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After a LOT of looking I am pretty well set on trying the Avon Spirit ST as a replacement for the Scorchers. The 17" rear is not available in the stock size but there is a 180/55 ZR17.
The diameter is .71" taller or .355" radius resulting in a 2.9% speedometer error or ~2mph at road speeds.
So the question now is is there a drawback to the extra width? The difference is 1.18" or about 5/8" per side which looks OK fit wise. Anyone know what the maximum width that will fit 2016 Superlow swing arm?
A tire that wide may or may not be compatible with your rim width, make sure before going that route...if they are not compatible the tire profile will be pinched which could lead to weird and maybe even dangerous handling.
A tire that wide may or may not be compatible with your rim width, make sure before going that route...if they are not compatible the tire profile will be pinched which could lead to weird and maybe even dangerous handling.
Pretty sure the xr1200 had this tire size, 1" narrower rim width so the tire will not fit like an xr1200 tire.
Also I cannot find that post anymore, I saw it then changed sections and saw this thread again sorry lol I'll keep my eye out for it though
EDIT found it!
A tire that wide may or may not be compatible with your rim width, make sure before going that route...if they are not compatible the tire profile will be pinched which could lead to weird and maybe even dangerous handling.
I ended up with the 160/60 option as the 180 would not clear the belt. The Harley rim is 4.5 X 17. The Avon listing for the 160/60 shows acceptable width of 4.25 - 5.00 so it will be OK.
Pretty sure the xr1200 had this tire size, 1" narrower rim width so the tire will not fit like an xr1200 tire.
Also I cannot find that post anymore, I saw it then changed sections and saw this thread again sorry lol I'll keep my eye out for it though
EDIT found it!
Thanks for finding it. I already ordered the Avons and the seller didn't want to ship anyway. I bought the Avons from Chapmoto. Both tires and a bag of beads for $309.
Glad you were able to find the Avons. I'm sure the 160/60 will fit w/o issue...and am sure you'll like the brand. The Cobras on my King are very grippy on both wet and dry roads. They are also comfy on the rides and are pretty quiet. I'm looking to get the Cobra Chromes on my '11 Custom soon, as Avon carries the sizes.
Just a reminder, the Avons require a higher psi than the OEM tires, so follow the Avon recommendations.
The Avon Spirit ST requires a slightly lower pressure on the back on my XL1200T 39 psi vs 42psi for the stock Michelin. The front is the same at 36psi.
As the rear tyre will not be the stock size it might require a call into Avon to get their recommendation.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; May 2, 2022 at 03:33 AM.
Not sure what others are seeing on pressures.The manual shows 36 Front and 42 Rear for the XL883L Superlow. That matches what I can see for Avon recommendations that I can find that actually show a specific pressure
.
The fitment guide shows a chart using max speed at max loads. And says:
Basic inflation pressure (bar) versus speed at the maximum load of the tyre,to be used for standard tyres in the absence of agreement with the tyre
manufacturer (1) (2)
1 For intermediate maximum speeds, linear interpolation is permitted.
2 Rounding of the inflation pressure figures is performed to the nearest 0.1 bar.
(In the case of Extra Load or Reinforced tyres, the figures in the above are
increased by 0.4 bar)
I have no idea what the max speed is on this bike But I will never have it over 100MPH. and will never have it at max load.
Using the chart I could choose 36/37 PSI but I think the MOCO recommendation and the incidental info I can find actually attributable to Avon has me at 36/42.
Avon ST's have been installed. I was very impressed with the initial balance of these tires. The original scorcher front used no weights and the ST was equally well made. A little adjustment to align it on the rim and I was able to get a very decent balance with no weights. The rear was a tight fit on width but has clearance. Balance was not as good but was still pretty close. I test rode with no extra added weights and found the ride to be very smooth up to about 65 MPH. Above that there was a minor buzz in the pegs and grips.
I had ordered balance beads but they had not arrived. at the point where I was ready to inflate. But when they did arrive I added the proscribed 1oz in the front and 2oz in the rear. I feel no difference up to 65 but the ride stays smooth on up from there with beads added.
I'm running mismatched on mine. They had a Continental for dirt cheap and they didn't have a matching front. Got both tires for under a hundred each and I'm happy. They don't last that long either way about it. I think I've got a Dunlop on the front so in isn't like I went with Taiwan junk.
Both tires balanced out pretty good and the tread pattern is pretty close to what the bike came with. I'm not sure the off brands would balance out so well so I stayed away from them.
I should also tell you guys the ride quality was night & day. The bike needed tires worse than I thought it did and I should have replaced them sooner.
Last edited by superlow16; May 15, 2022 at 12:05 AM.
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