Harley "C" Section Rim Question

[Hrdly-Dangrs]

I'm currently setting up the rear wheel on my '74' Sportster Drag bike. The 'Aluminum' rim is stamped 'Made in Italy' and has the 250 C markings along with the H-D stock numbers stamped on it. This is the correct wheel for this bikes year. The wheel is NOS and came with the original tag specifying the use of a "Goodyear 4.25x18 'All Traction' tire." It also states: "This wheel has a "C" Section Rim. Only taper base bead tire will fit correctly." My questions to anyone who knows are: Am I correct in assuming that I can use the same type tires on this rim as that of the steel rims?? Aren't all the H-D 1950's-80's rims "C" section type?? Can I use standard modern tube and tires on these rims?? Can someone tell me the modern tire size ratings?? I'm looking to mount a new style 5" Goodyear slick on this rim?? The front rim is of same type but in 19". I plan to mount an Avon Speedmaster 325/350 size on the front. Any help appreciated before I plunk down the cash for tires. Also would like to make sure they stay on!!... ...Hrdly-Dangrs

[Robert]

Just got online and notice that your post is from march so you probably know more than me now but, I have heard that some harley rims of your period are a bit of a ******* size. A standard 18" or 19" tire is just a little to large and will slip on the rim. I also heard that No One makes the correct size replacement. If you get any info would you post it? I have a 19" front wheel, same vintage, that I would like to use on a project.

[Hrdly-Dangrs]

Robert, We had a guy with a 1974 Sportster with the an original 'aluminum' 19" front wheel show up at the local Sunday Car/Cycle show/cruise-in here in North Jersey. He was running a new Dunlop tire and has had no problem with size/fit as you mentioned. I take it the new tires will mount up to the old aluminum rims without a problem (at least for the 1974 era aluminum ones). I'm going to go ahead and order the 'Avon' 325-19" and tube for my drag bike. Still deciding what rear tire to run on the back 18" rim. I'm leaning towards a narrow goodyear drag slick. Closest thing I've found to a 74 Period style Drag Slick tire in looks to date. I'll get back with any problems I've experience (if any). Later... ...Hrdly-Dangrs

[Kojack]

Geez HD, are you sure you want to drill that aluminum rim for sheetmetal screws? Nice ones are getting hard to come by. I had a '74 Sportster way back when that came with steel rims so they'd be correct for the year if that's the concern. My brother in law owned a '75 he'd bought new that had the aluminum rims. He seemed to notice that all the '75s had aluminum rims except the black ones. I wonder if that's true.

[Hrdly-Dangrs]

Kojack, The aluminum rim wheel assemblies are lighter then the steel ones. I have an NOS 18" rear and a near NOS 19" front wheel assembly now. In addition to having a set of straight/un-dented wheels for the Sportster 'Drag Bike' project, my object is to get the highest HP-to-weight ratio by getting the bike down to the lowest possible weight thru liberal use of aluminum brackets, struts, wheels, etc, plus some hand made fiberglass tank/rear fender parts and lighter weight stainless and where ever possible 'aluminum' screw/bolts/nuts. Keep it all 'period correct', and keep it together as it travels down the 1/4 mile. The spokes and inner hubs will all be painted a satin black to go with the paint scheme I'm using. I don't plan to ever return this bike to its 'original factory stock' condition. I probably will not drill out the rims or put in any screws unless I see significant tire slippage on the rear rim. But I don't have any qualms about doing so. I initially thought as you that these rims were hard to find, but after searching e'bay and a couple local old M/C shops, I find that these aluminum rims and wheel assemblies are readily available and clean-up very easily with a bit of polishing. In many cases the aluminum rims were replaced by the original bike owners in favor of the 16' rear metal rims assemblies and 19"-21" steel front wheels and assemblies. In any event, I do have an NOS 19" front rim and an NOS front hub in their original boxes, that I will likely list on e'bay or the AMCA 'For Sale' site and make available to a fellow 'Restorer'. Course' if anybody out there that's restoring a 70's vintage era Sportster and needs an NOS aluminum rear wheel/hub assembly and can provide me with a undented and near NOS replacement. I would consider a trade/cash combo for my NOS 18" rear wheel. See....I'm easy..... ...Hrly-Dangrs

[Kojack]

I follow your thinking. I have a set of the aluminum rims but it did take me a while to find them. I've also got a few with flat spots. Maybe someday someone will find a use for them. Be careful if you don't screw the tires to the rims. I've seen tires slip enough to pull the stem off the tube, even on a mostly stock Sportster.