205/65r16 snow tire
 

I did a couple of searches to see if anyone was running a 205/65r16 tire on their bikes and didn't find any but then perhaps my searches had been entered wrong.

I purchased a new tire, a 205/65r16 Snow tire (Firestone Winterforce 2), and it arrived today. I had also ordered some bearings since the rear ones on my Street Glide sound like they're about to chit, but those won't be here until Friday (11th). Not that it matters since I won't be able to change anything out until the temperatures rise a little, like maybe in the low 40's. the upper 20s and low to mid 30's don't quite cut it in an unheated drafty garage.

I know the tire is a little wider but also taller than the 205/60r16's I've been running, especially with the limited space under the fender, but since I'm running a little taller/wider tire on the front, it has changed how I see. My tinted windscreen top is slightly above my pupils rather than nose level, so I decided instead of cutting or replacing the current windscreen, I'd just go with a taller rear tire to balance things out. If the new tire works, it will raise the back up about a half inch, to come close to the rise of the front 150/70-18.

Since it is winter and there is more snow coming, I figured it only made sense to go with a snow tire since I ride regardless of the weather. I do expect it to wear faster than the all season radials due to the softer tread compound, but I figured it would be interesting to at least give it a try. Well, someone has to, and I figure I tend to live on the edge anyway, so it might as well be me! :)

You'll note in the specifications the width is 8.2" rather than 8.1" for all season radials. (1/10 inch = 2.5mm or 1.25mm increase per side)

The 150/70-18 raised the front of my bike by about a half inch (.55") and the 205/65r16 will raise the rear about a half inch (.40"). As for raising the saddle height, for me it doesn't matter since my inseam is 34" or virtually half my height.

It appears as though next week Wednesday or Thursday it might make it into the low 40's, so I'm tentatively planning on doing the change then. If the tire proves to be too wide or too tall, I'll be able to switch back to the 205/60r16 and just count it as a lesson learned. But I don't anticipate having to change it back. :D AND, if it's successful it will give those with a 2009 and newer bagger another tire option especially if they go with a wider rear m/c tire on the front like I have.

I also decided to go with Balance Beads instead of Ride On as a precautionary measure in the event I'd have to switch back. I just don't want the potential mess since I'll be wrestling with the tires on the floor (mounting and dismounting) and believe me, if there is a chance, of getting it on me anywhere, it will happen!

Snow tire?? Living on the edge? Hmmmmm....

:icon_snowman:

So what size car tire are you running on your bike?

So which tire did you you pick exactly, is it a run flat? I have noticed that some snow tires have really aggressive looking tread. I have read about a number of folks running snow tires. I think that with the lighter load of a motoercycle maybe they won't wear that fast.

The exact tire I ordered was from Amazon in the link in my original post. "Firestone Wnterforce 2 Studable-Winter Radial Tire - 205/65R16 95S" It's not a Run Flat since I'm unsure if I could mount one of those with the stiffer sidewalls since I'm only using tire spoons to mount the tire by hand. I make sure I keep an air pump and plug kit on my bike regardless but the one time I didn't, the tire only deflated to about 18# which enabled me to return home on my bike without issue. That was with a regular All Season type tire. The Snow Tire seems to have a stiffer sidewall so it may be better or it may be worse. I won't know until I get a flat.

I have noticed some were running the Snow Tire, but none were running them as large as I'm going with. Most stick with the 205/55 or 205/60, some with the 195/55 or 195/60 in either All Season Radials or Snow Tires. The 205/60 All Season tires are 8.1 inches across. The Snow Tire I picked is 8.2 inches across. A difference of 2.5 mm which will place the tire 1.25mm closer to the belt and fender. If y'all consider my current clearance between the belt and tire is 3.5mm, this could get interesting. Then add the additional height compared to the 205/60, and we're talking .80 inches, or .40 inches closer to the fender and any bolts or wires that may be under the fender.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...6fbbd81e96.jpg

That sure is going to be close. I know with a 205/55R16 the tire is really close to the fender. Could be as little as 3/16 to an 1/8".

Well, you know the saying, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

When I install the tire, I'll take the final measurement and post it here. I figure if I have enough room for a cats whisker to go through, I'm good to go. C'mere kitty kitty! :D

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...a6eb2e3499.jpg

Awesome!!

I am considering a spare wheel with a studded tire for the rear. The new rig will get a Car tire on the rear soon as the rear tire is worn out. The heavier rig is harder in snow than our lighter one.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...d6026b5c7e.jpg

How wide of a rim are you putting the tire on?