Introduction and a Tire Question

Hi all. Bob here from north central Minnesota. Took up riding just two years ago as a retirement project. Love the old Japanese bikes, and love that the market has plenty of low-priced, low-mileage motorcycles just waiting for a bit of wrenching to get them back on the road.

I recently bought a 1982 Maxim 400. It's a running bike, but needs most of the usual stuff: fork seals, carb clean/rebuild; seat cover; side covers; clutch work. But brakes seem good (but I'll check 'em), battery is strong and tires less than two years old. Will go through it all this winter, and in MN winter starts right about... now.

I couldn't help but notice that the front fender is awfully close to the tire. And on closer inspection I can see that it has been altered to ride higher than originally, which suggests that an oversize tire has been installed.

In fact the tire is a 110/90-19. The proper tire is 3.00-19, which is (I think) the same as a 90/90-19. So the tire I have is 20mm wider than specified.

Is this OK? By the way, the tire was installed at a motorcycle shop.

As long as the tire doesnt rub you should be fine. I think the fatter tire will just provide more stability, but slower turning ability. Another reason for running a fatter tire is the previous owner bought the wrong tire and made it work. My bike has 18” wheels and i like 3.25 up front and a 3.5 back. These are slightly undersize for my model year if i remember correctly.

Stick with stock size tires. The bike will handle far better than with oversize ones. Larger front wheel will also throw off your speedometer.

I'd probably get another season or so on it and then replace in due course to save money and avoid waste... Only if it was causing no issues. If seems to cause friction on uneven payment would immediately replace

Thanks guys for the advice. I'll have the winter to think about it. The tire is a Kenda with date code 0818 and only a few hundred miles, so would be a decent used tire for someone. Not many choices on the market for a 3.00-19 or 90/90-19, must be an uncommon size.