tire size
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,374
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From: NC USA
MT90B (or 130) You might get away with an MU90 (140) but you'd have to change the drive belt to 1.25 width and I wouldn't guarantee anything at that. Honestly you won't gain any mileage or performace with the slightly larger tire and for the trouble and expense, it's not worth it...
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 322
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From: California
When I got my sled new I put on a Maxxis MT90-16 (3000 mile tire) and the fender mounting bolts grazed the side of the tire where the White wall met the black tread. Then I put a Dunlop MT90-16 on and I gained substantial clearance. So just like shoes, not every size nine is the same size.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I recently fitted a 140 Avon Venom to the rear of my 1990 FLHS. The fitted width according to Avon is actually 143mm. I still use the existing wide belt, but removed the rubber curtain along the inside edge of the belt guard. That involved drilling out three rivets and took no time at all!
The new tyre gives around 4mm or 3/16 inches of clearance between the edge of the tyre and the belt.
The suggestion of a narrower belt is interesting. If the belt guard 'problem' can be solved (I would never run without one, having seen a badly damaged belt) it might just be possible to fit a 150 wide tyre. A narrower rear pulley would have to be fitted so its outer edge is in the same place as the old wider one, which may need spacers, but the original belt guard would still need to be modified, unless a new narrower belt guard is available that will fit the swingarm.
I wrote to Avon earlier this year (by email) and got a prompt reply, recommending I use a 140 wide tyre, because they consider the 130/MT is marginal when the bike is fully loaded.
The new tyre gives around 4mm or 3/16 inches of clearance between the edge of the tyre and the belt.
The suggestion of a narrower belt is interesting. If the belt guard 'problem' can be solved (I would never run without one, having seen a badly damaged belt) it might just be possible to fit a 150 wide tyre. A narrower rear pulley would have to be fitted so its outer edge is in the same place as the old wider one, which may need spacers, but the original belt guard would still need to be modified, unless a new narrower belt guard is available that will fit the swingarm.
I wrote to Avon earlier this year (by email) and got a prompt reply, recommending I use a 140 wide tyre, because they consider the 130/MT is marginal when the bike is fully loaded.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 99
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From: forest city n.c.
thanks to all who responded. looks like 140 is the biggest I can run on it. considering the size of the bike, the rear tire looks really small. I think a bigger tire would carry the weight of passenger and luggage better.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,354
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From: S.W. Florida
Tire heights and widths do differ between manufacturers. I fitted an Avon Venom 140 to the rear of my FXR that according to many would not fit. Wound up with plenty of clearance with the wider belt. The other thing that you might consider if you have to run the 130 is the special Dunlop tire made for Police motorcycles. They are a bit more expensive, but last longer and are much stronger. I have an experienced technician friend that does alot of high speed touring. He uses these both front and rear and swears by them.
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