Performance Machine Nivis 18″ Rear Wheel For Harley Touring (2009–2026)
Aggressive Multi-Spoke Styling & Forged Structural Strength for Modern Touring Baggers
Complete your custom bagger makeover and upgrade rear-end performance with the Performance Machine Nivis 18″ Rear Wheel. Designed specifically for the wider rear frame geometry of 2009 through 2026 Harley-Davidson Touring models, this premium forged aluminum wheel delivers an unmatched combination of show-quality style and heavy-duty load capacity.
Precision CNC-machined from radial forged billet aluminum, the Nivis design features intricate geometric split-spoke machining that matches PM Nivis front wheel profiles seamlessly. Sized at 18″ x 5.5″, this rear wheel reduces unsprung rotational mass while supporting standard wide touring rear tires, ensuring plush ride comfort, precise tracking, and smooth power delivery from your Milwaukee-Eight or Twin Cam drivetrain.
Technical Specifications & Product Details
| Feature / Metric | Product Specification | Rider Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Brand / Manufacturer | Performance Machine (PM) | Industry leader in custom forged aluminum wheels and American V-Twin performance |
| Wheel Design / Style | Nivis Geometric Split-Spoke | Intricate multi-dimensional spoke detailing that enhances motion and light reflection |
| Wheel Dimensions | 18″ Diameter x 5.5″ Width | Direct replacement width for 2009–2026 touring chassis, supporting 180mm rear tires |
| Material / Construction | CNC-Machined Forged Billet Aluminum | Superior grain structure strength designed to handle heavy 2-up touring payload capacity |
| Brake & Hub Fitment | Cush-Drive / Drive Pulley Hub Setup (ABS & Non-ABS) | Engineered specifically for 2009-up isolated drive system (IDS) isolated hub assemblies |
Forged Engineering & Rear Bagger Dynamics
### Precision CNC-Machined Forged Billet Construction
Performance Machine rear wheels begin as solid radial forged aluminum blanks subjected to immense hydraulic pressure. This process compresses the molecular grain structure along directional stress vectors. As a result, PM engineers can carve out detailed, angular Nivis spokes without compromising structural integrity or load-bearing capability under full two-up touring gear conditions.
### Cush-Drive Compatibility & Unsprung Weight Reduction
Engineered for 2009 and newer Harley Touring frames, the Nivis 18″ rear hub accepts stock or PM matching Cush-Drive (Isolated Drive System) belt pulleys. Replacing a heavy cast stock wheel with a lightweight PM forged wheel reduces rotational unsprung weight, enabling your rear shock absorbers to react faster to highway bumps and potholes for a significantly smoother ride.
Vehicle Compatibility Guide
Performance Machine Nivis 18″ Rear Wheels are engineered for direct fitment on 2009–2026 Harley-Davidson Touring models equipped with the wide-frame chassis (ABS and Non-ABS):
### Compatible Harley-Davidson Touring Models (2009–2026)
- Harley-Davidson Street Glide: FLHX, FLHXS, FLHXST, FLHXSE (2009–2026)
- Harley-Davidson Road Glide: FLTR, FLTRX, FLTRXS, FLTRU, FLTRK, FLTRSE (2009–2026)
- Harley-Davidson Electra Glide / Ultra Limited: FLHT, FLHTCU, FLHTK (2009–2026)
- Harley-Davidson Road King: FLHR, FLHRC, FLHRXS (2009–2026)
Fitment Note: Designed for 2009–2026 wide rear frame Touring models. Requires transfer of your Cush-Drive rear pulley and rubber dampers or installation of a matching PM custom drive pulley/rotor. Ensure proper selection of ABS or Non-ABS hub option when ordering.
Step-by-Step DIY Installation Overview
Installing a Performance Machine rear wheel requires standard motorcycle shop equipment and belt alignment tools. Estimated installation time: 2 to 3 hours.
### Required Tools
- Motorcycle Center Lift / Heavy-Duty Frame Jack
- 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive Torque Wrenches
- Belt Tension Gauge & Axle Wrench Set
- Blue Threadlocker (Loctite 243) and heavy axle grease
### Step 1: Motorcycle Elevation & Rear Assembly Disassembly
Elevate the motorcycle securely on a frame jack until the rear tire clears the deck. Loosen the rear axle nut, back off belt adjusters, unbolt the rear brake caliper bracket, and slide out the axle to remove the stock rear wheel assembly.
### Step 2: Pulley, Rotor & Tire Installation
Mount a quality 18″ touring rear tire (e.g., 180/55-18 or 180/65-18) onto the PM Nivis rim and dynamically balance the assembly. Transfer or install your matching rear brake rotor and Cush-Drive pulley assembly onto the PM rear hub using new grade-8 hardware prepped with blue threadlocker. Torque hardware in a star pattern to specification.
### Step 3: Rear Wheel Mounting & Drive Belt Tensioning
Apply axle grease to the rear axle. Position the PM Nivis wheel into the swingarm with correct axle spacers (and ABS encoder bearing on the proper side for ABS models). Route the drive belt onto the pulley, insert the axle shaft, set proper drive belt tension using a tension tool, torque the main axle nut, reattach the caliper, and conduct a slow-speed test ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Will this 18″ x 5.5″ rear wheel fit a 2000-2008 Harley Touring model?
No. 2000–2008 Harley Touring models feature a narrower rear frame and swingarm that requires a narrower 16″ or 18″ x 3.5″ or 4.25″ rear wheel. This 18″ x 5.5″ Nivis rear wheel is specifically engineered for the wider 2009–2026 touring swingarm and isolated drive system.
### Can I re-use my stock rear brake rotor and belt pulley?
In most cases, stock 2009–2026 11.8″ rear brake rotors and stock Cush-Drive rear pulleys can be transferred to the PM Nivis hub register. However, pairing the wheel with a matching PM Nivis rear rotor and PM Cush-Drive pulley delivers a complete, show-quality custom look.
### Order Your PM Nivis 18″ Rear Wheel Today
Complete your custom bagger setup with the bold geometric lines, forged structural integrity, and premium craftsmanship of Performance Machine. Order your **Performance Machine Nivis 18″ Rear Wheel** today with fast shipping!
