Motorcycle Repair: Max. rear tire size, rear tire size, rear fender

Question
Mike,
I have 1997 Dyna Wide Glide.  What is the widest rear tire that I can put on the bike without changing the stock swingarm.  I currently have a Dunlop  MT90B16 which I believe is about a 130mm.

I intend to change the stock bobtail fender to a stock FXDL rear fender.  I'm not sure if this will have any affect on your answer.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Steve Charon

Answer
Changing the rear fender will have no affect on the tire size. About he only thing you can do is go with a 150mm tire, but then you will have to go with chain drive or a skinny belt. There are manufactures out there that make a 1" belt, but I am not sure how they hold up, due to the fact I have no experience with them. A stock belt will not work, not enough room for the belt.
If you are looking to install a wide tire there are kits out there that can help you do this, but then you are getting into changing the swinging arm.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike