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I was going to switch out my rear Dunlop for a Metzeler because I heard they make a fantastic replacement for the Meanie, but in the end I decided to stick with Dunlop. I actually have no complaints whatsoever about the OEM rubber and I managed to get 9,200 miles out of the original rear. Maybe if both tires come due for a change at the same time I'll consider another brand, but for now I'm sticking with what works.

Coming up to 6 000 kms on the K1200S and already need to change the rear. Have decided to stick with the Metzlers as I have had no problems at all, but then I have no chicken strips at all either.

The bike I have doesn't have exactly the suggested sizes. Is that a problem? Also, can a 4in tire fit a 3.5in rim as long as all other factors remain the same? I'm planning to get some Maxxis or Metzlers maybe, but the tires rarely match up exactly.

I've always wondered what the aspect ratio really pertains to; say for instance a 150/70-17 tire has an aspect ratio of 70. That has something to do with the height of the wall/side of the tire in relation to its width I think. But how is it calculated? Would a 150/80-17 have a higher or lower profile?

The aspect ratio is the percentage of the tires width in relation to it's hieght on the rim.

So a 170/70 tire has a height of 119mm... 70% of 170mm is 119mm
and a 180/70 tire has a height of 162mm... 70% of 180mm is 126mm

So the 180 will be taller and wider than a 170 with a 70% aspect ratio.

I was looking at a maxxis supermaxx and all the specs were the same except my rim is 3.5" wide at the rear and the tire is for a 4" wide rim supposedly. Will that be a problem when mounting or more especially- riding?

EDIT- I looked at my tires and the brand was "Duro" and I've never heard of them.

Continuing with my inquiries about tires and rim width. There are alot of tires out there that technically fit my evidently odd sized rims; but the rim specs are usually .5" to 1" under or over the rim sizes (3" front, 3.5" rear). Has anyone experienced problems or know about this? Both the tires on the bike are not the specified size either in aspect or width and I have no clue as to why these were installed. I also found plenty that matched the smaller tires I have that match the rim width so maybe the rim width size was of more importance.

I want the right size at minimum since my speedo is obviously way off and as is the odometer. Ideally I'd like to add maybe 10-20mm width on the back and on the front 10mm and keep the aspect ratio as close to the original specs so the speedo etc is accurate. There appears to be plenty of room both in the front and back to increase the width.

Highly appropriate that the 'Tire" thread be a 'sticky' one...

Metzler baby!

eugeart wrote:I was looking at a maxxis supermaxx and all the specs were the same except my rim is 3.5" wide at the rear and the tire is for a 4" wide rim supposedly. Will that be a problem when mounting or more especially- riding?

EDIT- I looked at my tires and the brand was "Duro" and I've never heard of them.

Seems someone put some cheap Chinese tires on your Kat and used the size they could get at a minumum price. Your 3.0 front and particularly the 3.5 inch rear rims limit what is available in good radials for your bike.

Your wheels are the same size as my GS500s, the Kats had wider wheels from 97 on. There are some pretty good sport touring radials to fit your bike as well as some good bias ply sport tires.

The Maxxis Supermax has a pretty good reputation and probably would work ok on your bike. I believe your OEM sizes were 110/80/17 front and 150/70/17 rear. Some tire mfgs approve the fitment of 150/70 radials on the 3.5" rim and some do not, including Maxxis.

Metzler approves their Z6 and Bridgestone their BT020 on the 3.5" rims in the 150/70 size. Avon does not approve general fitment of their 150/70 AV46 sport touring radial on 3.5" rims, but their recommended fitment for your bike is the AV45/46 tires in OEM sizes.

I ran Z4/Z2 Metzeler radials for 2 years (2 sets) and then ran the AV45/46 radials in 110/80 and 140/80 sizes last year. The Avons were the best tires I've had on my GSs and I'd probably be putting the Avon OEM sizes on your Kat if it were mine. 110/80 and 150/70. I'd also consider the Metz Z6, Pirelli Diablo Strada, and Michilin Pilot Road tires in the same sizes. Do some price shopping amongst these.

Believe me, any of these good sport touring radials will be a world of difference superior to the Duros your running now.

Thanks for the response. These particular models you mentioned- they have front and back of the same? Or will I have to mix-n-match? Does it matter? I've been told to keep them the same and some people say it doesn't matter all that much. I have no idea but getting into an avoidable scrape at 100mph or something isn't my idea of a good time.

Sometimes I wonder if the manufacturer just want people only to buy sets from them and not shop around. On my marauder the dunlops were priced so unevenly I was shocked. The front was twice as expensive as the rear if I recall correctly. I ended up with japlops that didn't match since I was broke and needed new tires. I will say the bike handled differently (but not badly) and I was always conscious of the fact that I'd put non-spec tires on. I have no idea about the rim width specs for those tires or whether they matched spec. I'd never thought about it till today.

As far as the rim widths go I figure if I was to fudge so to speak I certainly would feel apprehension going over an inch either way. I figure at .5" extra or less each bead is a 1/4" off the specified width. But I really don't know how sensitive the tire is to this type of use so I feel its a risk. One I'd like to know more about before I do it knowingly.

It looks as if the Avons- the Roadrider performance x-ply come the closest. They actually give the recommended range fir the rim width. Azaro-ST 45 & 46's fit too except the 150/70-I'd have to drop to a 140/80-70. I have a 140 on the back now and it seems ok, but I want to see the bike with the proper tires. I wish I could find out what make the originals were and buy them. Dunlop I bet. Hmm the recommended for the front is a 2.5" rim. I'm beginning to think one could get away with .5"or alittle more.

"Correct rim width may be crucial to handling and stability. A tire that is installed on a rim wider than recommended will have a flattened profile, and a rider may easily reach the edge of the tread during cornering. A narrow rim will alter the tire profile, concentrating tire wear in a very small area during cornering, with a smaller contact patch during braking. Remember: Tire clearances are important."-- Dunlop tires