J Mac wrote on 02/20/23 at 17:26:53:And or course Shinko doesn't make a rear tire in the Savage stock width! There aren't many choices for our rear tires in the US anymore. All I could find were Dunlop and IRC. Last time I was in this game there were a lot more choices.
A 130/90-15 tire is almost exactly the same size as the original 140/80-15, and there are a lot of tires in that size. If you want a tire that provides good handling and isn't bulky and beefy - this is the size to buy.
A 140/90-15 tire fits and is a bit larger than the original. Tread width varies a bit with each model - but most members who use this larger size do so to get a bit taller gearing and to improve the straight line stability for road use. The extra weight and size of the tire does slow down the acceleration and handling a small amount.
The reason I don't like squeezing a wide tire onto a rim that is narrower than recommended - is that the tread profile becomes more rounded and handling and tread wear can be affected. The center of the tire wears faster when the tread tire is squeezed onto a narrow rim....and the motorcycle is a bit more tippy feeling as there is a narrower strip of rubber touching the road.....and there is tread over on the sidewalls that you will never use as it is rolled over too far. You are likely going to have an issue with the bolt heads under the fender rubbing the sidewall of the tire.....you can remove the bolts and replace them with bolts that have shorter heads.
Since you already have the tire you might as well try and use it......I am not sure if you will find a dealer that will install a damaged tire for you, as they might be worried about liability issues.
Lube is very important when pulling a tire on the rim, as well as keeping track of where the valve stem is located. You want to valve stem to be located where the tire will last be slipping over the rim...this allows the bead to drop into the recessed area where the spokes penetrate the rim. (If you do it the other way the valve stem prevents the bead from dropping into the recess).
I have tried a number of lubes....you do want to use one that dissipates when you are done so that the tire doesn't stay lubricated and spin on the rim once it is mounted and inflated. Dish soap mixed with water, vegetable oil, or WD40 can all be used.......I have not tried using Armorall as the silicone might result in a slippery bead.