Soon afte I bought my 48 from the dealer, I inquired a/b changing the stock tire to a 180. They said, 'a 180?', I said, 'yea, I'd like you all to install a 180 rear tire on the bike.' They didn't have a clue, so I just forgot a/b it and stayed w/ the stock tire. After watching/listening to what you went through to get the 180 installed on your bike, I'm glad I didn't let the dealer do it. Nice lookin' bike man ~
...This is what makes America Great. Choice...no kidding!!! Living is Spain and I can’t even change a freekin mirror without an enginer approving of it. Nice build, reminds me of the bikes running around on Long Island in the late 70's
Awesome vid...I'm looking into getting a Sportster and you just sealed the deal for me. I appreciate your in depth comments and directions for modifying the bike. Great work man.
Thanks for the reply...I was fitting the chain on was was like damn that SOB is close lol but feel better out it now since your reply...I'm doing this on an 01 883 XL Hugger the process on my bike is a little more extensive since my stock tire was a 130 so the fender struts sit a bit closer then the 48 model but I'm getting 'er done. I'm from Runnemede, NJ right across the river from Philly
You can use reducers for the axle. My 05 1200 was a night mare for wheels. U can buy a wheel with a 25mm and use a reducer to go down. Most wheels come w a axle kit if you order new. So if that's the case you can play w it but remember that your pulley and rotor have to match
realize seat was off to show work done, couldn't have just set it on for a second so could see how it looks. Very informative video, bike looks fair with no seat
Thanks for the help. Thanks for responding so quickly. I will definitely try a 200 on. You made a comment on a 180 tire being more lower then a 200, just wondering how much on a difference it will make, and is it noticeable. You have the best 48 out there buy far. You should make a video of yourself riding it. I would love to see the stance of the bike in motion. Thanks
Thanks. Yes I just used a regular grinder. It didnt take to long to remove enough to make room for the fender. I bought the bars from My local Harley dealer. I think they were around $75.00. I really dont remember but you can get them from any dealer.
Yes, if you can find one. Ive seen it done before. I bought a new rim and by removing the belt drive system it allows more room for the chain drive and tire. This is the new rim with the stock swing arm. If you cant find one, look for a new rim that will fit a 25mm axle and your all set.
I LOVE the chain. They can get messy when you first put them on but the new ones are O Ring sealed and dont require oiling anymore. After 50 or so miles I cleaned the wheel and its been good so far. It is alos rated for 30,000 miles. I really put it on to make room for the wide tire and for the retro look. I also have an 08 Ultra Classic I ride as a daily driver. This bike is a week ender.
Sportster look really good, nice to have a larger gas tank to go further.... u took my bike from qilmington,nc to myrtle beach ,sc ...1 hour I ride that with ease, drove to Charleston, SC on 17 Mt weekend ventures....
I know this is an older vid, but where did you get your wider fender? I seem to can't find anywhere on the net to buy a wider fender for sportsters? Did you go to pennjerseycycles for the spacers?
The bike rides nice. It corners a bit different with the wider tire but stills handles them very well. No problems with any changes. I thought the chain would be noisey but you cant hear it with the exhaust. Thanks
Im about 5 minutes from Pen Jersey in Levittown. Its been a really busy year so far and I havent had either of my bikes out much. I only did a couple bike nights. I hope next year is better for me. Riding wise that is. I could always meet you there some time if you want to check it out. Let me know
@steveoggill What year and model bike do you have. I didnt have to do anything to the swingarm. Im not sure of the model of the rim. I have to stop at Jacks (penn jersey) next week so Ill check. Did you get the rim from Jack? You do have to convert to a chain drive to make it fit. Also, does the new rim have the same amount of spokes as the original? If it does, you can re-lace the original hub into the new wheel.
i really like this one,the chain drive really looks killer.i'm originally a sportbike guy,now ride a z1000.my next bike will certainly be one of these or a vrod.any chance you've ridin both ? any thought on power,handling between the two ? again the bike looks great, thanks for the vid
I went to the 3/4 axle. I had to make sims so it fit into the stock sway bar. If you get a new wheel, make sure it has the sme axle as your bike not. It will save you that extra work. The 2 gal (stock) tank gives it a nice look. I also have a 2008 Ultra to take on longer rides so thats why I just kept the small one. If this was my only bike, I would have went to a larger tank. The 2 gal just doesnt cut it for long rides. Only good for riding around town.
Yes on the chain conv. I bought a new 5.5 rim but on a newer bike with the 25mm axle, it would be easier to use the stock hub and re-lace the wheel to a 5.5 wide. I had to convert my axle to the new 3/4 axle size.
Bike looks fantastic bro, Im going with the 200 conversion soon on my 2016 48, My question to you is, what exhaust is that on your bike? and where can i get it? I havent seen that profile anywhere...
Prices will vary depending on the area you live and the bike shop you use. I did this myself with the helpful advise of my local bike builder. I would guess I have about $1000.00 in parts for the wide tire alone. That does not include exhaust,speedo relocation etc.... I would say to take your bike to a local bike builder to get a prie if your not doing it yourself. You could also call my guy (Penn Jersey) to see what he would charge but that may require shipping charges.
I have. My Nephew has a new VRod Muscle. For a sport bike rider, I would think you would like the VRod much better. I consider this bike a bobber/bar hopper. The VRod is much faster off the line and takes the corners tighter. They are 2 different rides.
is your rear fender strong enough to carry a passenger? ive wanted to chop my rear fender and frame for awhile but heard it wasnt structurally strong enough for a passengers weight, thought maybe yours would be different since its not the stock fender? sweet bike btw
I have bought the chain conversion kit along with the offset front sprocket to accommodate a 180 rear tire. I wanted to know what size spacers did you use on the rear wheel using a 5.5 width rim? I am looking forward to finishing my project and will definitely send you a pic once completed.
Nice sporty, i live real close to penn Jersey cycles jack is awesome very helpful not always pushing to make a sale. Chuck at Throttle City is very good also you should check him out especially if you ever need machine work done !
This video is 3 years old. You were ahead of your time for sure. The widest you can go is 170 without doing any mods whatsoever. A 170 is plug n play super easy, but the 180 looks a bit better for sure.
Hey I appreciate it KWagner983. Just wanted to get some price quotes but I do appreciate your help. So, what axle did you end up with? And can you recall the spacers you used as well? I was thinking about purchasing a 3.3 Nightster tank because I heard the pea nut one doesnt cut it. Any thoughts?
nice work! Just wondering if you considered going to a taller wheel? If I went to 17 or 18 wheel with a 200 tire then the tire would probably be a shorter side wall or low profile. However, i;m really satisfied with the look you got from the stock 16. again thanks for educating us sportster fans!
It may be hard to tell with those martin bros., but do you notice any more noise from the chain drive versus the belt? I'm looking to put a chain drive on my 07 1200N. Can't decide if I want to go 180 or just put 160 on stock rim.
Hey hows it going, I saw your video and I gotta say good work. Ive been turning wrenches for a little while now and I have a couple questions about the Chain Drive Conversion. Did you have to remove your pipes in order to swap the belt out? In the video you also said you had a gentlemen finalize your chain , do you know exactly what he did to finalize it? thank you -Mike-
U need to post another video u riding it gotta give it to you Nice bike. I just got a Sporster 48 and I wana conver it into a bobber with a 200rear or 180rear wheel like yours.
Hi brother, thanx 4 the info, but older sporties like mine, '01 xl883c came with rear 16x130, not so good looking, I wonder if it takes any mods 2 put a 150, more b nicer, without braking my SSA budget, my Clymer book doesn't even mention the fender or how to remove it, I put a 140 & tore up all the wires underneath the fender & bottoms up on bumps.
Sick sick bike man. Those pipes makes it stand out a lot. Everyone goes with the short shots. I got short shots on my street bob looking for something else. Reminds me of the nightster I had minus the wide tire. What brand are those pipes?
hey! that is a beautiful build.. wet my pants watching... 5 stars!!! im looking for a Sportster 883 Iron right now. and after i saw this vid i have another project already pending... if you can send me the link for penn jersey.. i couldnt find him on the net... and again, damn what a beast uve built..
Go to E-Bay and search "Sportster Tank Lift". They make them in 1,2 and 3 inch lifts. Very easy to install. I also got the ignition/coil relocation bracket from E-Bay too.
Right on brother, thank you for sharing! I've got a 2013 48 and I'm gonna put a 200 on her. I'm curious about the spacers so I'll call Penn. Did you use a regular 4" grinder with a disk? BTW, your scoot is sweet! I've got 12" RSD Vintage King Apes with 3" risers on right now but I'm gonna put some bars like yours on. What kind are they, where and how much? if you don't mind me asking. Peace!
Im going to do an updated video as soon as the weather breaks. I can tell you that the chain itself is very close to the tire. most chains are on a tire conversion or many custom builds. The rule is if you can slip a match book cover lid between the tire and chain, its good. the chain will not move side to side so it never hits the tire. Ill post a new video soon.
I am sorry, did you get the all kit at Penn Jersey Cycle (chain coversion and the 16x5" wheel)? Do you know if they ship to Miamii?. I am form Chile but I través a
I'm sure someone has asked but I didn't see in the comments so, what pipes are those? They look great! You've done an awesome job with your styling choices on the bike. Cheers.
Soon afte I bought my 48 from the dealer, I inquired a/b changing the stock tire to a 180. They said, 'a 180?', I said, 'yea, I'd like you all to install a 180 rear tire on the bike.'
They didn't have a clue, so I just forgot a/b it and stayed w/ the stock tire. After watching/listening to what you went through to get the 180 installed on your bike, I'm glad I didn't let the dealer do it. Nice lookin' bike man ~
ABsolutely Beautiful work man! Jack from Penn Jersey Cycles had a serious motor cycle accident 3 days ago! That cycle shop is awesome!!
That chain looks so much better than a belt to me.
I just bought a brand new '12 model 48 and I`m trying to get it looking similar to yours! Very nice bike!!!! Thanks for the vid!
Thats the sickest looking sporty ive ever seen!!! Nice Job Bro!!!
I love it. Great job. Bike looks amazing
Great build mate!! Perfect!! Looks and sounds wicked!
Great informative video. Thanks. We're "doing" a Fat Bob conversion now. Much work but fun.
your bike is pure perfection !!! hope to get my sportster trough the controll here in switzerland
Thanks. Hope yours works out soon.
...This is what makes America Great. Choice...no kidding!!! Living is Spain and I can’t even change a freekin mirror without an enginer approving of it. Nice build, reminds me of the bikes running around on Long Island in the late 70's
Awesome vid...I'm looking into getting a Sportster and you just sealed the deal for me. I appreciate your in depth comments and directions for modifying the bike. Great work man.
good job bro .. envy of your bike coz i got 48 too .. thx fo putting video out there.. great work n 48 looks sick
Wicked bike and great info on how to. Wouldn't change a thing, bike looks exactly how I would want it
Nice convertion, great looking ride. Good job!!!
Thanks. The ride is the same but I can feel a slight difference in turning with the wider rear tire. I really like it.
like your job and how the tank sit on top , bikes in all looks pretty cool!!
Thanks.
Dude, great looking bike... and thanks for sharing...
Hi there, first off love the bike and you have inspired me to give it a go,
Thanks. I Really like the look of them after the posts were removed.
Good advice about rear axle. Kudos
Thanks for the reply...I was fitting the chain on was was like damn that SOB is close lol but feel better out it now since your reply...I'm doing this on an 01 883 XL Hugger the process on my bike is a little more extensive since my stock tire was a 130 so the fender struts sit a bit closer then the 48 model but I'm getting 'er done.
I'm from Runnemede, NJ right across the river from Philly
Cool..post pictures and send them to me. I can't wait to see it. And yes. The chains do look scary close lol
You can use reducers for the axle. My 05 1200 was a night mare for wheels. U can buy a wheel with a 25mm and use a reducer to go down. Most wheels come w a axle kit if you order new. So if that's the case you can play w it but remember that your pulley and rotor have to match
I love your bike mate !
realize seat was off to show work done, couldn't have just set it on for a second so could see how it looks. Very informative video, bike looks fair with no seat
Thanks. Ive always like Harleys but Ive owned all the metrics too. They make some sweet bikes.
Thanks for the help. Thanks for responding so quickly. I will definitely try a 200 on. You made a comment on a 180 tire being more lower then a 200, just wondering how much on a difference it will make, and is it noticeable. You have the best 48 out there buy far. You should make a video of yourself riding it. I would love to see the stance of the bike in motion. Thanks
Thanks. Yes I just used a regular grinder. It didnt take to long to remove enough to make room for the fender.
I bought the bars from My local Harley dealer. I think they were around $75.00. I really dont remember but you can get them from any dealer.
Awesome looking bike man!
Thanks
appreciate the reply,and again great lookin bike man
Thanks. Performance is fantastic. Ride is very nice too.
looks great dude....nice ride
Yes, if you can find one. Ive seen it done before. I bought a new rim and by removing the belt drive system it allows more room for the chain drive and tire.
This is the new rim with the stock swing arm.
If you cant find one, look for a new rim that will fit a 25mm axle and your all set.
I LOVE the chain. They can get messy when you first put them on but the new ones are O Ring sealed and dont require oiling anymore. After 50 or so miles I cleaned the wheel and its been good so far. It is alos rated for 30,000 miles.
I really put it on to make room for the wide tire and for the retro look. I also have an 08 Ultra Classic I ride as a daily driver. This bike is a week ender.
Great job. Bike looks super
Bike looks real good man!
Im sure its going to turn out great. I cant wait to see it. Thanks Again....
Sportster look really good, nice to have a larger gas tank to go further.... u took my bike from qilmington,nc to myrtle beach ,sc ...1 hour I ride that with ease, drove to Charleston, SC on 17 Mt weekend ventures....
Wilmington nc to myrtle beach sc then to Charleston, sc ......
I know this is an older vid, but where did you get your wider fender? I seem to can't find anywhere on the net to buy a wider fender for sportsters? Did you go to pennjerseycycles for the spacers?
The bike rides nice. It corners a bit different with the wider tire but stills handles them very well. No problems with any changes. I thought the chain would be noisey but you cant hear it with the exhaust. Thanks
Im about 5 minutes from Pen Jersey in Levittown. Its been a really busy year so far and I havent had either of my bikes out much. I only did a couple bike nights. I hope next year is better for me. Riding wise that is. I could always meet you there some time if you want to check it out. Let me know
Bad ass bike my freind thanks for the video
@steveoggill
What year and model bike do you have. I didnt have to do anything to the swingarm. Im not sure of the model of the rim. I have to stop at Jacks (penn jersey) next week so Ill check. Did you get the rim from Jack?
You do have to convert to a chain drive to make it fit.
Also, does the new rim have the same amount of spokes as the original? If it does, you can re-lace the original hub into the new wheel.
Thanks. They are the stock turn signals. I removed the rear mounts and just placed the lights in tight on the rail
Thanks for all the info!! Right on.. Looks great!
Thanks. Their website has been down for awhile. Im here in CA, but thanks for the response bud
hmm. might do this to my older sportster. thanks for the advice on taking those awkward posts out to tighten up the rear taillights
nice work on your bike !!
Nice work and it looks really nice...how much time did you spend converting the bike to the wider tire?
I can hear the chain a little but I really love it over the best..Thanks
What size tail light bolts did you need when you removed the turn signal brackets and mounted them to the frame?
Cool looking bike.
Bike look fucking SICK dude , wow I love it
i really like this one,the chain drive really looks killer.i'm originally a sportbike guy,now ride a z1000.my next bike will certainly be one of these or a vrod.any chance you've ridin both ? any thought on power,handling between the two ? again the bike looks great, thanks for the vid
I went to the 3/4 axle. I had to make sims so it fit into the stock sway bar. If you get a new wheel, make sure it has the sme axle as your bike not. It will save you that extra work.
The 2 gal (stock) tank gives it a nice look. I also have a 2008 Ultra to take on longer rides so thats why I just kept the small one. If this was my only bike, I would have went to a larger tank. The 2 gal just doesnt cut it for long rides. Only good for riding around town.
I am NOT a harley guy ... but damn, I love that bike! Awesome job.
Yes on the chain conv. I bought a new 5.5 rim but on a newer bike with the 25mm axle, it would be easier to use the stock hub and re-lace the wheel to a 5.5 wide.
I had to convert my axle to the new 3/4 axle size.
Thanks. The pipes are Martin Bros. Very hard to find since they dont make them anymore. I was lucky and found a set in Wisconsin.
Looks outstanding! Can I ask what rear fender you went with? I have a 02, but it still might point me in the right direction.
Thanks!
What an inspiration. Thanks.
Great job. Thanks for sharing.
Cool vid mate. Cheers.
Bike looks fantastic bro, Im going with the 200 conversion soon on my 2016 48, My question to you is, what exhaust is that on your bike? and where can i get it? I havent seen that profile anywhere...
Prices will vary depending on the area you live and the bike shop you use. I did this myself with the helpful advise of my local bike builder. I would guess I have about $1000.00 in parts for the wide tire alone. That does not include exhaust,speedo relocation etc.... I would say to take your bike to a local bike builder to get a prie if your not doing it yourself. You could also call my guy (Penn Jersey) to see what he would charge but that may require shipping charges.
Beautiful Bike!!!
thanks for the reply buddy...have a good one.
I have. My Nephew has a new VRod Muscle. For a sport bike rider, I would think you would like the VRod much better. I consider this bike a bobber/bar hopper. The VRod is much faster off the line and takes the corners tighter.
They are 2 different rides.
is your rear fender strong enough to carry a passenger? ive wanted to chop my rear fender and frame for awhile but heard it wasnt structurally strong enough for a passengers weight, thought maybe yours would be different since its not the stock fender? sweet bike btw
I have bought the chain conversion kit along with the offset front sprocket to accommodate a 180 rear tire. I wanted to know what size spacers did you use on the rear wheel using a 5.5 width rim? I am looking forward to finishing my project and will definitely send you a pic once completed.
Nice sporty, i live real close to penn Jersey cycles jack is awesome very helpful not always pushing to make a sale. Chuck at Throttle City is very good also you should check him out especially if you ever need machine work done !
Nice job! What pipes have you used? Achropovich?
This video is 3 years old. You were ahead of your time for sure. The widest you can go is 170 without doing any mods whatsoever. A 170 is plug n play super easy, but the 180 looks a bit better for sure.
Thanks.
Two more questions. Do you remember what size sprockets you used, and did you get the rear fender from Penn Jersey?
I love the wide tire kit on the sportster. The 180 looks perfect. Does the chain conversion come with wide tire kit?
Hey I appreciate it KWagner983. Just wanted to get some price quotes but I do appreciate your help. So, what axle did you end up with? And can you recall the spacers you used as well? I was thinking about purchasing a 3.3 Nightster tank because I heard the pea nut one doesnt cut it. Any thoughts?
nice work! Just wondering if you considered going to a taller wheel? If I went to 17 or 18 wheel with a 200 tire then the tire would probably be a shorter side wall or low profile. However, i;m really satisfied with the look you got from the stock 16.
again thanks for educating us sportster fans!
Hey man, great bike. Quick question: where did you order your 16 x 5.5 rim at? Ive been looking all over and cannot find that laced rim anywhere!
It may be hard to tell with those martin bros., but do you notice any more noise from the chain drive versus the belt? I'm looking to put a chain drive on my 07 1200N. Can't decide if I want to go 180 or just put 160 on stock rim.
So just to be sure you used the stock swing arm correct? You did not buy an after larger after market one to accommodate the larger tire/rim?
Nice, Thanks again. What did it cost you to do the motor work? Did you do it yourself?
Hey hows it going, I saw your video and I gotta say good work. Ive been turning wrenches for a little while now and I have a couple questions about the Chain Drive Conversion. Did you have to remove your pipes in order to swap the belt out? In the video you also said you had a gentlemen finalize your chain , do you know exactly what he did to finalize it? thank you -Mike-
U need to post another video u riding it gotta give it to you Nice bike. I just got a Sporster 48 and I wana conver it into a bobber with a 200rear or 180rear wheel like yours.
Hi brother, thanx 4 the info, but older sporties like mine, '01 xl883c came with rear 16x130, not so good looking, I wonder if it takes any mods 2 put a 150, more b nicer, without braking my SSA budget, my Clymer book doesn't even mention the fender or how to remove it, I put a 140 & tore up all the wires underneath the fender & bottoms up on bumps.
Sir,
After grinding on the inner part of the frame did you end up having the frame powder coated again? Or what did you do?
Sick sick bike man. Those pipes makes it stand out a lot. Everyone goes with the short shots. I got short shots on my street bob looking for something else. Reminds me of the nightster I had minus the wide tire. What brand are those pipes?
hey! that is a beautiful build.. wet my pants watching... 5 stars!!!
im looking for a Sportster 883 Iron right now. and after i saw this vid i have another project already pending... if you can send me the link for penn jersey.. i couldnt find him on the net... and again, damn what a beast uve built..
Go to E-Bay and search "Sportster Tank Lift".
They make them in 1,2 and 3 inch lifts. Very easy to install.
I also got the ignition/coil relocation bracket from E-Bay too.
Nice harley!! I got a Harley Davidson XL 883C SPORTSTER 2002. Can I do this to my bike. Thanks again nice harly the best I seen in years
Amazing job man .Beautiful bike . What kind of pipes are those ?
Right on brother, thank you for sharing! I've got a 2013 48 and I'm gonna put a 200 on her. I'm curious about the spacers so I'll call Penn. Did you use a regular 4" grinder with a disk? BTW, your scoot is sweet! I've got 12" RSD Vintage King Apes with 3" risers on right now but I'm gonna put some bars like yours on. What kind are they, where and how much? if you don't mind me asking. Peace!
Im going to do an updated video as soon as the weather breaks.
I can tell you that the chain itself is very close to the tire. most chains are on a tire conversion or many custom builds. The rule is if you can slip a match book cover lid between the tire and chain, its good. the chain will not move side to side so it never hits the tire.
Ill post a new video soon.
Great vid! hows the ride? any improvement or about the same?
Sure. Thanks. I never thought about a taller wheel. I may have to think that one over.
cool bike dude
Insanely awesome.
Hi Sir,
One more question. What are the specifics of the tire you bought? 180/60-16 or 65-16?
I am sorry, did you get the all kit at Penn Jersey Cycle (chain coversion and the 16x5" wheel)? Do you know if they ship to Miamii?. I am form Chile but I través a
Sweet bike... i was wondering if the front sprocket is offset and if so how much also what size sprockets did you use
I'm sure someone has asked but I didn't see in the comments so, what pipes are those? They look great! You've done an awesome job with your styling choices on the bike. Cheers.
Nice. Thanks. Good luck with your ride. Send me pics when its done.
Would you happen to have the spacer sizes after finalizing wheel alignment?