Metzler MU85-16 Rear Tire on a 2001 E/Glide

[gtoracer]

I just finished installing a Metzler MU85-16 rear tire on my 2001 Electra. The reason for this post is I had a terrible time locating information about puting this wider tire on my bike, so I thought I should share how I did it. The "secret" to the installation was the purchase of a Vulcan rear sprocket spacer. The spacer was $23. and change with shipping.

http://vulcanworks.net/142mm-Wide-Tire-Pulley-Sprocket-Spacer-p-17071.html

Pingel makes and sells a similar spacer (#62051) but it is alot more expensive.

After installation there is plenty of clearance between the belt and tire. The rubber strip on the belt guard is very close to the sidewall of the tire but if it is rubbing I can't tell it. I don't believe it will be a problem if it does rub a little. Vulcan and Pingel both say their spacers will allow for a 140mm tire mounting. Hope this helps if anyone is considering this swap....Glenn

[toorglide]

did you get any before/after pics Glenn

that looks like a very easy part to make if one had access to a lathe...did you make a blueprint of the part before ya installed it :)

[gtoracer]

Sorry Toor, no to both. But really it just looks like a newer glide....Glenn

[toorglide]

havent been to a dealership in 6 months......ill go check em out tuesday, my glide will need some new skins by september....would like to go wider

[Strat HD]

Thanks for posting this.

[bigun]

What was the reason for the wider tire just looks or will it improve the ride or handleing or something

[Strat HD]

Just looks better to me.

[gtoracer]

Toor, Part of the problem I had was that Metzler and my local dealer would not recommend the swap. I assumed that it is because of liability. I ordered the spacer from Vulcan and the tires from Bike Bandit. My son and I removed the wheels and we took them to the dealer to be mounted and balanced.

http://www.bikebandit.com/

One side note: I have a Sears Craftsman motorcycle jack I bought 3 yrs ago and this week was my first occasion to use it. First time I used it it wouldn't lift the bike over 3". Chinese cylinder is junk. Sears offers no replacement parts for jack and it was 2 years past warrenty. I went to Farm & Fleet and bought a Larin 4 ton bottle jack and with some cutting, welding and jack parts swapping, I made what I had work. Wasted a whole day messing with the jack. Last time Sears will ever get my money.....Glenn

[bigun]

Just looks better to me.

Ok just wondering if it made a more comfertable ride or something

[gtoracer]

What was the reason for the wider tire just looks or will it improve the ride or handleing or something

Both. Now that it's on the bike I really don't think it looks that much wider but I do think the Metzlers handle better that the Dunlops they replaced. The tires seem to ride smoother and I purposely rode over some tar snakes and didn't feel them. I went with an MU85 instead of the 140 because the 85 is the same diameter as the stock tire and the 140 is a little taller.....Glenn