Been monitoring the CT vs MT debate for quite some time - for a couple of different bikes. But, the thread going on right now about the F6B going down in Oklahoma due to blowout really has my attention.
My problem is that I have already installed shorter shocks and really don't want to lose additional ride height by adding a car tire. I am assuming they're pretty much all lower profile. Is that correct? I'm currently running Avon Cobras.
No, not correct.
A 60 series car tire is very close to rear OE bike tire height.
A 55 series car tire is some 1/4-1/3"* shorter than OE tire height.
A 65 series car tire is about that much* taller than OE tires (and the Austone Taxitire 175 is about the same height as a 65)
Just how short are your shocks (and how old)? And are they rebound adjustable? (if so, they might need cranked a bit tighter to avoid a tire rub; a harder ride is preferable to a chronic rub)
12.5" shocks should not make any difference. Lower than that, I dunno. The nut cage mod will be necessary, except maybe not for the Taxitire (dunno).
Usual rubbing is around the outer edge corner on the sidewall, not the tire center. Shorter shocks that are newer and tightly sprung may not center rub (unless you add a bunch of weight on the back). Shorter shocks will have less travel and are more tightly sprung than OE 13" shocks (at least when new/er).
If you lose your tail lights, it's a good indicator that the tire rubbed the wiring in the center of the rear fender. My wiring was rubbed (but never lost lights), but probably before I bought the bike. I fixed, shrink wrapped, and stuck the wiring up tight as possible, at the same time I put my first CT on the back of that bike, and have never rubbed since. I run 60 series CTs and 13 & 12.5" shocks.
