Does size matter that much?

[mini-thumper]

The Continental Escape on the back of my XTZ660 was looking a bit thin tread wise so I thought it prudent, given the Autumn leaves and increased moisture around, to replace it. After much electric interweb info. munching I decided to replace it with a 130/80-17 Avon Gripster (predecessor of the Distenza). The manual, and Wemoto, recommended a 120/90-17 but I know that 130/80-17 is near enough to make no difference (20mm ride height). Tyre arrives from Busters and looks good. In an idol moment I decide to compare the new tyre with the old one (still on bike) and have one of those "Phuuuuuuuuuuck!" moments when I catch sight of the tyre size 4.10-18, "Phuuuuuuuuuuck!" again. I knew that the bike had a fancy replacement rear wheel but assumed, obviously wrongly, that it was the same size. Don't understand why, unless he already had it hanging around, he changed the rim for something that offered less tyre options.

So my question is:

Do you think it's possible to fit a 17" tyre onto an 18" rim successfully? Or should I just bite the bullet and send it back for a replacement?

Boyd 

[Ian]

Boyd, your life depends on that piece of rubber on the back wheel...Bite the bullet and send it back. Alternatively..replace the rim with the correct one!

(Probably wont fit anyway)

HTH

Ian

[Mark]

Or should I just bite the bullet and send it back for a replacement?

Boyd 

Swallow the bullet, save face with Busters and for safety concerns of course give me the tyre and buy the correct one.

Couldn't you have waited until Stafford to pick up a bargain.

[Steve H]

Don't understand why, unless he already had it hanging around, he changed the rim for something that offered less tyre options.

Its a while since I bought any off road tyres, but 18" was a standard size for trials tyres and I'm pretty sure enduro tyres were 18" as well, so fitting an 18" wheel gives a much wider choice of tyres (no pun intended)

[andy230]

Boyd

Don't think it'll fit anyway.  However, having seen a guy on a bandit get a blowout just as he passed me (i was scimotoring up to scotland), and the subsequent "brown-panting" its just not worth it.

He (amazinly) held it, didn't drop it, but he and I both stopped (fast lane!), I stopped the traffic, levered him of the bike, pushed it to the hard sholder, phoned his mate, rolled him a fag an phuqued off north.

Not worth it.....  and I'm noted for my "fiscal prudence"....

a

[trophydave]

Boyd,trust me,it isn't going fit.I have a Mitas EO7 17'' rear here if you are stuck.I also have a 21'' TKC 80 if anyone is interested.

Edit:it would have helped if I had read the original posting properly,my spare 17'' rear tyre is no use to you.

[guest1120]

So my question is:

Do you think it's possible to fit a 17" tyre onto an 18" rim successfully? Or should I just bite the bullet and send it back for a replacement?

Boyd 

Hello??? A 17" tyre onto an 18" rim??? Should you really be riding a motorcycle? In fact, should you even be allowed out without supervision!!!!

You may get away with fitting a slightly wider or narrower tyre onto a rim as all rims have a little leeway in width of tyres, but fitting a smaller diameter tyre onto a larger diameter rim? I had to read your question several times to make sure you were serious!!!!! 

[guest833]

With you there longdog all the way!!!!!

[Mark]

I thought Boyd was taking the mick, I didn't want to be the first to bite.

Mark

[mini-thumper]

All sorted now minus £17 for postage. Couldn't wait for a bargain at Stafford as a slick tyre on damp road/leaves everyday to work was giving my tea towel holder a nervous twitch. Went for a knobblier Bridgestone Trailwing AM28 as we're expecting snow in the near future.

Boyd

[Fuzz]

4.10 x 18 =  350        3 & 1/2" wide , as fitted to XT125 !

Which I would think is TOO small !!!

I would go at least 400 x 18    as fitted to the earlier XT500.....

[el vencejo]

4.10 should be fine; its only about 5mm narrower than a 4.00 with a lower profile (it has 85% profile, about 2cm less diameter than a 4.00, which has nearly 100% aspect ratio).

3 links which give masses of information about tyre dimensions, loading etc:

http://www.conti-bike.co.uk/default.asp?pid=1
http://www.avonmotorcycle.com/
http://www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/WheelTab.htm

try fitting an 18" tyre to a 17" rim..... slips on nice and easy