Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner Need Advice...........

Guys I have been buying parts to build a custom for three months now(rather pay out right than borrow the money). It's been slow going but I won't owe the bank anything when it's done. What I need from you guys is advice on what size tire you would run if you were building it. I am thinking of 200 to 240 range. The frame I had welded is a swing arm and so now I need to chose which tire size and purchase the swing arm. Any help would be appreciated......Angelis....PS, without going into detail, modifications/fabrications were made so I could run wider tires.

It's your ride. Go with what you feel. My 2 cents (for what it's worth) would be 200 or a little smaller. I am not into big racing slicks for the back tire. That's what the Wide tires remind me of. MHO

I agree with staying away from the super wide tires, but it really depends on the look you are going for.

200 seems like a nice round number, big enough to separate it from stock, but not make it look like a fatass, ya know? I'm assuming this is a bonnie motor... so if you go too big, it will look out of place with the rest of the bike. I saw a V-rod with a wide rear tire and it looked kinda funny.

For what its worth, I'm a fan of skinny tire bikes.
It really depends on you fender width. You'll want enough tire to fill up your fender.
Again, its your bike.

My personal opinion- no bigger than a 200. Fat tire bike don't handle as well. Plus, I think the skinny "old school" look is making a comeback.

i also say 200 would be perfect

Frank

If you go much over 200, you will have to work too hard on corners. Fatter tires are good for show or drag racing, but terrible for riding.

hi kevin here nearly finishing my custom ta, polished and chromed my swingarm, you can go to a 200 tyre, if you buy a 5 1/2 inch rim and have it laced to your hub it will just about fit with a 200, with 1/4 inch gap either side of swing arm, i have gone wider on the front of mine for now laced up a 31/2inch rim, instead of the 21/2inch which is standard so i can get a 130 tyre on instead of 110, 240 looks nice but handling tends to suffer as you go above 200 once lowered and fitted with a 200, the bike looks just right i think check out fryguys photos hes done it, good luck kevin

Thanks guys, you all have been a big help. I think I will go with a 200.......Angelis

Check out the photos that FRYGUY has posted. He has a 200 series rear tire and it should give you a very good idea what it will look like on your bike.

try a 340 thats big looks cool