Rear tire clearance problem

[CSXfan]

Hi all,

Since you helped me so much with my last problem, I thought I'd ask another .

I have an '81 Kawasaki CSR 250 and I just noticed a (hopefully not too serious) problem with the rear tire. The tire has about a 3mm clearance between the chain on one side and on the other side there is 4mm clearance between the tire and the frame. There is some wear where the tire has obviously rubbed against the frame, and one can see where the tire has also rubbed against the chain. I'm pretty sure that this is the stock tire, but I'm not 100% positive. It doesn't seem to be affecting operation but I don't think it's very good for the tire. I'll try to post some pics later tonight. Is this normal for this bike? Is there a fix or should I just live with it? Any ideas and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

[Nessism]

Originally Posted by CSXfan

Hi all,

Since you helped me so much with my last problem, I thought I'd ask another .

I have an '81 Kawasaki CSR 250 and I just noticed a (hopefully not too serious) problem with the rear tire. The tire has about a 3mm clearance between the chain on one side and on the other side there is 4mm clearance between the tire and the frame. There is some wear where the tire has obviously rubbed against the frame, and one can see where the tire has also rubbed against the chain. I'm pretty sure that this is the stock tire, but I'm not 100% positive. It doesn't seem to be affecting operation but I don't think it's very good for the tire. I'll try to post some pics later tonight. Is this normal for this bike? Is there a fix or should I just live with it? Any ideas and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

I'd be very surprised if it's the stock tire. Many people go too wide in the interest of a more substantional "look".

[StarGate]

Kaw has this listed at original tire. 460S-16 Y987

[CSXfan]

Originally Posted by StarGate

Kaw has this listed at original tire. 460S-16 Y987

Sorry for the stupid question, but where would I find these numbers? On the rim or on the tire itself?

[CSXfan]

Here are a few pics, sorry for the lousy quality.







BTW, these pics were taken with the rear wheel off the ground. The situation doesn't change much when the rear wheel is supporting the bike.

[CSXfan]

Oops, double post. Sorry!

[StarGate]

Would have to get a conversion chart to compare it to what you have on the bike. That 120/90-16 is def too big for the bike. My KZ1000 is supposed to run with a 120 or 130/90-16. Here is what your bike came with. I'm not sure where you can find a conversion chart to convert the 4.60-S 16.

[CSXfan]

Thanks for the reply StarGate. At least now I know that I didn't mess it up any more than the previous owner did . Since it's not causing too much of a problem, is it alright to keep it how it is? I mean, it does look pretty good with the wider tire. The ware on the tire isn't too bad, and it only hits the chain when there is too much slack. Could I just keep an eye on it and ride it like this?

[StarGate]

As long as the sidewalls are not damaged then you would probably be ok to run it. If it ever rubs enough to damage the sidewall I would change it immediately though.