[Travman]

Hi guys. My name is Travis and I just picked up a 2007 Royal Enfield (pictures coming soon). My bike has rather large tires on it compared to other Royal Enfields that I have seen.  I like the look, but I'll need new tires soon. What is the largest size I can put on the front and back?  Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

[High On Octane]

Anything larger than a 3.5" wide front and 4.0" wide rear is overkill and just a fad.  Lots of people seem to be getting on the over-sized tire band wagon, but the truth is any tire that is too large for the wheel itself and the bike's geometry will actually hinder the cornering and ride quality of the bike.

[Travman]

Are the Dunlop K81's listed in NField gear too large?  They are listed as 4.10 x 19. Does the 4.10 denote the width? 

http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/aftermarket-parts-accessories/tires/dunlop-k81-tire.html#customer-reviews

[High On Octane]

Yes, 4.10 denotes the tire width is 4.10" wide.  It is pretty much as wide as you can go on the rear.  And I really doubt that big of tire will fit the front without rubbing the fork tubes.  Not sure what kind of tire you are specifically after, but the Shinko 705 tire is bad ass.  Excellent handling on dry and wet pavement and does very well in dirt too.  I've had them over 100mph on a 650 BMW and they were very stable, have also gone down dirt trails/roads at 45mph comfortably.  It's only downfall is it gets slippery in actual mud.  Hands down the best dual sport tire I have ever run on a bike, not to mention the price is fantastic.

http://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/shinko-705-motorcycle-tire

[Travman]

Here is my first Royal Enfield. I'm not sure what size tires are on the bike right now. Part of the deal of buying this bike is that the shop is going to put new tires on it. I figured they would simply replace the tires with what was on there, but evidently they don't have a source for those tires. So they called me earlier and asked if I had a preference.

[ace.cafe]

Are the Dunlop K81's listed in NField gear too large?  They are listed as 4.10 x 19. Does the 4.10 denote the width? 

http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/aftermarket-parts-accessories/tires/dunlop-k81-tire.html#customer-reviews

K81 is an unusual vintage sport tire with a "trigonic" shape. Probably not the best choice for a military.
K70 would be the typical Dunlop brand choice for that bike.

[Bullet Whisperer]

A 3.60 section tyre is equal to the old 3.25 [inch] or 90/90size.
A 4.10 section tyre is equal to the old 3.50 [inch] or 100/90size.
A 4.00 [inch] section tyre is wider than a 4.10 and around the same as a 4.25/85 or 110/90 and is probably the widest likely to fit a Bullet [rear].
 B.W.

[tooseevee]

Here is my first Royal Enfield. I'm not sure what size tires are on the bike right now. Part of the deal of buying this bike is that the shop is going to put new tires on it. I figured they would simply replace the tires with what was on there, but evidently they don't have a source for those tires. So they called me earlier and asked if I had a preference.

            Can you reach the pedals yet?       

             Good luck with it.

[Superchuck]

"a 4.10 and around the same as a 4.25/85 or 110/90 and is probably the widest likely to fit a Bullet [rear]."

BW, would that (largest) tire size also fit the front? My forks and front fender are stock Electra 2009.

Thanks!

[Bullet Whisperer]

"a 4.10 and around the same as a 4.25/85 or 110/90 and is probably the widest likely to fit a Bullet [rear]."

BW, would that (largest) tire size also fit the front? My forks and front fender are stock Electra 2009.

Thanks!

Hi Superchuck,
 If all the standard fittings are on the front, I think a 3.50, 4.10 or 100 section tyre [all much the same as each other] might even be a bit of a squeeze over the standard 3.25 [also 3.60, or 90 section] tyre size.
 Without a front mudguard, we got these fat 18" diameter tyres onto this bobber - from memory, they were 4.25's.
 B.W.
 Edit - just checked here and they must have been the 130/80/18 size ...
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.eu/dunlop_uk/mc/tyres/on_off_road/K180.jsp

[Superchuck]

Cool thanks for the info. That's a good lookin bike... I'm nearing 10k and expecting to have to replace my stock tires soon. Front tread is getting pretty low. Rear has some life left to it but I'd want to replace them both whenever I do. I know it's a trend but that's the style my Electra's becoming. Don't want to lose the front fender altogether so may have to look into other options.

[boggy]

I have the Dunlop K70's on the front and rear.  Both are 3.5 and the front fender stays BARELY clears the tire.  The fender itself has enough room but the space between the fender stays and the tire is tight.  I seriously doubt the 4.0 would fit with the stock fender on.  There are two pics of them on my bike here:

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,10916.msg177285.html#msg177285

[AgentX]

Anything larger than a 3.5" wide front and 4.0" wide rear is overkill and just a fad.  Lots of people seem to be getting on the over-sized tire band wagon, but the truth is any tire that is too large for the wheel itself and the bike's geometry will actually hinder the cornering and ride quality of the bike.

Can a true 4.0 even fit on the rear?  (The K81 4.10 are measured differently, from what I understand).  The Heidenau K34 comes in a 19"x4...always figured it was too fat for the swingarm.

[Adrian II]

Some 4.00" tires will partly fit, that is with the rear wheel at the farthest end of its adjustment, but will not allow the wheel to be adjusted fully forward. The Avon AM26 4.00"x18" being a good example, the actual width of the one I tried on my project bike was more like 4.375".  (Replaced by a 100/90x18).  Check the tire manufacturers' web sites for the actual width, 4.00" = 101.6mm.

Some nice features on BW's Asbo custom, there's the basis of a great-looking flat tracker in there.

Regards,

A.

[Superchuck]

Quick question- don't our avl Electra's have 19 inch wheels?

[armando_chavez]

Mine has 19 inch wheels. i think some people switch there wheels out for 18 because there are more tire options but dont quote me on that

[ace.cafe]

Quick question- don't our avl Electra's have 19 inch wheels?

Yes.
Some people change to 18" rear.

[Superchuck]

Gotcha thanks!

[barenekd]

quick answer- yes

How come so many of you seem to have bikes at hand and don't look at the tires? You'd  think that know one knows how to read. the tires that are on the bike have all the info you need about what size they are what rims they fit and who makes them. You may need to measure the tire to get actual sizes, but if they are on your bike you should have a pretty good idea whether they fit or not! Some of the bike tire manufacturers have charts online that will give you the actual measurements and rim sizes that the tires are made for. These Enfields have WM2 rims and the size of tires generally accepted for that particular rim is 3.50. Anything bigger is squeezed by the rim and is misshapened which increases the diameter, which can cause the tire to run out of room if they are adjusted full forward. The 4.00 sized rims are WM3s
Bare

[barenekd]

Please excuse the diatribe. Had a bad day!
Bare

[Techmaven]

Yes.
Some people change to 18" rear.

Is it a straight forward swap? I'd do that before looking for a suitable 19 rear again.

[High On Octane]

Is it a straight forward swap? I'd do that before looking for a suitable 19 rear again.

Pretty much!  Just find yourself a used (or new I suppose) assembled 18" wheel and you're good to go.  Keep in mind switching from a 19" to an 18" rear wheel will shorten your overall gearing.  So you may want to consider installing a larger front sprocket in the future as well.  But, depending on your riding style, habits and roads, you may not even notice a difference, so maybe not.  If you're an aggressive rider but don't do a lot of highway you'll probably like it the swap as is.  Just something to keep in mind.