Car tire with 11.5 progressive shocks

[Sam Shlitz]

I am planning to install a car tire, however, my bike is lowered with 11.5 shocks on rear. Can it be done? Does anyone on the forum use a car tire with 11.5 shocks? Any response will be appreciated.

[sandy]

I don't have a car tire and would't use one. Shorter rear shocks do two negative things. One, it reduces the travel distance on the rear so you'll bottom out more often. Two, it changes the rake angle on the front forks which hurt steering handling. It'll be sluggish in the turns. As a guess, I'd think you're going to rub the tire under the fender lots.

[JaysGone]

In all probability with the available size tires in use with the Valk.
You will have some issues.
More then its worth being that low in the rear.
Odds are under even a mild load the tire, even a 175 would hit the top of the fender.

As a darksider with over 100K miles experience on more then a few bikes including the Valk.
Id go another route or get stock sized shocks if your seriously considering Darksiding.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Many have done it.  Not a problem for me.  I have Progressive 11.5 430's with a Yokohama A048 car tire in a 205/55.  Just have to cut the nut cages.

[JaysGone]

Many have done it.  Not a problem for me.  I have Progressive 11.5 430's with a Yokohama A048 car tire in a 205/55.  Just have to cut the nut cages.

I left out the nut mod as a given.
On the 5th setting with the stockers using a 195-65, I was hitting the top of the fender.
Granted the shocks may have been shot.
With the 430s I have way to stiff for me on any setting.
They have the HD springs and I wasnt liking it.
But didnt hit anything.
Now with a set of IS stockers on the 1st setting on a good bounce I still hit.
I dont know how you can get away with it using a 55 series lowered.
But we all have differnt experiences.

Bye the way still liking the OEM pipes believe it or not.........
The right sides developed a rattle but Im too lazy to take it apart and if I do.
Id end up cutting them up.
So Im not tempting myself so far.

The powder coating holding up??
The pipes look better on your bike then they did on mine.

Im done for now. 2k and nothings fallen off.
No more playing till I get all my ducks in a row for the trike kit.

[TJ]

I've been running a 205 with 11 1/2" shocks and never had a problem...

[Crazyhorse]

11.5 Progressive shocks 205-55-16 tire been running it for years no problems. Rides good handles good and looks good.

[crazydago]

  I also have a 205-55-17 on mf F6 with 11 in. progressives .Works for me .Go for it .Nut cage mod is only change.

[GJS]

My Phat Lady:


11.5" progressive Shocks (412)
GoodYear 205 Triple Tread

6 degree rake kit in the front end.
The forks are extended using 1 3/8" fork extensions.

Over all the bike is 4.5" longer then stock and an 1 1/2" lower.

I did the nut cage mod.

I have never had a problem bottoming out, even two up.
I also don't drive that aggressively. But I do have 66k on her.

I experienced some tire rub on one side. but not a height problem.

After about 10K I took the CT off and will not likely go back. I live in an area with lots of uneven pavement and I could never get used to the 'bump stear'. You'll know what I mean by this if you have ridden with a CT on a bike.

I did however love the extra braking strength offered up by that tire. I swear I could stop 30% harder and faster.

Good luck

[Fla. Jim]

As noted a 55 tire seems to work well with 11.5" shocks.....A 65 is a whole nother story. Tried it and every little bump produced fender rubbing. Am with 12.5 now and all is good.

[JaysGone]

As noted a 55 tire seems to work well with 11.5" shocks.....A 65 is a whole nother story. Tried it and every little bump produced fender rubbing. Am with 12.5 now and all is good.

I used the 195-65 for its numbers.
I was under the impression it would correct my speedo error.
It did not.
Im still off by 5 mph.
I eventually got it to not hit except under a real good dip or pot hole.
By using IS shocks on the 1st setting on my Standard.

[Sam Shlitz]

Thank you all for chiming in. I appreciate opinions of some and experiences  of others. I'll try it as soon as my rear MT wears out. As long as I know it is doable, I'd like to experiment on my own and decide whether I like it. I'll share my experience with you guys.
Thanks again.

[Paxton]

I am running a 205/65/16 with 11" progressives. No rubbing problems. 
However, as someone else mentioned, the handling in turns and in the twisters can be clumsy.  ???

[custom1]

I used the 195-65 for its numbers.
I was under the impression it would correct my speedo error.
It did not.
Im still off by 5 mph.

The speedo runs off the front tire. A different rear will not change you speedometer reading at a given speed but will change your rpm at that speed.

[JaysGone]

I used the 195-65 for its numbers.
I was under the impression it would correct my speedo error.
It did not.
Im still off by 5 mph.

The speedo runs off the front tire. A different rear will not change you speedometer reading at a given speed but will change your rpm at that speed.

I relize that now.
I had thought incorrectly a different rear rpm would affect my speeds correcting the front error as well.
I know of course know it wont.

Im running a Kenda K671 Cruiser ST Rear Tire on the front in 150-70-17.
Which is more or less the same as the stock therefore the error remains.

Im used to thinking in terms of my Yamaha which has an internal speed sensor that reads the engine rpm to determine the odo speeds.

Since getting this bike a year ago I have to toss out almost everything 35 years experience working on a bike has taught me.
This is a unique beast with a totally different set of working rules.