What other sizes for dark side?

[dpcarson]

Ok, this has probably been discussed but I didn’t read through too many old threads before just posting. After 20+ years on these I am considering going dark for my newest project. Main question, what other sizes have y’all used on the rear?  I want to lower rear just a bit without changing out shocks and worrying about bottoming, so was thinking about 185/55/16 or 195/50/16. For those that have gone with smaller sizes from the norm 205’s, what is your feedback and experience?
Thanks

[Earl43P]

I did a 195/55-16 for 14k miles.
Effectively lowers the gear ratio (higher #) like the hot rodders’ trick of installing smaller diameter tires for quicker acceleration. Boy, was it fun. Not great for highway mpg and rpm but nobody buys a Valkyrie for mpg.

It stood more upright on the side stand, so you’ll need to pay attention to that when parking.
It also lowers the seat height, which is good for the vertically challenged and short inseam riders, better than installing shorter shocks IMO.

[dpcarson]

Thanks Earl. I am looking at a 195/60/16 right now. According to the tire circumference difference I am figuring it will make a little less than 3% change in rpm’s. I just didnt want to take a chance in needing to do any mods with the 205. I figured some of y’all had tried others.  I also looked at a 185/50 tire that I liked but that was way too much difference in rpm’s. Figured I’d be turning 3400 at 65.  But….. this is going to be a solo around town ride, so who knows.

[Grandpot]

205's don't give you much clearance.  You'll be much happier with a 195.  I've been there, done that, and got the tee shirt.

[Earl43P]

Keep in mind that the shorter your rear tire, the easier you scrape pegs too.

[0leman]

Keep in mind that the shorter your rear tire, the easier you scrape pegs too.

Since my go to size is 65, is that the reason I never have scrapped pegs, or is it because I have reached the age where I don't need to try?   

The first three DS tire were 205's, the one I have on now is a 195.  Like it better.  It is also a truck tire.

[dpcarson]

Most of my peg scraping years are behind me. Highway pegs are the first ones I drag anyway. Those are my old man reminders.

[gordonv]

First if you are going to play with tire size, just swapping the width and keeping the %, then use a tire size calculator. Get the diameter/height for a know working tire(s), and compare that the the size you want.

The 1st # is the width, 225mm, 205mm, 195mm. The 2nd # is the % of the width is the height of the tire (thickness from tread to bead), 50%, 60%, 65%.

A 205mm is 102.5 thick. A 195mm is 97.5. Not much different, but it changes what you are looking for. The calculator will give you the overall height, and the diameter around.

[dpcarson]

Thanks Gordon. I’m golden on the math, but looking for real world experiences with slightly smaller sizes. Are you running something smaller than the normal 205’s?

[gordonv]

Right now I have my Excede on, but have a mounted Auston waiting to be put on the bike since 2020. Maybe this year.

I put one on my Goldwing that I took to Spearfish, and loved it. After the above tire wears out, I'll need to look for a replacement, then I'm going to go for something completely different, since I'm in Canada and prices/availability are different.