So I came across an old thread here (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...+rubbing+200mm) that claimed the Avon Cobra is the narrowest 200mm tire to run on a 17x6.25 wheel. However, a few years ago when I took my bike to the dealership to have the Avon Cobra 200/55/R17 replaced, they told me the new Avon Cobra 200/55/R17 was rubbing the belt. To remedy this, they installed an Avon Cobra 190/60/R17 instead. The tire seemed to do fine, even though the Avon website only recommends the 190mm for a max wheel width of 6.00". I'm now due for another rear tire and was wondering if there are any new 200mm models that would be narrower than the Avon Cobra? Or should I even worry about it and just get another 190/60/R17? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Why don't you contact the Tire Manufactures that list the size you're interested in and ask for the "Specs".

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Thanks, but I've been able to determine the specs for the major manufacturers that make a 200/55/17 that I know of. However, I can't say that I know of all the brands to consider. Trying to determine if there may be a brand/model I haven't looked at yet that is good for Harley Touring bikes. The Avon 200mm seems to be the slimmest at 7.8" wide.

 

Unfortunately (in this case) you have a Integral "Cush Drive" (IDS), otherwise you could probably use a pulley spacer to gain clearance

Yeah, that 198mm "200" Avon might be the narrowest.

To determine if you've checked all the appropriate brands, you may enter those tire sizes into Revzilla and JakeWilson and see if there are any brands you haven't checked out yet

 

I have a Michelin Commander II 200/55/17 sitting in my garage with only 25 miles on it. It rubbed the belt on my 12 SG. A buddy has a 13 SG with the same tire and it doesn't rub. Go figure.

 

What did you end up going with since the Michelin 200 didn't fit?

 

I think the Commander II fits, but after the fact, I think the rookie Indy shop didn't install it properly. But he gave me a good deal on a new American Elite and I've got no problems of it rubbing the belt.

 

FWIW, Dunlop lists the American Elite as .060" wider than the Avon

http://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com...merican-elite/




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Some websites list 'fitted' width of their tyres, but in my modest experience even they cannot be relied upon. I've had varioue widths of tyre over the years that have been narrower or wider than the nominal size, as well as different to the 'fitted' size. Unfortunately it doesn't seem possible to confidently predict the exact width, hence clearance, but that is the challenge of going outside the design envelope!

 

Tolerances are one thing but could Avon have really made fundamental changes to a tire model without changing its model ID in some way ? I'm asking because I'd like to know. I, like many others, run an outsized rear tire on my Breakout and would look askance at the current possibility of buying an Avon 250 if this were the case.

Thanx