Widest tire for front wheels

[jdizon]

Hey guys! I've got an 1980 xs400 and planning to relace the front hub with 18x2.50, What is the widest tire profile the forks will allow me? I was hoping 120/90-18?

 

[xschris]

I think with a 1.85-18 rim you can do 120/90-18 but it's very tight. Stock is 90/90-18 with the 1.85 mag rim and 1.60 spoke rim.

 

[jdizon]

I think with a 1.85-18 rim you can do 120/90-18 but it's very tight. Stock is 90/90-18 with the 1.85 mag rim and 1.60 spoke rim.

Thanks. MikeXS carries the 2.15-18 rim but wasn't to sure if 120/90-18 was to big of a tire for it so was planning to get some blanks made at Buchanan.

 

[xschris]

That would be a huge front tire.

 

[jdizon]

That would be a huge front tire.

If the front end allows it I want to run them. Worse case I'll settle with 110/80 for the front and 120 out back.

 

[xschris]

Here is a guy that put a 130/90-18 on a 1.60 rim. He never drove the bike with them but I don't think it would be safe or handle worth a heck He said he had a 150/90-16 on the back

 

[jdizon]

Here is a guy that put a 130/90-18 on a 1.60 rim. He never drove the bike with them but I don't think it would be safe or handle worth a heck He said he had a 150/90-16 on the back

Wow! Love it. I didn't think you could stuff a 130 on a rim that narrow. Now you got me wanting to go 130 front and rear I'd definitely be using wider 18x2.15 rim.

 

[eric123]

I'm not so sure a 130 will fit between the front forks...

 

[xschris]

Ok I did some measuring. A 120/90-16 tire on a 2.50 rim is 5" wide. The space between the forks is 5.3" wide. so with a 130 tire and a 2.15 rim it will be close and not accounting for any tire expansion with bumps or rider weight. I think the only way he got the 130 tire to fit between the forks is with the 1.60 rim.

 

[johnboy]

Hi guys,
I just put a set of shinkos 712s on my 83 maxim 130/90-16 rear and a 100/90-19 front
matching set from M/C super store 120.00 to the door. Front took a little time to
seat on the bead but finally did. Good luck.

 

[kirknd4spd]

I have a 100/90-18 on the front of mine, with around 1/2 inch of space between the tire and fork tube on each side. No front fender. And I have a 130/90-16 on the rear, not much room between the tire and chain guard, but it fits.

 

[johnboy]

I just put a 100/90-19 on my 83 max and it is a big chunk of tire, not to mention it was
more difficult for the tire to beed. Those narrower rims can only hold so much width.
Remember each up size in width is 10MM divided by 2. 5MM per side. Also a 18 inch
wheel with that larger tire is going to steer slower. Thats why modern bikes with
17 inch wheels can handle 120 front tires, and carve up the turns. I ran an 18
wheel on my SR 500 roadrace bike that I picked off an RD 350. Better selection in
tires and turned into corners much easier. Bigger is not always better....well, some things.