Tire Width to Rim Width Feedback & Recommendation

All,

General question about experiences with rim width vs. tire width. Are there any good site for recommendations other than each tire manufacturer's page? I am looking to see if the following would be an acceptable match:

120/60-17 Front Tire - 17" x 3" Rim - 0.5" narrower than the ZRX rim.

170/60-17 or 180/60-17 Rear tire - 17" x 4.5" - 0.5" to 1.0" narrower than a ZRX1100 or 12000 respectively.

I am using Harley Davidson components to build some spoked wheels that will use sportbike rubber. Some of the aluminum rims that are readily available for HD bikes in 17" are - 3.0", 4.5", and 6". The bike in question, I know I cannot get a 6" wide rim and still have adequate chain clearance. the 5.5" (180 tire) I have on there now, took some considerable work. thinking if I could use a 4.5" rim, would be helpful.

I know Excel via Buchanen has rims in the correct width (3.5" and 5.5" respectively) at considerable higher costs, and I am not trying to be a cheap azz, but if these others will work safely, I would rather take the money difference and apply to another part of the bike.

If these sizes are not safe or feesible, then Excel/Buchanen it is....

I appreciate the information.

Cory

people will give you advice on correct tire width for a given rim but my brother runs a 160 avon on a 3 inch harley rim with no problems other than chain clearance which he has overcome

Yeah I realize there will be lots of opinions on here, but interested in the general consensus.

Cory

Too narrow of rim will give tire a weird mushroomed sort of profile,wide rim with narrow tire gives flatter tread profile

I went from a dunlap 180 to a Michelin 180 on the same 5.5 wheel, the Michelin is 1/2" narrower and way more rounded, almost too much for me. I'm thinking of dropping back to a 170 or jumping up to a 6" wheel. What I'm saying is the tire brand makes as much difference as anything I've seen.

Les

les holt wrote: I went from a dunlap 180 to a Michelin 180 on the same 5.5 wheel, the Michelin is 1/2" narrower and way more rounded, almost too much for me. I'm thinking of dropping back to a 170 or jumping up to a 6" wheel. What I'm saying is the tire brand makes as much difference as anything I've seen.Les

Very true! Even when the same tire brand but different model tires there can be a huge difference even though the tire size is marked the same. In the picture below the tire on the left and the tire in the center are both Michelin 100/90-19 front tires, but the A48 on the left is way wider than the Macadam 50E in the center. When these tires are mounted on the rim the difference is still just as obvious. Ed

Yeah I can see the manufacture make a difference from each site I have gone to. I think I will just have to suck it up and spend the big money to get the Excel 3.5 & 5.5 wheels. I just know I can't get a 6" out back and think the 4.5 up front would be odd....

Decisions, Decisions....

Cory

wireman wrote: Too narrow of rim will give tire a weird mushroomed sort of profile,wide rim with narrow tire gives flatter tread profile

+1 A lot of people go with a "fat" tire on a standard rim and that will mean the center of the tread patch sticks out more. That gives reduced traction and also burns away the center strip on the tread faster.

And reminds of a fat belly pooching out over a too tight belt. :lol:

Good Fortune!

Hey hey hey,some of us resemble that remark!
Not me of course,I don't wear a belt! :woohoo:

A 120/60-17 would be a deathtrap as a front tire regardless of wheel diameter. Too small diameter. Just my opinion after running the 16" fronts back in the mid 80s. This tire size would be pretty much the same diameter as the old 16" setup. A 120/70 or so if available would be much better. Honestly, I haven't ever cared for any wheels smaller than 18" diameter. Too darn unpredictable in slippery conditions, but the new motorcycles are pretty much all 17", but I doubt highly a 60 aspect ratio would work.

I'm not sure if this will help you or not Naked but I was running a 160 60 18 on my 3.5" Akront rear (spokes) with no issues at all. I just got my new tires last week and I will be mounting a 150 70 18 Avon Venom on the same wheel as it cleared better with all my rear end mods. Doug