I know the stock tire size is 150 80 r16. Can i fit a 180 70 r16.or any tire that is a little bit bigger???
I don't recommend it. The stock FJ rear rim is only 3.5" wide, which is very narrow by today's standards. That's why we modify.
A wider tire with a shorter sidewall, spooned on to a narrow rim, will pinch the tire and alter the contact profile.
Here's suggestion:
Go to the tire manufacturer's website and look up the minimum rim width for the tire size you desire.
For a 180/70-16 I'll bet you a jelly donut that it is not a 3.5" wide rim.
Why do you think you need bigger tires? With the stock wheels, your best set is to stay with the stock size tires. Trying to go wider will just distort the contact patch and probably degrade the handling.
Just curious, does anyone even make a 180 tire for a 16 inch wheel?
There are some pretty good Dunlop Harley tires in 160/80-16 to choose from. :-)
DavidR.
Reminds me....been meaning to ask....How many years and miles did you end up getting off that Harley tire David?
I'll have to check my records, but it was retired (har!) with useable life still in it.
DavidR.
Ah,the ole rear tire on the FJ dilemma !! I needed to replace the rear tire on my 90 FJ & bit the bullet on the 17" rear wheel conversion. Definitely worth the effort. MUCH better selection of tires & it transformed the way it handles. Look in the modifications section & you'll fine detailed posts on how to do it. I got a pristine YZF600 17 from fleabay & had a machinist of the mods. DO IT!!!!!!! you'll love it Paul
I agree with the other responders - definitely stick with the stock size tire. Putting a bigger tire on the stock rim gives no benefit whatsoever, and ruins the handling of the bike.
Modifying the bike for a different rim will give you the option for wider tires if you're dying to see a big fattie back there...
Good luck.
Joe
Actual raw contact patch isn't determined by tire size, but by the pressure within and the weight above.
Shape of the contact patch is determined by tire size and how it fits the wheel.
Go with the 17". It's worth it in pretty much every single way. If you've got the very first prototype show FJ, then maybe not, but for everyone else, absolutely.
I've been happy since I did my rear wheel conversion to accept wider rubber. To me a 150 tyre is just too skinny for the mighty FJ, and thats the main reason I did it, :yes: (Wider selection of tyres is a good reason as well)
Theres a link in my sig to show how easy it is if you decide to go that way.
Great looking swap xray. What year wheel did you use and can you explain what all id need for the swap...thanks man.
I put a 180/70/16 on my 93 fj and it was like driving a different bike altogether. It was a Dunlop, can´t remember the model but it was not ZR rated but as I was in Mexico, it was more than enough to travel less than 210 kph. I loved the handling of the bike, felt like a sportbike with a lot of power and handled corners with more attitude. I would recommend trying it unless you are using all of the FJs speed. I will be trying a ZR rated tire as soon as my Perelli Route wears out. Bridgestone 180/70ZR16 VTX http://swmotorubber.com/product_info.php?products_id=616 (http://swmotorubber.com/product_info.php?products_id=616)
How about a jack shaft and a really wide tire.....
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3593/3674091656_5be3f97a3c_b.jpg)
Honey, does this jack shaft make my ass look too big???