Burlymugg

Hey guys, just wondering if any of you had experience with this. I would love to run a super skinny rear tire eventually, but i am not sure if there is any negative effect to having it the same size as the front tire or if that is even advisable. I love the look but want to keep it somewhat safe (i'm fine with a little bit of BS as the bike is just for fun around the neighborhood).

Will i have to get a larger rim? Can i easily swap the rear brakes? below are a couple of pics of what i'm shooting for. thanks in advance for any info dudes.

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JunkyardDog

I don't want to go that far, but I would like to use the same size rim and tire as the front, on the rear. I also love the look of the large diameter skinny tires of the old bikes. I see no reason why it could not be done, you would just have to have an 18" rim laced to the stock rear hub. The rim would probably have to be custom drilled to the same spoke pattern as the stock 15" rim, and the spokes would have to be longer. It would have an effect on handling, though I'm not sure what. It would have less traction, and with a narrower sidewall, it would be a slightly harsher ride. It might also lower the bikes weight capacity. But none of that would keep me from doing it, in fact it is a mod I have planned for some time in the future. Jerry.

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cagie

Another concern is finding a narrow REAR tire with the tread running the right direction. Not sure too many companies have those these days.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

JunkyardDog

On a bike as small as the Rebel, I would probably use a stock or similar front tire on the rear. The stock front tire is not directional. But like I said, that would probably lower the load capacity. I plan to do it anyway, just because I love the look. To me, that big fat rear tire and small diameter rear wheel is the biggest problem with the Rebels looks. I don't understand why people want to go with even fatter rear tires. Bobbers never used to have fat rear tires, check out the Hardknock 5150 bobber. The 200cc version has exactly the look I want, but is a bit small, and would be hard to make street legal in AZ. Once emissions goes away, it would be easy to put street legal equipment on it, but they don't come with a 17 digit VIN, which would be a major problem. Even my quad has a 17 digit VIN. Jerry.

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Burlymugg

thanks for the imput guys. do you think it would be cheaper to have the rims re-laced or does anyone sell a pre-made rear wheel in that size? i haven't been able to find any but i don't really know the best websites to check for wheels/tires. thanks again for the insight.

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JunkyardDog

Considering all the zillions of different motorcycle wheels the Japanese have made, I'm sure there are a few that would fit, but finding the right one would probably be a lot more of a hassle than just having one built, unless someone just happens to know.

You would have to find a drum brake rear wheel of the right rim diameter and width, the sprocket would have to line up with the front sprocket, the hub/brake assembly could not be any wider than the Rebel swing arm, but if it were narrower, it could be shimmed, the axle would also have to be the same diameter. Again the main thing being the sprocket would have to line up. Drum brakes are usually fairly easy to modify to fit anything, all you have is the linkage that activates the brake, and the torque arm, that keeps the drum backing plate from rotating. Jerry.

This is pretty much THE place for anything spoke wheel related. If they can't do it, nobody can. http://www.buchananspokes.net/

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Fridgitator

I don't think I'd want the stock front tire on the rear. I don't even like it on the front. I look forward to wearing it out! Having it on both front and back would have you dancing all over the road.

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'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.

JunkyardDog

It would certainly be an issue where there are rain grooves. We don't have those here, so it doesn't make any difference. There are a lot of other non ribbed front tires that could be used on the back, plus they make 18" street tires for the back wheels of dual sport bikes. When I bought my XT225 it had street tires on it. I wanted to use it for a trail bike, so I put DOT legal knobbies on it.

Using a larger diameter skinnier rear tire would definitely change handling, and you would have to get used to it. But it couldn't be any worse than these goofy looking "choppers" with a 300 tire on the back. IMO, those things simply aren't safe except in a straight line. I sure wouldn't want to ride one, my first crash would probably follow shortly thereafter. Jerry.

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LA_Geezer

Would the tread on a front tire run in the opposite direction, and if yes, then why?

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cagie

As I see it, it has to do with the bias of a tire and how a tire flexes that make them either front or rear. tread plays a part in grip and water expulsion. Then there is load rating and braking to consider.

I suppose it can be done and people have done it, but in my opinion it isn't safe to do so. However, that said, if you could find a tire with block or verticle tread and an offset center groove (for stability), then it will be a better bet.

YMMV

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'