200 rear tire?

[rafalc]

Shopping for new tires. Previous owner had a 200 rear and you can see marks on the tire where it rubbed on the right side of the swingarm. Interesting part is that I see about .25" space between the tire and swingarm. Maybe his pressure was low or had a passenger on which made the tire squish, expand, and rub?

Anyway, I would like to get a new 200 tire, I like the wider look but am I asking for trouble? Any of you ride 2 up on a 200 with stock swingarm with no issues?

[SCain]

Its probably not the swing arm, I run a 205 CT and it does not touch the swing arm.
You need to do the nut cage mod up under the fender for the wider tire, look in shoptalk I believe there is an article there from Daniel Myer.

[Foozle]

05-07

I run a Cobra Chrome 200 on the back of one of my Valks - and before that, a Bridgestone BattlAx of the same dimensions.  Riding one up, @ 40 psi, and with the nut cage modification, I've had no issues in many miles.  However, I don't seem to get quite the same longevity out of the wider rear tires - maybe 7-8K.  I like the look and performance, though.

YMMV.

Terry

[Jess from VA]

I has been noted by others that the 200 doesn't get the miles of the 180 (and it may actually have just a bit less tread depth).

Handling should be no issue.

But cost is likely higher for a reduced-miles tire.

[rafalc]

Its probably not the swing arm, I run a 205 CT and it does not touch the swing arm.
You need to do the nut cage mod up under the fender for the wider tire, look in shoptalk I believe there is an article there from Daniel Myer.

Thanks - just went to look at the nut cage of the now removed fender and it does look a little bent.

[Foozle]

I has been noted by others that the 200 doesn't get the miles of the 180 (and it may actually have just a bit less tread depth).

Handling should be no issue.

But cost it likely higher for a reduced-miles tire.

Actually, I was fully prepared to return back to a 180 rear tire (I'm not a CT guy) - but got such a steal on another 200 I decided to continue.  To be clear: The only major difference, IMHO, is aesthetic:  It fills out the back fender much better.  Handling is a negligible improvement (more related to tire brand than size) and longevity is a slight negative.  I don't regret making the necessary (minor) mods, but there are many other "upgrades" more worthy of the effort.  My 0.02.

Terry

[John Schmidt]

I find it strange some of you got less mileage with a 200. When I was running them on the Valk I was getting well in excess of 10k miles, at least 12k most times. A couple were cut short due to major road hazard damage but both were already at over 5k with plenty of rubber left. I always carried 42psi.

[rafalc]

Actually, I was fully prepared to return back to a 180 rear tire (I'm not a CT guy) - but got such a steal on another 200 I decided to continue.  To be clear: The only major difference, IMHO, is aesthetic:  It fills out the back fender much better.  Handling is a negligible improvement (more related to tire brand than size) and longevity is a slight negative.  I don't regret making the necessary (minor) mods, but there are many other "upgrades" more worthy of the effort.  My 0.02.

Terry
[/quote]

Speaking of "other upgrades". My '98 is completely apart going though a frame off resto/customization so now is the perfect time to think about any additional upgrades/mods. I'm going for a stripped, light-weight bike with lots of get up. Anything you can suggest?

[Foozle]

05-08

Apart from doing internal mods to the engine (i.e., Attic Rat), swapping out the well-made (but heavy!) OEM exhaust with a lighter aftermarket set is a good way to shed some pounds on the Fat Lady.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure what options are still available outside the used market.

Supercharging is another option to boost performance, but the $$ to HP gain is not cheap.

A lot, I suppose, depends on your mechanical ability.  Mine is limited.  Some guys claim HP increases with air box modifications and/or carburetor re-jetting.  Perhaps they can chime in with details.

Good luck - it looks like a neat project.

Terry

[psckam]

The fat lady is mighty fast with no mods, fast enough to put you in a six foot hole if you aren't  careful. :

[Oss]

Liked the battleaxe 200 but loved the exedra which was also bridgestone

Almost as much tread on the ground as a car tire and was awesome in the pouring rain at speed.

and it did not care about the deep ruts in so many local roads

Got around 11000 miles on both

Waiting to wear out the e3 still      that I got on the way back from Spearfish inzane

[turtle254]

which tire was "Almost as much tread on the ground as a car tire" Oss
and I assume it clears the swing arm (200/60 -16)

[Chrisj CMA]

05-07

I run a Cobra Chrome 200 on the back of one of my Valks - and before that, a Bridgestone BattlAx of the same dimensions.  Riding one up, @ 40 psi, and with the nut cage modification, I've had no issues in many miles.  However, I don't seem to get quite the same longevity out of the wider rear tires - maybe 7-8K.  I like the look and performance, though.

YMMV.

Terry

If I was getting less than 10K miles on a M/C tire I would go dark side for sure!