what is the biggest tire i canrun

973 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by imported_jeff, Feb 27, 2002

jkday

Discussion Starter · Feb 25, 2002

i need to know if there is alot of difference in the actule tire size 180-55-17 between brands ? i had michelin's on my 92 and it fit fine whan i replaced it with the same size dunlop it dident fit so well it rubbed my chain or my brake arm. so is there alot of difforence in all the brands or was that just a fluke thing ? to be on the safe side i went bacl to thestock size 170-60-17 d207 but i dont feel as comfortable on the smaller tire what can i do?

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gixxerpower

· #2 · Feb 26, 2002

There can be diffrences in tyre sizes with diffrent manufactures. I heard it can be upto 20mm sometimes! (true or not-i don't know)

My 91 750 has got a 180 55 17 on it. It should have a 170 as standard. Aparently they handle better with a 170 tyre on. Dont know about 1100's though.

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John250R

· #3 · Feb 26, 2002

I have a Metzeler 180/55R17 stuffed under the rear of my '86 and I have about 1/4 inch clearance on the chain and brake arm. I am kinda happy with the way it "slowed down" the turning. I felt the bike was a little too quick to lay over with the stock size tires and mine didn't have the traction to handle it. Rolling onto the gas mid turn in second and having the rear end start to come loose is scary.

John

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FastCat

· #4 · Feb 26, 2002

Whatever you do, be careful with going to oversized radial tires. The sidewalls of the radials are designed to be the right shape/stiffness only on certain sized rims... check the tire for what size rim it will work on, a 180 radial on a 2.75" wheel is not a good idea, it won't have the right shape and may do weird things to the handling of the bike, especially when leaned way over.