Rear tire sizing

  • cowboybkr
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Rear tire sizing

30 Jan 2024 17:49
#894650
So, what happens if I put a 140/90-16 tire on a 2.5” rear wheel?  Any good reasons I shouldn’t do it?  All of the charts say it’s just outside of spec (rated for 2.75” wheel), but some websites say it should work fine.
1982 KZ440-D LTD belt driven

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  • Nessism
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Re: Rear tire sizing

30 Jan 2024 19:29
#894653
The sidewall will be pinched in more than it should, which results in a more curved tread area, thus less rubber on the road.  I don't think this would be a tragic situation at the size in question, but it's not ideal either.

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  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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Re: Rear tire sizing

31 Jan 2024 05:42
#894665
Nessim is exactly right.  Also, a wider tire's sidewall might cause interference with hard bits like swingarm, torque link & such.

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  • Wookie58
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Re: Rear tire sizing

31 Jan 2024 06:56
#894672
not to mention "weave" if cornering enthusiastically due to sidewall flex

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  • shifterkart26
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Re: Rear tire sizing

31 Jan 2024 07:47 - 31 Jan 2024 08:09
#894676
If you decide to go with a wider rim and tire, this is what I did. Sometime in the past my friend installed a wider aluminum rim and installed a 140 tire. In order to make it work, they installed a 96 link chain to pull the tire back far enough to clear the inside of the swingarm (it had about a half a mm clearance on each side). So I found a replacement that appears original at first glance but is greatly reinforced. Now I can go up to a 160 tire if I want to. Also, the brake torque bar doesn't need to be modified to fit. Good luck!    japan.webike.net/products/23905135.html
Last edit: 31 Jan 2024 08:09 by shifterkart26.

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  • Street Fighter LTD
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Re: Rear tire sizing

31 Jan 2024 08:01
#894678
Shifter kart 
I fixed your pictures to be full size. Click the insert all tab to complete the installation 


Tire size varies based on brands so you need to check for fit
Dave

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Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
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Re: Rear tire sizing

31 Jan 2024 08:10
#894679
Shifter kart 
I fixed your pictures to be full size. Click the insert all tab to complete the installation 


Tire size varies based on brands so you need to check for fit
Dave

Thank you,  I will look for that next time. Thank you again!
 
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