Topic: 1978 CB550 rear tire question

[924gtr]

Greetings All,

This is my first actual question since I became a member, so please bear with my ignorance.

I got myself a 1978 CB550K to play around with.  Among the many atrocities (in my opinion) committed by the DPO is that there is a 4.60/85H18 tire mounted on the rear.  That's quite a bit different than the 3.75/18 that's intended to be back there.

My question is, is it OK to run a tire that much wider?

Thanks!
--  Rick

[OldSchool_IsCool]

What is your riding style?  Are you a casual rider or a racer or somewhere in between?

If the tire clears the swing arm, the chain and the brake stays through the full travel of your shocks, I think you should be all right.

[924gtr]

Well my riding style is touring.  I think that was also the previous owners style too.  The bike had a real comfy seat, saddle bags, luggage rack and a windjammer. 

My style with this bike will most likely be casual/bar hopper.  BTW I don't condone drinking and riding.  I drink a LOT of root beer on Saturdays.

I think if I can get away with it safely, I'll put a wider than stock tire on the bike more for the look than anything else.

[bryanj]

3.75 is English size 4.60 is metric size and aint that much bigger really