1500 Classic Tire size upgrade

Spiff · 07-03-2006

I want to go to a wider tire on my 05 1500 classic. I have searched the threads for reference to anyone actually going to a wider tire on the 1500 classic. I can find threads in reference to the Meanie, the 1600 and the 800. But little more than opinion for the 1500. I have read somewhere that people have put a 180 on the rear with out problems. I have gone over the tire manufactureres website but they are not specific, which is understandable due to liablility issues.

I think i have room for a 180.
Has anyone put a larger tire on the rear of their 1500 classic? If so, are you satisfied. What would you change, if at all?

If there are previous threads posted in reference to my question already, I'm sorry. I coudn't find them.

rbentnail · 07-04-2006

I was hoping you'd get an informed answer. I have to get a new rear tire and wouldn't mind going up in size. Looks like we're on our own on this one......

Night Flight · 07-04-2006

If the 1500 Nomad is the same width as my 1600 you might look at the Metzler 180 radial. My bike rides great and I have plenty of room between the tire and drive shaft. This oversize tire also ride much better, bumps are less pronounced with the radial rear.
Wayne
Night Flight

Billy D. · 07-05-2006

How much wider is the 180 than the stock tire? I'm interestested in going wider myself.

Night Flight · 07-05-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy D.

How much wider is the 180 than the stock tire? I'm interestested in going wider myself.

Billy D., which bike are you riding? The 1600 Nomad can use this tire, I couldn't really tell the difference in them, I could still put a finger between the tire and drive shaft. Hope this info helps.
Wayne
Night Flight

Billy D. · 07-05-2006

Wayne, I ride the 1500 classic fi. A machanic told me that the fi has the Nomad frame to accomadate the computer box.

Spiff · 07-05-2006

Night Flight, thanks for the info. I have a friend close by that rides an '04 Nomad 1500. I will grab the trusty tape measure and see how it compares to the 05 1500 FI just to be sure. Sounds good too me though.

Rbentnail, when i get the info I will let you know.

Billy D. the stock tire on a 1500 Classic is a 150 or 150 mm. The 180 is supposed to be 30 MM wider but that can vary a little by manufacturer and application.

I will post when i get more info.
If anyone else any info re: tire size upgrades on the 1500 Classic then please respond.

Thanks

Billy D. · 07-05-2006

Thanks Spiff

Spiff · 07-25-2006

I only found sparse info on tire size upgrades for the 1500. The Metzeler site has a stage 1 upgrade to a 160/80/16. One, it cost over 50 buck more(up here anyway) and two,is not a stock item. Alas, I have gone with the 150. I measured a nomad but there is little difference. Oh well, next tire i will jump up a size.
Just thought i'd let you guys know.

hossman · 07-26-2006

I'm from newfoundland myself ,burin to be exact. What year is your bike and can you post a pic or two

anrfknm · 07-26-2006

the kawasaki/delphi forums have model specific info. from what i've read the 160/80/16 is the biggest you can put on. i ran one and didn't like the subtle changes.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/mai...%2Fk awvulcan

07-03-2006	#1 (permalink)
Spiff Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: C.B.S. Newfoundland, Canada Posts: 8	1500 Classic Tire size upgrade I want to go to a wider tire on my 05 1500 classic. I have searched the threads for reference to anyone actually going to a wider tire on the 1500 classic. I can find threads in reference to the Meanie, the 1600 and the 800. But little more than opinion for the 1500. I have read somewhere that people have put a 180 on the rear with out problems. I have gone over the tire manufactureres website but they are not specific, which is understandable due to liablility issues. I think i have room for a 180. Has anyone put a larger tire on the rear of their *1500 classic*? If so, are you satisfied. What would you change, if at all? If there are previous threads posted in reference to my question already, I'm sorry. I coudn't find them.

07-04-2006	#2 (permalink)
rbentnail Formerly a Kaw owner Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Asheboro, NC Posts: 3,794	I was hoping you'd get an informed answer. I have to get a new rear tire and wouldn't mind going up in size. Looks like we're on our own on this one...... __________________ Russ On an foot-draggin' 07 Yamaha FJR

07-04-2006	#3 (permalink)
Night Flight TEXAS PATRIOT GUARD BTK Expert Join Date: May 2005 Location: South Texas - Rio Grand Valley Posts: 857	If the 1500 Nomad is the same width as my 1600 you might look at the Metzler 180 radial. My bike rides great and I have plenty of room between the tire and drive shaft. This oversize tire also ride much better, bumps are less pronounced with the radial rear. Wayne Night Flight __________________ Blue/Silver 2005 Nomad VROC # 17291 Phat II Risers AM/FM CD MP3 Garmin GPS Midland CB

07-26-2006	#10 (permalink)
hossman ram's lum anyone ?? BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: british columbia, canada Posts: 314	hey spiff I'm from newfoundland myself ,burin to be exact. What year is your bike and can you post a pic or two

07-26-2006	#11 (permalink)
anrfknm humble pie consumer BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: california mountains Posts: 3,538	the kawasaki/delphi forums have model specific info. from what i've read the 160/80/16 is the biggest you can put on. i ran one and didn't like the subtle changes. http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/mai...%2Fk awvulcan __________________ vroc #13815 - rolling blunder #182 AMA member http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/anrfknm Last edited by anrfknm : 07-26-2006 at 08:06 AM.

07-05-2006	#4 (permalink)
Billy D. Loves Burning Rice! Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SouthEast Georgia Posts: 3,286	How much wider is the 180 than the stock tire? I'm interestested in going wider myself.

07-05-2006	#6 (permalink)
Billy D. Loves Burning Rice! Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SouthEast Georgia Posts: 3,286	Wayne, I ride the 1500 classic fi. A machanic told me that the fi has the Nomad frame to accomadate the computer box.

07-05-2006	#7 (permalink)
Spiff Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: C.B.S. Newfoundland, Canada Posts: 8	Night Flight, thanks for the info. I have a friend close by that rides an '04 Nomad 1500. I will grab the trusty tape measure and see how it compares to the 05 1500 FI just to be sure. Sounds good too me though. Rbentnail, when i get the info I will let you know. Billy D. the stock tire on a 1500 Classic is a 150 or 150 mm. The 180 is supposed to be 30 MM wider but that can vary a little by manufacturer and application. I will post when i get more info. If anyone else any info re: tire size upgrades on the 1500 Classic then please respond. Thanks

07-05-2006	#8 (permalink)
Billy D. Loves Burning Rice! Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SouthEast Georgia Posts: 3,286	Thanks Spiff

07-25-2006	#9 (permalink)
Spiff Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: C.B.S. Newfoundland, Canada Posts: 8	I only found sparse info on tire size upgrades for the 1500. The Metzeler site has a stage 1 upgrade to a 160/80/16. One, it cost over 50 buck more(up here anyway) and two,is not a stock item. Alas, I have gone with the 150. I measured a nomad but there is little difference. Oh well, next tire i will jump up a size. Just thought i'd let you guys know.

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