Topic: Converting to 18" rear

[Wbflyer]

Just ordered the 18" rim but wondering what the safest tire size would be on the stock 18" rim?  Looking for a dual sport type tire setup. It's a 78 going from 17 to 18.  I am finding more options in 17 tough but like the look of 18 better.

[TwoTired]

What is the rim width?

[Wbflyer]

2.15 width

[TwoTired]

Without access to my charts,  I'd say a 120/90 maybe a 130/90.

What brands are you are looking at?  Most tire manufacturers will tell you what rim width is suitable for their tire in tech support.

Cheers,

[Wbflyer]

Ok, 140 is too much for that rim then right?

[754]

 Are you runnng the short shocks, low seat.
 140. Is likely too wide as far as intended profile goes.

How far you want to lean, and how you want it to handle comes into play.

[flybox1]

IIWM, and for cornering ability, id run a 120/90-18
You may not feel a difference with the 130, but it is chubby.

[Wbflyer]

Ok, got it.  I have Ikon 13.3" shocks on the way so they are pretty stock from what I can see.  I'm not racer at all and will only ride once a month if i'm lucky. 

[TwoTired]

Ok, 140 is too much for that rim then right?

Absolutely. Far too much bead pinch.

If you are more off road than on road, 130 tops.  But, I don't recall any manufacturer stating that size was designed for rims that narrow. 130 is over 5 inches in width teetering over a 2.15 base.  That's a pretty steep sidewall angle, leading to squirm without over pressurizing the tire, which leads to high center of tire wear.

Cheers,

[TwoTired]

I'll add that Honda rims for that era were expected to have inch size tires with near 100% aspect ratio.  The suspensions were all tuned for this.  Metric sizes are at best a compromize.

I was elated with the improved handling on my 550s and 750s when I put the stock inch sizes back on the bikes after using metrics.

Cheers,

[markreimer]

I second TT's experiences. My 350F had some chubby slicks on it when I bought it and it felt awful, I really had to fight it in the corners. I put some real skinny Avon tires (or o-rings as my friends like to joke) and boyyyyyyy is it ever a huge difference. It just came alive.


What model tire are you thinking about using? I have Kenda K270 tires on my XR, and they've been fantastic dual sport tires. I was thinking just the other day that I'd love to have a CL350 or something with these tires on. They wear ok on the pavement, and eat up pretty much everything other than wet grass. Not sure if they come in narrow enough sizes though.

[Wbflyer]

Not sure what model tire yet but like the knobby look.  I want to be safe over all else but very open to suggestions on tire and size.  This will be a mountain back road bike, so on mostly unimproved paved roads.

Thanks!

[Wbflyer]

I'm going for something similar to this:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiCjfbV-bbWAhVEsFQKHftSAoMQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.taimoshancycleworks.com%2Fbikes%2Fhonda-cb750-retro-mod-brat-scrambler%2F&psig=AFQjCNG7x6K6nZuN3c0PoDbUi7-xzdINag&ust=1506106385526865

[TwoTired]

I don't understand the looks-over-performance ideology. Particularly with a motorcycle which leaves the rider so vulnerable.
But hey, it's your skin and bones...

Imo, You are not going to turn a road bike SOHC4 into an off road bike with a simple tire change. And a big heavy 750?  Not too popular in motocross, ever.

Good luck!

[Wbflyer]

I understand your point of view. I will not be using this for "off-road" but something to use on mountain back roads at the speed limit.  I am not looking for off road tires, but more like dual sport tires. 

[Lostboy Steve]

I don't understand the looks-over-performance ideology. Particularly with a motorcycle which leaves the rider so vulnerable.
But hey, it's your skin and bones...

Imo, You are not going to turn a road bike SOHC4 into an off road bike with a simple tire change. And a big heavy 750?  Not too popular in motocross, ever.

Good luck!

Lol how about those goldwing guys who use car tires because of their "performance". That still makes me wonder.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DickL]

I think stock was 4 inch by 18. As in a k87

[TwoTired]

I don't understand the looks-over-performance ideology. Particularly with a motorcycle which leaves the rider so vulnerable.
But hey, it's your skin and bones...

Imo, You are not going to turn a road bike SOHC4 into an off road bike with a simple tire change. And a big heavy 750?  Not too popular in motocross, ever.

Good luck!

Lol how about those goldwing guys who use car tires because of their "performance". That still makes me wonder.

Goldwing with side car?  Car tires okay. Even better than MC tires.
Without the side car, that's not so good.


Stock rear tire for the K8 was 4.50x 17, I think.  Bigger than the Prior years with the 18s.  Bike was intended for the touring market.  Did that pretty well.

Cheers,

[Lostboy Steve]

I don't understand the looks-over-performance ideology. Particularly with a motorcycle which leaves the rider so vulnerable.
But hey, it's your skin and bones...

Imo, You are not going to turn a road bike SOHC4 into an off road bike with a simple tire change. And a big heavy 750?  Not too popular in motocross, ever.

Good luck!

Lol how about those goldwing guys who use car tires because of their "performance". That still makes me wonder.

Goldwing with side car?  Car tires okay. Even better than MC tires.
Without the side car, that's not so good.


Stock rear tire for the K8 was 4.50x 17, I think.  Bigger than the Prior years with the 18s.  Bike was intended for the touring market.  Did that pretty well.

Cheers,

Yeah man. They call it "the dark side".

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk