by Ferrous_Head » Fri Apr 17, 2020 4:41 pm
Harley's TM profile rims were an attempt by HD to "force" owners into buying tires from their "preferred" suppliers.
If you actually look at the specs for Taper Bead rims (TM is the profile designation) you will see there is no practicle difference between this profile and the standard WM profiles.
You can fit any tyre you like as long as you remain within the recommendations given by the rim manufacturers as to acceptable sized.
Obviously you can only fit 19" tires to 19" rims but as long as you use a tire "around" 300/350 on the front and 450/510 on the back your good to go.
Modern tires tend o be wider and you run into clearance problems with fenders etc if you attempt to go to wide.
I have an original 74 XLH with less than 5,000 miles on it and it still has the original tires. Still has original factory air in them although I have "topped it up".
Keep the tims - run whatever tires take your fancy. I prefer Avon's on my race bikes.
"I know only too well the evil that I propose, but my inclinations get the better of me."