Rear Tire/Service Question

[Mitchapalooza]

Hey Folks,

Perusing through Craigslist, I found a brand new Dunlop E3 (rear) tire for sale at a great price.  The size is 160/80B-16 (80H) Dunlop Elite 3 Bias-Ply.  I know that is not what I have on there currently/OEM size.  Not wanting to effect height/RPM much, would this size work on my 98' standard?  My original Dunlop E3 looks like it is having, as far as I can tell, a rubbing problem on a bolt inside the wheel well.  While this probably doesn't effect the performance of the tire and probably only happens while riding 2up, it still doesn't look great or give me much comfort. 


The other thing I was considering was removing the rear wheel myself and servicing the rear splines while I'm at it.  I have a few hydraulic jacks and a locking front wheel stand, so I'm thinking I could probably jack the bike up without having a bike lift.  I also have multiple sets of O-rings to service the rear end and a Clymer Manual.  I figured I could dremel down the hardware affecting the tire while I'm in there.  How difficult is this process (I'm pretty handy) and would you recommend giving it a go or taking it in somewhere?  I live in Fort Worth if you think there's a shop that is worth taking it to.

Thanks!

[John Schmidt]

Stock size is larger, I wouldn't use it, too small for the rear. Plus, without looking at it you don't know how old it is. It can be "new" and never used, but still be old shelf stock. If it was 4-5 years old and still considered "new" I'd pass real quick.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Stock size is larger, I wouldn't use it, too small for the rear. Plus, without looking at it you don't know how old it is. It can be "new" and never used, but still be old shelf stock. If it was 4-5 years old and still considered "new" I'd pass real quick.

+1, and I would under your fender for where its rubbing. Probably the bracket where the wiring gets tucked into . Shouldn't need to be dremeling anything with stock tire on it.

[vanagon40]

The OEM size is 180/70R16.  A 160/80B16 would be slightly taller, but not as wide.  Here are the comparison numbers:



Personally, I would ignore unsubstantiated comments of too short, too tall, too wide, too small.  However, John Schmidt raises a valid point regarding the age of the tire, although not responsive to your question.