Looking at an 85 softail

[89springer]

Hey people.
Sold my roadstar chopper today and now I'm looking at an 85 softail. Question is, lot of parts I'm seeing are for 86 and up. Whats the difference between 85 and 86?

 

[Jack Klarich]

Hey people.
Sold my roadstar chopper today and now I'm looking at an 85 softail. Question is, lot of parts I'm seeing are for 86 and up. Whats the difference between 85 and 86?

I think 86 was a change over year to the 5 speed and rear belt drive, The frames were a bit different too I also think 85 was the last year the MOCO painted the frames the same as the tins

 

[89springer]

Thanks. I thought 84-99 were all the same but I guess not.

Another question. How hard will it be to fit a 5.5" rim on the back with a 180 or 200 tire?