Avon recommend their 140/90 and 150/80 for use on a 3" rim, both of which work fine in my experience.

 

You're correct. But so am I. They don't make a '170' for a 17" rim.

 

There are a few, but I am from the 130 was on the touring bike days. I dont know the load index on the avon 150 that fits a 3" rim, but every 130 I have seen has a higher load index, and lasts longer than the 150 on a 3" rim. I also load my bike down to gvwr a few times a year so the extra load index is welcome.

Ever since Yokohama sold the molds and compounds to Shinko for their motorcycle tires I have used them. Less money for the same tire, different name. Have all kinds of grip and last a tad longer than them softer avon or Pirelli tires that I also like.

For me its all about $ to miles lol, and a great gripping tire. Have yet to meet a curve, even a wet one the Shinkos can not eat up as fast as the bike can take them, even on days like today in the rain and wet roads.

I get ya traxxtar.

 

The reason I went from an MU or 130 was because Mrs B and I also run at gvwr and to get a higher load rating tyre. Harley replaced the MT with the MU or 140/85 and the Avon 140/90 has the same higher load rating, as does their 150/80. So while there may be 150s with lower load ratings, they are also available with that of an MU.

I now run an Avon Storm 160/70 with an even higher load rating, but that is another story!

 

I have an avon 180x65-16 on my fortyeight and there is 1/16th in. between the belt and tire and only 1/32 between rear pully and swing arm. so i think 180 is as big as you can go with stock swing arm.

 

Not much clearance. How does the Avon tire compare to the Shinko's?

 

It is close but as long as they clear i'm good. As far as the tires go i have never used shrinko tires but i have herd good things about them. my 180 tire is mounted on a 4" rim from v-twin then powder coated then used the stock hub and spokes.