I keep forgetting to ask this since I'm new to this venue. My 06 883c has the 21" 90 on it. Can you safely go with a wider tire on this rim? I as always thank all of you for the answers and input.

 

nope.

 

What streetfighter said. You must always use the proper rim/tire combination. You could, however, get a bigger rim/tire combo and do that instead.

 

Not correct, just follow tire manufacturer's specifications and you'll be OK. They specify how wide rims their tires fit.

 

He said safely.

 

They specify on the sidewall, like 90/90-21 for what they want their tires to fit.

I know guys in the import car scene that will run much smaller tires on a rim, but I have also been in the car when they pop a bead.

In no way is it safe to mount a tire size on a rim that does not match. It can be done, but you run a huge risk. In a car this is not a big deal, but do you want to be the one to hop a bead around a corner going 60mph on a motorcycle??? I don't think so.

 

90/90-21

This is width 90 mm, aspect ratio 90 (width/height) and rim size 21". I do not see the width of rim here.

 

As I said, consult manufacturer's data sheet. Anyone who thinks a manufacturer will give unsafe recommendations is ... not very smart.

Azaro tire and rim sizes.
As you can see, 110/80R19 can be fitted to 2.50 - 3.00. Safely.

 

I'm no expert, but I have done quite a bit of research on tire widths over the last few months trying to find the right combination of tire/wheel for the 16" conversion I'm doing on the front of my Nightster. I agree with Von. Most manufacturers provide a range of acceptable rim sizes for each of their tires. What's more, there appears to be quite a variation of widths from manufacturer to manufacturer among tires with similar designations. For example, the information I can find on the stock Dunlop D402 MH90-21 is 3.25 inches wide on a 2.15 inch rim. Using the Avon table that Von referenced above, the Venom 90/90-21 is 3.7 inches wide and fits on the same 2.15 inch rim. That's a half inch wider. Now, 1/2 inch ain't a lot but it may be enough to accomplish whatever Jay is looking to do. The Kenda K657 Challenger 90/100H-21 that will mount on a 2.15 inch rim is also listed as 3.7 inches wide. And if you're willing to consider an on/off road tire (I don't know, I see some guys going this route for a more aggressive look...whatever) the Continental Conti Escape 90/90-21 is listed as 3.9 inches wide, almost 3/4" wider than the Dunlop. Of course, there are other variables to consider that may affect performance and profile when craming the widest possible tire on the narrowest possible rim. But when the manufacturer provides a range of rims that their tire can be mounted on, I tend to take that as meaning it's safe to mount.

Anyway, from what I've seen this information can be hard to find on the web sometimes and is often inconsistent between sources, if not down right inaccurate on some. If you can't find rim and tire info on the tire manufacturers website (many don't have much detailed data) one source for tire widths and recommended rim sizes is the total motorcycle.com tire guide. JP cycles also lists tire widths/rims for many of the tires they sell. I'm sure there are others. And if there's a question I'd also call and confirm with the tire dealer before buying anything.

The quick answer Jay is, yes you can go wider on the stock rim. Just not very much wider. fwiw

 

Thanks for all the info. My ultimate goal is to mount a 16" with a 130 put that is down the road. Just looking for something with a little more meat on the road. That skinny Dunlop can really follow some grooves at times.