
XLS 1000 | 1979 | 19” | Front Cast 9 Spoke | 43311-78 110) | (dual disc brake) |
1979-1982 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 43617-83)111) | (dual disc brake) | |
(L) 1979-1983 | 19” | Front Laced | 43321-79112) | (dual disc brake) | |
1983 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke | 43309-83113) | (dual disc brake) | |
1984-1985 | 19” | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black- tubeless) | 43626-84114) | First use of tubeless tires (single disc brake) |
|
Also used on '84 FXE 115) | 1984-1985 | 19“ | Front Laced | 43312-84 116) | (single disc brake) |
XLX-61 (1000) | 1983 | 19” | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 43617-83)117) | (dual disc brake) |
1984-1985 | 19“ | Front Cast 9 Spoke (black- tubeless) | 43626-84118) | First use of tubeless tires (single disc brake) |
|
1984-1985 | 19” | 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 | Year | Size | Wheel and Position | HD Wheel Assembly w/ bearings & bearing spacer | |
XL 900 (883) | 1957 | 18“ | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-53B 121) | (drum brakes) also fits '53-56 K models |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1957-1959 | 18” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-53A 122) 123) | (drum brakes) also fits '53-56 K models |
|
1957-1959 | 18“ | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-53C124) | (drum brakes) | |
1957-1959 | 18” | Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black) | 41037-77 125) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1957-1959 | 16“ | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | 41035-77A 126) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1957-1959 | 18” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40999-78 127) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1957-1959 | 18“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold) | 41002-78 128) | XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
XLH 900 (883) | 1958-1959 | 18” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-53A 129) 130) | (drum brakes) also fits '53-56 K models |
1958-1963 | 18“ | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-53C131) | (drum brakes) | |
1960-1963 | 18” | Rear Laced (aluminum) | 40990-60A132) | (drum brakes) | |
1960-1969 | 18“ | Rear Laced (aluminum) | 40990-60C133) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1971 | 18” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-70134) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1971 | 18“ | Rear Laced (aluminum) Low Road Clearance | 40990-60C135) | (drum brakes) | |
1958-1971 | 18” | Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black) | 41037-77 136) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1958-1971 | 16“ | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | 41035-77A 137) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1958-1971 | 18” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40999-78 138) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1958-1978 | 18“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold) | 41002-78 139) | XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
XLCH 900 (883) | 1958-1959 | 18” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-53A 140) 141) | (drum brakes) also fits '53-56 K models |
1958-1963 | 18“ | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-53C142) | (drum brakes) | |
1960-1963 | 18” | Rear Laced (aluminum) | 40990-60A143) | (drum brakes) | |
1960-1969 | 18“ | Rear Laced (aluminum) | 40990-60C144) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1971 | 18” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-70145) | (drum brakes) | |
1970-1971 | 18“ | Rear Laced (aluminum) | 40991-70A146) | (drum brakes) | |
1958-1971 | 18” | Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black) | 41037-77 147) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1958-1971 | 16“ | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | 41035-77A 148) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1958-1971 | 18” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40999-78 149) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1958-1978 | 18“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold) | 41002-78 150) | XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
XLH 1000 | 1972-1977 | 18” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-70151) | (drum brakes) |
1973-1978 | 18“ | Rear Laced (aluminum) | 40991-70A152) | (drum brakes) | |
1972-1978 | 18” | Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black) | 41037-77 153) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1972-1978 | 16“ | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | 41035-77A 154) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1972-1978 | 18” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40999-78 155) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
(E)1979 | 18“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 40962-79156) 40952-79157) | (disc brake - this year & all future models) |
|
(L) 1979-1980 | 16” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 43720-79 158) | ||
1980 | 16“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40953-79A 159) | ||
1981 | 16” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40955-81 160) | ||
1981 | 16“ | Rear Laced (chrome) | 43720-81 161) | ||
1982-1985 | 16” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40951-82 162) | ||
1982-1985 | 16“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 41015-82A 163) | ||
1958-1978 | 18” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold) | 41002-78 164) | XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
XLCH 1000 | 1972-1977 | 18“ | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40989-70165) | (drum brakes) |
1972-1978 | 18” | Rear Laced (aluminum) | 40991-70A166) | (drum brakes) | |
1972-1978 | 18“ | Rear Cast 7 Spoke (black) | 41037-77 167) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1972-1978 | 16” | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | 41035-77A 168) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1972-1978 | 18“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40999-78 169) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
1979 | 18” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 40962-79170) 40952-79171) | ||
1958-1978 | 18“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (gold) | 41002-78 172) | XLH 75th Anniversary - option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
|
XLCR 1000 | 1977 | 18” | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | 40995-77 173) | without bearings/ sleeve (disc brake) |
1978 | 18“ | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | 40995-78 174) | without bearings/ sleeve (disc brake) |
|
XLS 1000 | 1979 | 16” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 40963-79175) | |
1979-1980 | 16“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40953-79A 176) | ||
(L)1979-1980 | 16” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 43720-79 177) | ||
1981 | 16“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke (black) | 40955-81 178) | ||
1981 | 16” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 43720-81 179) | ||
1982 | 16“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 41015-82A 180) | ||
1982-1985 | 16” | Rear Laced (chrome) | 40951-82 181) | ||
1983-1985 | 16“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 40983-83A 182) | ||
1984-1985 | 16” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 41015-82A 183) | ||
XLT 1000 | 1977-1978 | 18“ | Rear 7 Spoke (black) | 41037-77 184) | Option retro'd for prior years (drum brakes) |
XLX-61 (1000) | 1983-1985 | 16” | Rear Laced (chrome)40951-82 185) | ||
1983-1985 | 16“ | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 41015-82A 186) | ||
1983-1985 | 16” | Rear Cast 9 Spoke | 40983-83A 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) | ||
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1971 front and rear (taper base) rims from an XLCH 190) | ||
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2.50C-18 (43008-70) aluminum (taper base) 18“ steel spool rear wheel on 1974 XLH. 191) | ||
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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 Size | Wheel Description | Models | Tube Size (Goodyear) | Tire Size |
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16“ | Rear Cast 7 Spoke | FX/FXE/FXS | MT-90-16cv (center valve) | 5.00-16T 5.10-16T MT-90-16T |
Front & Rear Laced 16 Spoke | FL/FLH | G5.10-16T (side valve) | ||
Rear Laced & Cast 9 Spoke | FX/FXE/FXS | |||
18” | Rear Laced | XL/XLH/XLCH/XLT/XLCR | W18 / W19 | 4.25-18T |
Rear Cast 7 or 9 Spoke | V18 / V19 | MN90-18 | ||
19“ | Front Laced | XL/XLH/XLCH/XLT/XLCR FX/FXE/FXS | V19 / V19 | 3.75-19T MM90-19T |
Front Cast 7 or 9 Spoke | MJ-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 also Factory Rear Rims and Factory Front Rims
- See Tire 101 for decoding sizes, conversion, cross reference charts, etc.
HD Recommendations per Year Model | |||||||
1957-1959 XL | Wheel Size and Position | Tire Size | Recommended Tire Pressure |
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18” Front and Rear | 3.50×18 | 14 psi Front, 18 psi Rear | |||||
1958-1966 XLH | Wheel Size and Position | Tire Size | |||||
18“ Front and Rear | 3.50×18 | 14 psi Front, 18 psi Rear | |||||
1967-1969 XLH | Wheel Size and Position | Tire Size | |||||
19” front | 3.25/3.5×19 | 16 psi | |||||
18“ Rear | 4.00×18“ | 20 psi | |||||
1959-1969 XLCH | Wheel Size and Position | Tire Size | |||||
19” Front | 3.25/3.50×19 | 14 psi | |||||
18” Rear | 4.0 x 18 | 18 psi | |||||
1970-1978 195) | Wheel Size and Position | Wheel Type | Rim Contour | Tire Size (Goodyear or Yokohama) Use corresponding size inner tubes | Recommended Tire Pressure |
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XLH-XLCH-XLT | 19“ Front | Cast, 7 or 9 spoke | T 19 2.15 TL 196) | MJ90-19 * (XLT use Yokohama Y-980 only) | |||
XLH-XLCH-XLT | 19” Front | Laced | 3.75-19T or MM90-19197) (Taper base bead tire size, use on taper base bead rim only)198) | 18 psi199) | |||
XLH-XLCH-XLT | 18“ Rear | Cast, 7 or 9 spoke | T 18 2.50 TL 200) | ||||
XLH/XLCH/XLT | 18” Rear | Laced | 4.25-18T (Taper base bead tire size, use on taper base bead rim only)201) | 30 psi202) | |||
XLH-XLCH | 16“ Rear (accessory) | Cast 7 spoke | MT90-16 / 5.00-16T / 5.10-16T | ||||
1979 XLH-XLCH-XLS203) | Wheel Size and Position | Wheel Type | Rim Contour | HD Tire Series | Goodyear Tube Size | Goodyear Tire Type | Goodyear Tire Size 4 Ply |
19” Front | Laced Early '79 | 2.50 CM | NA | V 18/19 | Sport Rib (Tapered Bead) 204) | MM90-19T | |
19“ Front | Laced Late '79 | 2.50 TLA | YYY | V 19/19 | Eagle A/T | MJ90-19 | |
19” Front | Cast | 2.15 TL | YYY | V 18/19 | Eagle A/T | MJ90-19 | |
18“ Rear | Laced Early '79 | 2.50 CM | NA | W 18/19 | All Traction (Tapered Bead)205) | 4.25-18T | |
18” Rear | Cast | 2.50 TL | NA | V 18/19 | Eagle A/T | ||
16“ Rear | Laced | 3.00 D | WWW | G5.10-16 | Eagle A/T | MT90-16 | |
16” Rear | Cast | 3.00 D | WWW | G5.10-16 | Eagle A/T | MT90-16 | |
1980-1985 XLH-XLS-XLX207) | Wheel size and Position | Wheel Type | Rim Contour | HD Tire Series | Tube Size 208) / Valve Stem Type | Tire Size Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 4 Ply | |
19“ Front | Laced | 2.50×19 TLA | YYY | MJ90-19 Rubber (center pos.) | Either brand MJ90-19 | ||
19” Front | Cast | 2.15×19 TL | YYY | ||||
16“ Rear | Laced or Cast | 3.00x16D | WWW | H-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 |
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1985 XLH-XLS-XLX211) | Wheel size and Position | Wheel Type | Rim Contour | HD Tire Series | Rim Valve Hole Diameter | Tire Size Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 4 Ply | |
19” Front | Tubeless Cast | 2.15×19 TL | YYY | 0.45“ | MJ90-19 | ||
16” Rear | Tubeless Cast | 3.00×16 D | WWW | 0.34“ | MT90-16 | ||
1983-1984 XR-1000 212) | Wheel Size and Position | Wheel Type | Rim Contour | HD Tire Series | Rim Valve Diameter | Tire Size Dunlop K-291S 4 Ply | |
19” Front | Tubeless Cast | 2.15×19 TL | RRR | 0.45“ | 100/90V-19 | ||
16” Rear | Tubeless Cast | 3.00×16 D | PPP | 0.34“ | 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.