More questions aboutm the Austone Taxi Tire

[hoosier jaybird]

The Metzler 880 tire I am replacing is 180/70R/16 while the Austone taxi tire is 175R/16 but is taller? I guess I don't understand why that is so. Also how is the rubbing issue on the wiring connection cover resolved? Universal Vintage Tire has 2 Austone Taxi tires; 1 is made in France while the other one doesn't say where it is made. Any opinion as far as the quality between the two. The past posts I have read are mostly favorable for the taxi tire but any further input would appreciated Thanks, Jaybird. 

[sclark]

The Austin taxi tire size 175R16 does not specify an aspect ratio.  The "aspect ratio" is the sidewall height as a percentage of the total width of the tire. According to wikipedia, if the information is omitted, it is assumed to be 82% and measured in millimeters.  So, 175 x .82 = 143.5mm for the sidewall height.  Double that to account for the lower and upper sidewall and add the diameter of the tire cutout (16 inches =406mm).  So, 406 +143.5+143.5=693mm or 27.3 inches.  The manufacture states 26.9 inches or 685mm.  The difference between the calculated value and the manufacture is most likely due to the way the tire bead seats on the wheel.

My .02 cents.

Hope it helps

[Skinhead]

The other is made in China, that is the one I have on my bike.  The French version is made by Dulop? I believe.  The rubbing issue is a none issue to me if you make sure there are no sharp edges, and the wiring is secured behind the steel cages.

[PAVALKER]

Good info.  I agree with the China made tire, same I just installed on mine.  Fits well and looks no wider than the Metz ME880 that just came off.  I hope the rubbing issue, is, as Skinhead said, a non-issue.  I have the trailer light wires that need to be rerouted I think, but otherwise looks good.  Ole Man winter is not being cooperative for me to sneak in a test ride.... cold, icy/snowy and roads also now covered with a white substance called "salt".... grrrrr.  Hoping for a nice rain and a little warm up to get a test ride in.... sometime in the next month or two, but that will give me more time to raise the bike and double check the wiring under the fender.  

Oh and I think you should also check shock height, as others have indicated.  I believe stock shocks are 13in and some have aftermarket that are lower.  I intend to bump up the shock settings to 4 or 5 if need be..... but I hope not needed.

The Austin taxi tire size 175R16 does not specify an aspect ratio.  The "aspect ratio" is the sidewall height as a percentage of the total width of the tire. According to wikipedia, if the information is omitted, it is assumed to be 82% and measured in millimeters.  So, 175 x .82 = 143.5mm for the sidewall height.  Double that to account for the lower and upper sidewall and add the diameter of the tire cutout (16 inches =406mm).  So, 406 +143.5+143.5=693mm or 27.3 inches.  The manufacture states 26.9 inches or 685mm.  The difference between the calculated value and the manufacture is most likely due to the way the tire bead seats on the wheel.

My .02 cents.

Hope it helps

Excellent explanation.  

[Brian]

I assume the tire size is the same regardless of country of origin? I hate all this stuff coming from China. Are there any manufacturing differences that anyone know of? France has done more for the US than China has. Oh wait, they keep us a float due to our government spending habits. If I had my choice I would go with France. Just my 2 cents.

[hoosier jaybird]

Thanks guys for your information. I bought my 99 I/S used so I don't know if the shocks are standard or not. How do you determine just how tall they are? Do you measure center to center in the bushings while the shock is at the relaxed position? They were set at 5 when I bought it but backed off to 3 since I ride solo. I do sometimes pull a trailer though. Jaybird.

[Denny47]

I am running the Dunlop Taxi Tire. OEM shocks on 2 and no rubbing, my weight is 185# and riding solo on my Tourer. Had been running on 3 but dropped to 2 just recently but thinking of going back to 3 just for piece of mind.

[PAVALKER]

I think the stock shocks on all models were 13inch.... but someone else can confirm that. 

I am running the Dunlop Taxi Tire. OEM shocks on 2 and no rubbing, my weight is 185# and riding solo on my Tourer. Had been running on 3 but dropped to 2 just recently but thinking of going back to 3 just for piece of mind.

Cool.... no rubbing at all underneath?  Did you look for rub marks?   That's promising.... but I have a few lbs on ya.   

[Denny47]

PAVALKER, I have been keeping an eye on the underside of the fender and have seen no rub marks at all. Can't see the complete underside of fender with my hard bags but the wiring and connection at the rear portion of the fender have no rubbing

[Skinhead]

If it rubs, your hear it.  Mine only rubs on a very hard bump.

[PAVALKER]

Once the temps get above freezing.... I will make time to get on the garage floor and check out the wiring a bit better.  I think the trailer hitch wiring needs moved off that light bump, to the side.  Then.... a warm up and some needed rain to wash away the salt for a test spin.  I am anxious.