XS tires

[DEmily]

Hey everyone,

Been driving the BIGDOG as much as possible. Seems to just run better the more I drive. Have yet to open her up yet. I'm waiting to get some more wear in mile on her first. My question today relates to tires. What tire sizes will fit the rear of this 79 xs standard. I know the recommended size is 130/90 17.

If I understand correctly the 130 is the width, the 90 is 90% height of the width and 17 is the rim size. I also understand that there is little room for wider tires due to the drive shaft.

A 130/70 17 would drop me another 1/2 ", if I am understanding the sizing correctly. I would really like to go with a 140/80 17 but I think I would be getting too close to the drive shaft.

Has any of you used a different size tire in the back successfully?

[Jerry]

Reports are that the 140 width in a blackwall, not raised white wall, will work OK, particularly for solo riding. Tire pressure will need to be near 40PSI to help control sidewall flexing while cornering. Raised white wall will rub, so you are talking very little extra room here.

Going with an 80 series tire, if you can find one, should not be a problem as speedo is run of front tire so it will be accurate, but you will loose some mileage as the engine will turn more rpms to cover any given mile. On the other hand, you might gain some acceleration.

I should point out that there are several 'lowering the bike' threads on this site. If you are after lower seat height, changing shocks and modifying the seat are both options that have been discussed.

[DEmily]

Jerry,

Thats a good point about the increased mileage. I may attempt to do some calculation to determine how much that would be. Maybe we have some real intellegnet members out there who could figure that out. Anyway, I am more interested in a bit wider tire than shorter so maybe I look into the 140/80 17. That would actually put me just a few mm lower I believe and still give me a bit more rubber on the road.