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[Little Pink Steve]

 

Just fitted a nice RWU front end to my spares 3CV frame and am working on a matching rear end swap.

I've the option of either a 5 or 5½ inch rim. If I go for the 5" I'll most likely fit a 160 tyre or I could go for the 5½" with a 170 or 180?

What are you're experiences guys?

Thank you.

[aviationfred]

A 5" wheel can accommodate up to a 170 by most manufacturers. The 5 1/2" wheel is most commonly fitted with a 180. A few have tried to fit a 190 and have had mixed results with clearance issues. There have been clearance issues with a very limited number of 180's, most fit with no issues.

The first photo is using a 5" wheel with a 170 tire....YZF600R rear wheel

The second photo has a 5.5" wheel with a 180 tire....GSX-R750 rear wheel

The third photo gives a rear view of the 180 tire.

I personally like the larger contact area on the pavement. Probably the greatest advantage, paired with a 17" front wheel, is the huge increase of tire choices.



Fred

[FJmonkey]

I run a 5.5 with a 180 Continental Motion, I have also put a 180 Dunlop Q2 that rubbed the chain but a Q2 170 did not. You will find that the width is not the same between manufacturers. The important part is the better selection of rubber and in Radials. Even the stock size would be a better tire in a radial and or in today's modern rubber.

[Little Pink Steve]

Thanks for the replies, looking to run PR4's GT variant. Already have sorted a 3½" front wheel, just thinking perhaps a 5” with 170 might make it a little more nibble.

[wainot-Phil]

Yes go with the 170 GT PR4 Tire ,,,,,,,, I run 170 GT  PR4s on my 3 X FJ1200 Bikes that all have YZF600R  5" Rims fitted ,, I find the 170 GT  match the 5" Rim perfect and you will not have any trouble with the tire being to close to the chain etc .