Rim & Tire Clearance Issues?
- Thread starter T95
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I have, for some time, run WM3 x 19" (2.5 inch) alloy rims front and rear with Avon AM26 Roadriders in 100/90 19. Clearance issues with my '73 850 were that I had to turn my lower rear shock mounting bolt on the right hand side around so that the tyre slipped in with quite a close fit. Also, the front guard mounting bolts/studs (can't remember) were replaced with button headed cap screws. The front simply would not have fitted as standard. As already stated, the recommended rim size for the Roadriders in 100/90 V19 is WM3 (2.5 inch) whilst also saying that 2.75 inch or 2.15 inch rims were suited as well. Having said that, they also recommend the same tyre for standard 1.85 inch rims on the Nortons. The handling with the 2.5 inch rims and these tyres is superlative with the handling and steering commented on by those who have ridden it. This is not a sunny Sunday bike for me, but a development bike for my cylinder heads. I ride it almost everyday and just this last weekend I clocked up about 700 miles in a trip to Perth and back with some side trips. In 4 years and nine months I have just bought my 32nd tyre for my Buell and Norton in that time. As far as running a narrower tyre on the front goes it is just not needed with this combo. As for the 18 inch rims being fitted I just shake my head as they are usually fitted for "looks". I've ridden a couple and they do nothing for the handling. As far as 120 section tyres go I'll bet that my 100 section puts at least as much rubber on the road at any lean angle when fitted to a 2.5 inch rim and gives superior steering to boot.
No humble opinions here.
No humble opinions here.
Fullauto said:
I appreciate your feedback and the fact you were clear about what caused your clearance issues. Providing there were no changes in the fork width from 71-73, changing out the bolts is an easy enough fix. Wow, 32 tires, your doing some riding mate! I would like to find out more about your "Development work", got a web site?
Fullauto said:
Another quality I like about the Aussie nation. Usually what ever is on their minds is generally flowing out their lips!
Gary
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A few years ago, at least here in CA, the selection of quality/sticky high performance tires in 19" was pretty much limited to narrow front tires; that forced many of us to an 18" rear wheel. I came across an Atlas rear wheel with a WM3 Borrani on it. Adjusted the offset, got good matching rubber for the rear and never looked back.
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32 tires >>> yeah man, in a few years I may reach that bragging point too, maybe.
Anywho I've been drive stark raving mad on the insane stick and IN-abiltiy to upset my Bob Patton rear linked Ms Peel so only area I've left to explore is trying her with full street or even race tires and 3x the torque. I'm fascinated by the report of superb traction by the wider rim with narrower tire. Tire patches are all about the same area, when bike/pilot and tire pressure similar no matter the size of the tire, unless of course a flat race slick or car tire installed, as some cruisers do. So the tire profile and shape of the patch is what changes by tire size and rim width. I've paid close attention to slow mo and close up of elite racers smoking tires in turns to see they only contact in about same 1.5" wide strip on tire, less so the faster the tire is spun in traction or beyond. How can Ms Peel hook up more power when leaned than the elite wonders, significantly more, much to my and others great surprise. Only thing I can think beside Peel stable flexible chassis is narrow tires are like snow ski edges compared to wide tires like beach ball edges in leans. Beach ball better for straight up grip and braking but not the leaned turning loads is my current concept. I sure hope the WM2 and 3 I suffered months to spoke are good enough to spank sports bikes but this post implies I may have to try suffering more to fit one size wider rims for better grip and tire wear.
Anywho I've been drive stark raving mad on the insane stick and IN-abiltiy to upset my Bob Patton rear linked Ms Peel so only area I've left to explore is trying her with full street or even race tires and 3x the torque. I'm fascinated by the report of superb traction by the wider rim with narrower tire. Tire patches are all about the same area, when bike/pilot and tire pressure similar no matter the size of the tire, unless of course a flat race slick or car tire installed, as some cruisers do. So the tire profile and shape of the patch is what changes by tire size and rim width. I've paid close attention to slow mo and close up of elite racers smoking tires in turns to see they only contact in about same 1.5" wide strip on tire, less so the faster the tire is spun in traction or beyond. How can Ms Peel hook up more power when leaned than the elite wonders, significantly more, much to my and others great surprise. Only thing I can think beside Peel stable flexible chassis is narrow tires are like snow ski edges compared to wide tires like beach ball edges in leans. Beach ball better for straight up grip and braking but not the leaned turning loads is my current concept. I sure hope the WM2 and 3 I suffered months to spoke are good enough to spank sports bikes but this post implies I may have to try suffering more to fit one size wider rims for better grip and tire wear.
T95 said:
Yes!!!
Bit like a lot of the stories on here, I bought the bike 6th May 1986 in Dalgety Bay. I ran it as my only mode of transport for few years. Parking it in the street outside my flat (apartment) in all weathers took its toll. Moved to a house with a garage but no time (a business and small children take all your time!) bike just sat in the corner of the garage most of the time, with an odd outing into the sunshine. A small fault developed and it ended up further and further back in the garage for what turned out to be a long sleep. Then 9 years ago it was completely rebuilt; engine, gearbox, frame powder coated etc, ridden for a while then put back in the garage under a cover where it became a most expensive garage shelf. (I did laugh when I read on one of your threads about your bike being a rest for your garden tools, I could relate to that) Fast forward to now and with a bit more time and fewer family commitments.(both older and younger generation). The only family issue now is a 19year old son who believes that as long as a tool is physically in the garage it is deemed to have been put away, oh and apparently the boot of his car also counts as put away :roll: I stumbled across access Norton and as they say the rest is history.
Having been inspired by the threads on this site I set about getting the bike roadworthy again. As always, I had to start out replacing a lot of perished rubber items then drained all the fluids etc, etc. I had always during the years of hibernation turned the engine over every few visit to the garage so knew it would turn. I bought a new battery and then in a cowardly manner put off trying to start it, but eventually courage in both hands and a few healthy kicks later it burst into life as I stood staring into the oil tank for what was seconds but seemed like an hour and a half before the glorious site of returning oil. I still have a few fiddly bits to do before I can hopefully get the bike its MOT (certificate of roadworthiness we have to get once a year before we can drive legally on the roads) but all going well I would love our 25 year partnership of man and bike to be celebrated as it should be, on the road on 6th may 2011.
If you are talking tyre choice and wheels you must be closer to the end than the beginning of your build. Out of interest have you done anything or are going to do anything about a side stand?
All the best with your build
McVic
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