Replacing a Fatboy’s rear tire is a relatively simple task that can be completed in under an hour with the right tools and a little know-how. However, before you begin, it is important to gather all of the necessary materials and tools. This includes a new rear tire, tire levers, a wrench, and a torque wrench. Once you have all of your materials, you can begin the process of replacing the rear tire.
The first step is to remove the old rear tire. To do this, use the tire levers to pry the tire off the rim. Once the tire is off, you can remove the inner tube. Next, you will need to mount the new rear tire on the rim. To do this, first, place the inner tube inside the tire. Then, use the tire levers to pry the tire onto the rim. Once the tire is on, you can inflate it using the air compressor.
The final step is to torque the axle nut to the proper specification. This is important to ensure that the tire is properly secured and will not come off while riding. Once the axle nut is torqued, you can reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts to the proper specification. Finally, check the tire pressure one last time and make sure it is correct. Now that you have replaced the rear tire on your Fatboy, you can get back to riding and enjoying the open road.
Assessing the Need for Replacement
Recognizing the appropriate time to replace your Fatboy rear tire is crucial for ensuring both your safety and optimal performance on your motorcycle. Regular inspection and vigilant attention to certain indicators will guide your decision-making process.
**Tire Tread Depth:** The most straightforward indicator is inspecting the tread depth. Legal minimum tread depth varies depending on the specific motorcycle and tire type, but generally falls between 1/16th and 2/32nds of an inch. You can use a tire depth gauge or simply insert a penny into the tread. If Lincoln’s head is covered, the tread depth is adequate. However, if it becomes visible, replacement is recommended.
**Tire Wear Pattern:** An unbalanced or misaligned rear tire can lead to uneven wear patterns, compromising its performance and stability. Observe the tire’s surface for any abnormal wear patterns, such as excessive wear on one shoulder or cupping, indicating irregularities in the tire’s contact with the road.
**Tire Age:** The age of a tire also plays a role in its longevity. While tires do not have an official expiration date, they naturally deteriorate over time due to exposure to UV rays, heat, and various elements. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires after six years, regardless of usage. However, if the tire shows signs of significant deterioration or cracking, earlier replacement may be warranted.
**Additional Factors:** Additionally, certain riding conditions can hasten tire wear, such as frequent hard braking, aggressive cornering, or continuous riding at high speeds. If you engage in these activities regularly, more frequent tire inspections and replacements may be necessary.
By considering the factors outlined above, you can effectively assess the need for replacing your Fatboy rear tire. Regular inspections, attention to warning signs, and adherence to recommended guidelines will ensure your safety and optimal riding experience.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Equipment
To successfully replace a Fatboy rear tire, you’ll need to gather a specific set of tools and equipment. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you’re fully prepared for the task:
Essential Tools:
- Tire levers (2 or 3)
- Wheel chocks (2)
- Ratchet with deep socket or box wrench
- Torque wrench
- Jack stand or motorcycle lift
- Bead breaker
- Valve stem tool
- Tire gauge
Recommended Equipment:
- Wheel stand
- Tire balancer
- Air compressor or hand pump
- Soap or tire mounting lube
In addition to these tools and equipment, you’ll also need a new rear tire compatible with your Fatboy model.
Tire Specifications:
The following table summarizes the tire specifications commonly used on Harley-Davidson Fatboy models:
| Tire Size | Rim Width | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 150/70B17 | 5.50 | 70 |
Please note that these specifications may vary depending on the specific Fatboy model and year of production.
Safety Precautions to Take
Before you begin working on your Fatboy, there are a few important safety precautions you should take:
1. Park your motorcycle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a helmet.
3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical accidents.
3. Lift the Motorcycle Safely
Lifting a motorcycle can be dangerous if you don’t do it correctly. Here are some tips for lifting your Fatboy safely:
a. Use a motorcycle jack or lift stand to raise the rear of the motorcycle. Never attempt to lift the motorcycle by yourself, as it can be very heavy.
b. Once the motorcycle is lifted, place a chock block under the front wheel to prevent it from rolling.
c. Be careful not to over-tighten the lift stand, as this can damage the motorcycle’s frame.
d. If you are not comfortable lifting the motorcycle yourself, you can always take it to a qualified mechanic.
Disassembling the Rear Wheel
To remove the rear wheel, you’ll need to disassemble it by following these steps:
1. Remove the Axle Nuts
Locate the axle nuts on both sides of the rear wheel. Using a wrench, loosen and remove the axle nuts completely.
2. Slide the Wheel Out
Once the axle nuts are removed, carefully pull the rear wheel straight back. It should slide out of the swingarm easily.
3. Remove the Brake Caliper
Next, remove the brake caliper by unbolting the mounting bolts connecting it to the swingarm. Carefully lift off the caliper and support it with a bungee cord or zip ties to prevent damage to the brake line.
4. Unscrew the Spokes and Remove the Rim
Now, you’ll need to unscrew the spokes that connect the rim to the hub. Start by untightening each spoke slightly using a spoke wrench. Once all the spokes are loose, carefully lift the rim off the hub, ensuring that the spokes do not get tangled.
Here’s a table to help you visualize the spokes and their locations:
| Spoke Type | Location |
|---|---|
| Drive Side Spokes | Connect to the hub on the side of the rear sprocket |
| Non-Drive Side Spokes | Connect to the hub on the opposite side of the sprocket |
Removing the Old Tire
**Step 5: Breaking the Bead**
Breaking the bead, the critical step in removing the old tire, requires patience and caution. Use a bead breaker or a sturdy pry bar to carefully work your way around the tire’s circumference. First, position the bead breaker on the far side of the rim, opposite the valve stem. Slowly pry the bead away from the rim’s edge, applying even pressure. Move along the circumference, working in small sections to avoid damaging the tire or rim.
The following table summarizes the steps for breaking the bead:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Position bead breaker | Place the bead breaker opposite the valve stem. |
| Apply pressure | Gradually and evenly pry the bead away from the rim. |
| Work around circumference | Slowly move the bead breaker around the tire’s circumference, keeping pressure consistent. |
| Check bead | Inspect the bead to ensure it’s completely separated from the rim. |
Once the bead is broken around the entire circumference, you can proceed to removing the old tire by hand or using tire irons. However, it’s crucial to break the bead with precision and care to avoid any damage to the tire or rim.
Installing the New Tire
Installing the new tire is relatively straightforward, but it does require some force and caution. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Preparing the Rim
Clean the rim thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Ensure the wheel is dry before proceeding.
2. Mounting the Tire
Align the tire’s bead with the rim’s edge and carefully work it onto the rim using tire levers. Do not use excessive force or pry the tire on, as this could damage the tire or rim.
3. Seating the Bead
Once the tire is on the rim, inflate it to a low pressure (around 15 psi). This will help the bead to set into the rim.
4. Lubricating the Bead
Apply a thin layer of soapy water or bead lubricant to the bead of the tire. This will help the tire to slide into place more easily.
5. Leveraging the Tire
Use tire levers or your hands to carefully leverage the tire over the rim. Be patient and apply steady pressure until the tire is fully seated.
6. Inflating the Tire
Once the tire is seated, carefully inflate it to the recommended pressure. Use a tire gauge to ensure accuracy and avoid over-inflation.
| Tire Size | Recommended Pressure |
|---|---|
| 26 x 4.0 | 15-25 psi |
| 26 x 4.8 | 10-20 psi |
Balancing the Rear Wheel
Balancing the rear wheel ensures that the tire rotates smoothly and evenly, preventing wobbling or vibration during riding. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to balance a Fatboy rear wheel:
- Prepare the Wheel: Remove the rear wheel from the bike and clean it thoroughly.
- Install the Balancing Stand: Mount the wheel on a balancing stand that supports motorcycle wheels.
- Set the Zero Point: Use a bubble level to ensure the stand is level. Loosen the wheel and spin it slowly. The heavy point of the wheel will settle at the bottom.
- Mark the Heavy Point: Once the wheel stops rotating, mark the point at the bottom using a chalk or paint pen.
- Add Weight Opposite the Heavy Point: Determine the amount of weight needed to balance the wheel by spinning it on the stand and observing how it settles. Add weights to the opposite side of the heavy point until the wheel balances.
- Fine-Tune the Balance: Spin the wheel again and check for any slight imbalance. Add or remove weight as necessary until the wheel spins smoothly and evenly.
- Finalize and Remount: Once the wheel is balanced, tighten the wheel bolts securely and remount the wheel on the bike.
Additional Tips:
- Use a high-quality balancing stand designed for balancing motorcycle wheels.
- Ensure the wheel is clean and free of dirt or debris before balancing.
- Use small increments of weight to avoid over-balancing the wheel.
- If you are not confident in balancing the wheel yourself, seek professional assistance from a mechanic.
Tightening and Aligning Components
Once you have replaced the rear tire, it is important to tighten and align the components correctly. This will ensure that the bike is safe to ride and that the tire wears evenly.
Tightening the Axle Nuts
The axle nuts should be tightened to the torque specified in the bike’s owner’s manual. Use a torque wrench to ensure that the nuts are properly tightened.
Aligning the Rear Wheel
To align the rear wheel, place a straightedge across the rear axle. The straightedge should be parallel to the bike’s frame. Adjust the chain tension and the rear axle nuts until the rear wheel is aligned with the straightedge.
Lubricating the Chain
Once the rear wheel is aligned, lubricate the chain with a bicycle chain lubricant. This will help to keep the chain running smoothly and prevent it from rusting.
Checking the Tire Pressure
Once the tire is installed, it is important to check the tire pressure. The correct tire pressure will be listed on the sidewall of the tire.
| Tire Size | Pressure Range (psi) |
|---|---|
| 20×4.0 | 10-25 |
| 26×4.8 | 12-30 |
| 29×2.6 | 20-40 |
How to Replace Fatboy Rear Tire
Replacing the rear tire on a Harley-Davidson Fatboy is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools and a little bit of mechanical know-how.
**Step 1: Safety First**
Park the motorcycle on a flat, stable surface. Engage the parking brake or use a chock to prevent the motorcycle from rolling.
**Step 2: Remove Exhaust**
Using a socket wrench, loosen and remove the bolts that secure the exhaust to the frame. Carefully slide the exhaust out of the way to expose the rear wheel.
**Step 3: Loosen Axle Nut**
Using a large socket wrench, loosen the axle nut on the right side of the motorcycle. Do not remove the nut completely at this point.
**Step 4: Remove Chain**
Using a chain tool, disconnect the chain from the rear sprocket. Carefully remove the chain from the wheel.
**Step 5: Slide Out Axle**
Carefully slide the rear axle out of the wheelbase. The wheel should now be free to remove.
**Step 6: Remove Old Tire**
Using a tire iron, carefully pry the old tire off the rim. Dispose of the old tire properly.
**Step 7: Mount New Tire**
Lubricate the rim sparingly with tire mounting lube. Carefully mount the new tire onto the rim. Start by hand-tightening the tire onto the rim.
**Step 8: Inflate Tire**
Using a tire inflator, inflate the new tire to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Check the sidewall of the tire for the correct pressure.
**Step 9: Reassemble**
Slide the wheel back into place and insert the rear axle. Tighten the axle nut securely using a torque wrench. Reconnect the chain to the rear sprocket and tighten the chain to the manufacturer’s specifications.
**Step 10: Reattach Exhaust**
Slide the exhaust back into place and tighten the bolts to secure it to the frame.
**Step 11: Final Check**
Double-check all bolts and nuts to ensure they are properly tightened. Spin the rear wheel to make sure it is rotating freely. If everything looks good, you’re ready to ride!
People Also Ask
How often should I replace my Fatboy rear tire?
The frequency of rear tire replacement depends on riding habits and conditions. Typically, rear tires should be replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
What tools do I need to replace my Fatboy rear tire?
You will need a socket wrench set, chain tool, tire irons, tire mounting lube, and a tire inflator.
Can I replace my Fatboy rear tire without removing the exhaust?
It is possible to replace the rear tire without removing the exhaust, but it is much more difficult and time-consuming.
What is the recommended tire pressure for a Fatboy rear tire?
The recommended tire pressure for a Fatboy rear tire varies depending on the year and model of the motorcycle. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct pressure.
