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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Increasing front tire width.
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Message started by northshore_paul on 06/05/08 at 13:11:16

Title: Increasing front tire width.
Post by northshore_paul on 06/05/08 at 13:11:16

I see a lot of discussion here about increased rear tire size but has anyone increased the size of the front tire? I did this on a BMW I had and it slowed the steering a little but it tracked better on rain groves and any other road imperfections. The OEM looks tight in there I don't know if it will accommodate the next size up. Any input from the long term owners???? Thanks.

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by demin on 06/05/08 at 13:20:58

Here is an IRC Wildflare 110/90-19.Haven't tried with the fender,but I think it will fit.Will be tight though.
http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2007/09/09/bikepics-1018367-800.jpg

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by northshore_paul on 06/05/08 at 13:23:32

How did you find it affects your steering input/response? I would appreciate it if and when you try the fender if you would report the fit on the forum so I will know before investing in a tire.

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by dropoutjohn on 06/05/08 at 17:01:15

i have a metzler 880 marathon 110-90-19 and i dig it. it does "tighten up" the handling but i dig that too... i had to hack the fender though... it probably would have fit but it was just too close for me.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l24/dropoutjohn/my%20bikes/2006suzukils650asofmay82007015.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l24/dropoutjohn/my%20bikes/2006suzukils650asofmay82007018.jpg

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by Educatedredneck on 06/05/08 at 21:58:18

What do you mean by "hack"? Did you use the same mounting points, please be specific. Inquiring minds have to know!!! :) :)

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by dropoutjohn on 06/06/08 at 09:30:52

by "hack", i mean trim the edges off with a jig saw. :o

i retained the original mounting holes.

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by Educatedredneck on 06/06/08 at 09:32:51

Oh, So I could just mount the tire and leave my fender alone?

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by dropoutjohn on 06/06/08 at 09:42:25

different brands of 140-90-19 tires will be slightly different in size and shape... when i put my fender on with out cutting, it had about 1/8" clearance on the widest point of the sidewall and about the same one the crown of the tread... too close for me concerning tire swellage at speed and people have been telling me for years that i take way too many chance in life... the fender has a "roll" to the edge of it thats about 3/16ths or so thick... so i cut off the rolled edge and shaped it up like a bobber wanna-be 8-) if it didn't rain around here at least once a day i would have just put it in the garage for safety check day...

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by Reelthing on 06/06/08 at 17:24:35

11061707060F0F1A100C0D630 wrote:

Oh, So I could just mount the tire and leave my fender alone?

yes a me880 110/90 will fit the stock fender - you have to wiggle it by the fender mount bolts when you install it - but after it's in there it works fine - wears near forever it seems - I think the additional height of the tire gives it a little more leverage against the front brake so the brake is slightlly less effective - better pads and/or a stainless line will fix that for sure

Title: Re: Increasing front tire width.
Post by Educatedredneck on 06/06/08 at 21:31:20

Hey Guys - thanks for all the tips - think I might up size when I replace the front - gonna do better brakes and stainless line when I replace the tire.