Ok, I've read posts (some from 8 years ago even) about running 180 vs. 200 wide tire.

For those of you who have run both (especially if on a Fat Bob), can you explain 2 things to me:

1) how much of a difference does it make on cornering---some posts and research on here act like it's the end of the world....others say they don't notice a difference. As I read a lot of posts thought many people comment what they "think" vs. what they know or have experienced---some have never ridden on one vs. the other and there is a lot of "bro-science" going on. I'm hoping to get some thoughts from people who have rode both.

2) for the wheel: again I've read that some people have put a 200 on the stock 5" wheel while others insist on going up on the wheel size to accommodate the tire....a few even mentioned that if you don't go up in size then the width of the tire is pinched more and it doesn't really make as much of a difference....what is the difference ?

anyway, feedback from people who have been there, done that would be appreciated. Thank you in advance

 

20mm is .78 inches. So basically 3/4" difference between a 180 and a 200. And actual width measurements vary from one brand to another. So a 200mm tire might only measure 195mm. Now split that difference for what you would actually feel in a turn. I think you get my point. Any major difference people might "think" they feel probably has more to do with different rubber compounds, tire profiles, radial vs bias ply....etc etc. Put it this way. I went from a 180mm tire on a 16" wheel to a 200mm on an 18"wheel and there was no "night and day"difference. Overall diameter increased by almost 1/2"too. It does feel a "bit" different but nothing major. I will say this though, a stock Fat Bob wheel is not 5.5 wide.

 

I have rode both.
Did not feel a difference.
No modification needed on stock 2011 Fatbob.

 

200 Avon Cobras are a very nice upgrade, they fit the stock tire fine.

 

I have the Avon 200mm as well, and there was no night and day difference from the tire size. It did feel much more confidence inspiring in the twisties with the softer rubber.
It looks badass too. Why not a fatter tire? It is a Fat Bob after all...

BTW Spankdog is right, not all tires measure the same even though they are listed with the same 200mm width. Make sure, since it is a bit tight.

 

Puffdaddy, did you use stock wheel or did you switch it up?

and what difference does it make if you do a 5" stock or go wider? will wider fit, or does that take a lot of modification?

THANK YOU!

 

I have the 200mm on my stock 5" inch wheel. Avon recommends a 5.5" wheel as minimum, but I have not had any issues. If you are concerned you could go to an 18x5.5, but I didn't see the need ( or want the added expense)
The overall tire width will spread due to the wider rim, but only by .1" no biggie
When this ones wears out, I will replace it with the same thing for sure

 

Hard to judge handling characteristics based on someone elses discription. Especiall since your own personal judgment may be something totally different. There is the only ( 2 ) criteria that you should use to make your decision.

1) Will it fit the bike.
2) Will it fit the wheel.

#1 is fairly "cut and dry". #2 can lead you back into shades of greay along with different opinnions. As a rule of thumb, it's generally accepted to do what Puffdaddy did and "1-Up" the tire size. Anything more than that, you better do your homework so that you are aware of the consequences.

 

THANK YOU!!

great feedback---glad to get updated real world advice

also, very good point on the two things that matter.

I was worried about the extra expense of changing wheel especially since you can hardly see the wheel anyway with everything on it and sometimes (most of the time) bags....and this pretty much pushed me over the fence to just sticking with stock on the back wheel. Still debating maybe switching the front wheel or getting it coated and bump up to the 18x3.5 wheel if I do that.

Thanks again everyone!! I really appreciate the help from experienced people----I definitely still consider myself a newbie as I don't have the tens of thousands of miles that many people on here do....but that's good--just means I can learn, so THANK YOU!