This applies to Harley but can be figured out for other bikes.
If you touring bike is one that came with 16 inch rear and 17 front.
195/60R16 will be a direct swap. It will be the same height and 6 tenths wider cause no fit issues. Some run the 205/55R16 it however is a little lower and a slight bit wider. The low height will effect speed senor a little. And the wide tread can cause issue should tire get low on air. Many do it any way.
If your bike came with 18 inch front and rear .
To match the same height as the 18 inch wheel with 180/55B18 . You will need to change to a 16 inch rear wheel the the 195/6516 will then match up the same as the 18 wheel and tire did.
195/65R16 is more common as a medium truck van tire. But you can find it as a car tire also. You can use a 195/60R16 however it will be slight lower in size.
Causing minor difference to speed senor.
Converting the sidecar to a car is a little harder but can be done. A bit more home work is needed on each case.
We converted two Velorex 563's to 15 inch car tire with out a huge expense.
I just acquired a 2003 Harley Ultra with the factory sidecar. I believe it has 16 inch wheels that are the cast kind. So you're saying I could put the 195/60R16 car tire on the rear. What tire manufacturer would have that size? Also would I use the same type of valve stem?
Quote from mike m on July 10, 2023, 9:27 pmI just acquired a 2003 Harley Ultra with the factory sidecar. I believe it has 16 inch wheels that are the cast kind. So you're saying I could put the 195/60R16 car tire on the rear. What tire manufacturer would have that size? Also would I use the same type of valve stem?
No you have the old frame, there is no car tire that will fit with out major change like a custom swing arm.
2009 was the year the frame was changed.
Thank you for the information. It sounds like you must have researched this before. I guess a car tire would be too wide and contact the swing arm?
I'm glad Smitty901 cleared that up for anyone reading this post. I wished for a lot of years I could convert my '96 FLH/Liberty to a car tire for the bike. Found out early on that it wouldn't happen without more expense than replacing the tire as often as I had to. Never checked to see if it would be possible on the '03Dyna/Spalding rig but normally didn't use it for long distance travel. Both bikes belong to other's now and I'm left with some mighty good memories. And the clock keeps ticking.
Quote from mike m on July 11, 2023, 9:11 amThank you for the information. It sounds like you must have researched this before. I guess a car tire would be too wide and contact the swing arm?
I have. And one reason was to clear up a lot of misinformation.
Another thing is those that have the 18,19 21 inch front tires . They would be much better off returning the the Factory 17 inch front wheel and tire.
Much thicker sidewall . Wider tread . Stands up to pot holes a lot better.
