Hey guys, your help is appreciated as I've heard some conflicting answers on this.

What's the widest tire I can put on the back of my 2008 RK without needing to modify anything (including trimming the belt guard).

I've heard 150 and 160.

Also, while I'm here, what's a good tire size to put on an 18" Airstrike front wheel I just picked up?

Thanks

-T

 

Can't answer about the front one. For the rear I was able to fit a 160B16 Dunlop E3. But it was a major PITA to mount it on the stock 3 inch rim and even harder to get it to inflate. Part of that was my fault as I still mount tires by hand using tire irons and rim protectors. I know Im cheap but Id rather buy other stuff for the bike as opposed to a tire changer.

No trimming was required. Once that tire was worn out I mounted a Dunlop American Elite in a 150B16 size. It mounted much easier. Again no trimming was required. And I am still running that tire without issues. My bike is an 07. 08 has the same swingarm. Both tires were a definite improvement over the stock tires.
Good luck

 

150 With stock rim and not doing anything to the bike.

 

I too am thinking about this for an 08 RK Police
Stock is 130/90/16
25.6" OD

What aspect ratio in 150 that fits without mods?
Michelin Commander ll comes in a 150/80/16
25.4" OD

 

You should be fine with 150/80 or 150/70

I ended up going with a 160 and it fit without any issues. Have over 11k so far and still going strong.

 

150/80 for the rear, however take care with selecting the correct load range, you need around 76/77 and H speed range. That size is popular on older sports bikes and can also be had in lighter load range, also V speed range, neither of which you want.

The stock size for the 18" front is 130/70, which is the size I use. I also have a 160/70x17" rear, however that is not a bolt-in.

 

I ran the 160 E3 on my 08. No issues. No rubbing. No problem got over 25k on the tire. When I traded it in last year it had 10k on the new 160 E3 I just put on it.

 

For the rear I bought the 150/80 Michelin Commander ll, H speed and 77 load rating

I have Michelin sport bike tires on my Dyna running 17's' and I have high hopes for these Michelin touring tires

Thanks for all the help

 

Thats the tire i just installed without any issues.

 

170/60/17 on a 17x4.5 rim stock, requires you to think.

180/18 if you want to do a little work.