Wider tire?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Orange, VA,
Wider tire?
I have had my new to me 99 EG Standard 3 months now and have put about 5k miles on it, the indy dealer put 2 new tires on it before I bought it, they are Mitsutomo's and the back is about worn out. My question is can I put any wider of a tire on without mods, maybe the next size up? I am going to give the Commander II's a try, and should I replace both or just the worn out rear?
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
you may be able to mount an MU85
but if you are wrong it'll cost you.
some fit, some do not
I've never used a mitsumo- but I'd expect better mileage out of a rear tire- how is your braking technique ? Burn outs ?
Mike
but if you are wrong it'll cost you.
some fit, some do not
I've never used a mitsumo- but I'd expect better mileage out of a rear tire- how is your braking technique ? Burn outs ?
Mike
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Orange, VA,
lol Mike, burn outs? lol, no never, am a easy cruiser, and don't over use the back brake. The dealer puts those on most of the bikes they sell, is a cheap tire, I can buy a new rear Mitsutomo for $109. Was just curious if a wider tire would fit, seems strange HD would put such a skinny tire on a heavy touring bike.
So I could try a 130/85/16? instead of the 90?
So I could try a 130/85/16? instead of the 90?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
I'll chip in! You are quite right that the rear tyre is a bit thin, but only by modern standards. I have owned Harleys since the 70s, when that size was enormous!
If you take a close look at your bike you will find you are limited by the clearance between tyre and belt. Your current tyre is probably an MT or 130/90x16, the alternative Mike suggested is MU or 140/85x16. A further alternative is 140/90x16.
Unfortunately fitted widths of tyres can be different between brands, also when using non-stock sizes there is always a little doubt about clearances. If you have the early wide belt, 1 1/2" wide, you will probably find a 140 tyre rubs the belt guard, but you can always trim the rubber curtain, to cure that, which is what I did.
The widest tyre that will fit your stock rim is a 150/80x16, however squeezing one in defeated me!
If you take a close look at your bike you will find you are limited by the clearance between tyre and belt. Your current tyre is probably an MT or 130/90x16, the alternative Mike suggested is MU or 140/85x16. A further alternative is 140/90x16.
Unfortunately fitted widths of tyres can be different between brands, also when using non-stock sizes there is always a little doubt about clearances. If you have the early wide belt, 1 1/2" wide, you will probably find a 140 tyre rubs the belt guard, but you can always trim the rubber curtain, to cure that, which is what I did.
The widest tyre that will fit your stock rim is a 150/80x16, however squeezing one in defeated me!
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: MD
All tires are not the same....but we already know this
I went through this a few weeks ago, and I can only substantiate for pre 2004 FLHTCI swing arm.
The MCII rear tire (130/90 B16) is substantially smaller than the MCII front tire (130/90 B16). The spec's in the MICHELIN data sheet indicate the two tires are exactly the same size...not true.
The MICHELIN MAN informed me that any other tire I opt for in a larger size was NOT recommended by MICHELIN. I suppose that means if'n ya wreck or destroy the tire of a non recommended tire size, they will not warranty the tire.
So here's a pure photo of the front and rear tires.
Needles to say, I installed front and rear OEM Dunlop 402's (rear with the rim saver) and they ride great.
Krome
front tire
rear tire
gap @ drive belt
The MCII rear tire (130/90 B16) is substantially smaller than the MCII front tire (130/90 B16). The spec's in the MICHELIN data sheet indicate the two tires are exactly the same size...not true.
The MICHELIN MAN informed me that any other tire I opt for in a larger size was NOT recommended by MICHELIN. I suppose that means if'n ya wreck or destroy the tire of a non recommended tire size, they will not warranty the tire.
So here's a pure photo of the front and rear tires.
Needles to say, I installed front and rear OEM Dunlop 402's (rear with the rim saver) and they ride great.
Krome
front tire
rear tire
gap @ drive belt
Last edited by KromeDome; Sep 19, 2012 at 10:40 AM.
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Club Member
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From: Bedford UK
Krome, that's a pretty full answer! I found my 140/90 Avon Venom was actually 139mm wide when fitted and I had 3/16" clearance to the belt. I did later fit a 150/80 Venom, which measured 153mm wide when fitted, but I also went to a later spec narrow belt, to get room for it. So there are two other examples of how tyres vary from spec on width.
I am now working with a Deuce rear wheel and 160/70 Avon, which is 167mm wide, but that is another story.....
I am now working with a Deuce rear wheel and 160/70 Avon, which is 167mm wide, but that is another story.....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Orange, VA,
Ok, having never changed a motorcycle tire before, what is the difference between a MU and MT? I have a 99 FLHT, what tire is the closest to my stock tire but the next size up? Am a little confused, this is nothing like a car tire.
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From: Bedford UK
An MT is a 130/90x16 tyre, with a load rating of around 73/74. The MU was introduced by Harley as the successor stock rear and is 140/85x16 with a load rating of around 77. So an MU is a little wider and has a better load capacity. It can be retrofitted to earlier bikes, as already discussed above, with the proviso that you may need to trim the rubber curtain of your belt guard, to stop rubbing.
Your bike probably has stock MT at both ends. You should be able to confirm that with your owners manual, or simply reading the sidewalls!
Your bike probably has stock MT at both ends. You should be able to confirm that with your owners manual, or simply reading the sidewalls!