QuestionI own a 99 honda valkyrie motorcycle. Common to most owners, I've been using a car tire on the rear, specifically a Falken 205/60 R16. It lasts a lot longer than the round faced motorcycle tires, and has more surface area contact on the pavement for better braking.
I recently bought a new 205/60 R16 tire (not a Falken) on line from a discount tire store in Georgia, and after it was delivered by UPS, I noticed it looked wider than the Falken that was being replaced. Sure enough, when I mounted the tire and installed it, it was scrubbing on the right side (drive shaft tunnel) in the trailing arms. I used outside calipers to measure the two tires, and the original Falken measured 7.875" at its widest points, whereas the new tire measures 8.12" across its widest points.Needless, to say, I can't use the new tire.
Does this much variance exist in the manufacturing of these tires?
Thanks for your response,
Jay Urban
AnswerJay,
I am sure this is not the first time you have heard this, but car tires are not designed like motorcycle tires and shouldn't be used in their place. One reason is that the bead diameters are different (no, 15" is not 15.000") If you hear reports of people having difficulty mounting these tires, then you'll know this is true.
But to answer your question.
There is no regulation that says a 205 tire has to be 205 wide - and sometimes tire manufacturers will take advantage of that. They will split 2 tire sizes and produce them out of the same mold.
And sometimes, a tire manufacturer will make a tire small for cost reasons.
In your case, a 7.875" = 200mm, where 8.12" = 206mm. So which do you think is correct?
