maybe a dumb question

[spivester]

I've got a 83 gl1100 with the tubeless wheels.  I've been told by someone who seems knowledgeable  that there are no car tires that will fit my rear wheel.  I wanted to go to you experts before I give up completely on the following idea:  I've got a spare rear wheel, better than average riding skills (old time racer) and I wanted to run the bike and car tires back to back for a comparison over a varied course. The bike calls for a 140-90-16 --Am I out of luck?

Spivester

[Bob E.]

You're not likely to find the exact same size car tire as the bike tire.  For example, the Valk rear tire is a 180/70-16, but we buy a 205/60-16 car tire.  It's a little wider, but real close on overall diameter.

Just looking at tirerack.com and searching by wheel diameter, the narrowest 16" tire available is a 175/55, which is about 23.6" diameter and about 6.9" wide.  By comparison, your tire is 140/90-16, which is 25.9" diameter, but only 5.5" wide.  These aren't even close.  So your friend is probably right...you're probably not going to find a car tire near that size.

[mrflamewerks]

I've got a 83 gl1100 with the tubeless wheels.  I've been told by someone who seems knowledgeable  that there are no car tires that will fit my rear wheel.  I wanted to go to you experts before I give up completely on the following idea:  I've got a spare rear wheel, better than average riding skills (old time racer) and I wanted to run the bike and car tires back to back for a comparison over a varied course. The bike calls for a 140-90-16 --Am I out of luck?

Spivester

You're pretty much out of luck. I have an '83 'Wing as well and looked into running a car tire. I couldn't find anything that would fit, and I did a very thorough search. Quite frankly tho' even if I'd have found one, I don't think I'd of done the mod, and I'm a big fan of Darksiding Valks. (2 Valks both DS). The older wings are lighter and have a much shorter wheel base, along with several other factors that IMHO make it a poor choice for a Darkside mod.

[spivester]

Thanks for all the great info, guys.  I'm new to wings and just absolutely love the bike.  I rode a bunch prior to getting the wing, but now I find myself riding all the time.  What a great machine.

Spivester