Advice needed

[ctwith3]

I love my 2007 XL 1200C. It has 7k on it, and it runs perfectly.
I hate the ride, and I hate the front end because the 4.5 gal. tank makes the 39 mm forks look wimpy.
That said, I am trying to decide wether to keep the bike or mod it and keep it. I know the Progressive 430 & 440s will help the handling and the ride, I have a Mustang vintage seat that I love, and I have the V & H Fuelpak and the Straightshot slip on mufflers along with the H-D Stage 1 air cleaner. I also have a 110 mm ME880 on the chrome textured six-slot H-D 19" wheel up front that is shoe-horned into the fender (1/8th" clearance on each side).
I need a new rear tire, and if I am going to keep the bike I'd definitely want to go to at least a 200 mm, maybe even a 250- but no bigger than that. How wide a tire can you fit on the original wheel under the original fender without problems?
If I were to keep the bike I would also then want to go with a bigger front end with some muscular fork tubes like a Fat Boy. I's like to hear peoples experiences with front end conversions (installation and handling).
Advice? Am I just investing $$$ with $0 return down the road?

[Krayven Sumhead]

The rear fender clearance won't dictate how wide of tire you can safely mount, but the swingarm clearance will. The MoFuCo OE tire is probably the widest that can be safely used without mods to the swingarm. There are kits available for mounting wider rear tires, but sorta expensive.

[mahote]

I had the same dilema as you. I had the 1200XL Nightster and liked the look and the ride in the curves, but wanted more on the hwy and 2-up. I traded it in for a 2009 Softail Custom and haven't looked back yet. If you trade it in try to force the dealer to use that upgrade deal they've advertised on trading up to a Big Twin from the Sporty, I eventually walked out and they called me back in and gave it to me. Either way the 1200's are fun to ride.