Tire vs. rim width

[Y2KRKNG]

It was new tire time for my Early TC RoadKing. Pulling off a Comm II 150/80/16(only measures 147mm wide) and shopping for a replacement. The Service Manager at one of these "All Brand Dealers" stated 1st that "the Comm II is not getting the high mileage when mated to a heavy touring bike" so offered the E3 to me. That was fine by me. HOWEVER he also told me that a tire closer to the stock 130/90/16 will actually give a better contact patch because it sits more naturally on the 3.5" rim and the 150 have to be squeezed with creates more of a peak at the tread end of things.

What say you?

[1Techno]

I believe him.  I have seen much wider tires put on that measure narrower.

[koko3052]

He is correct. Putting a wider tire on the same rim will only give you a taller tire. Wider tire= wider rim.

[Wicked]

I believe him.  I have seen much wider tires put on that measure narrower.

Correct to some extent - different manufacturers have different widths for the same stated measurements. All are within 1/4" mostly....

He is correct. Putting a wider tire on the same rim will only give you a taller tire. Wider tire= wider rim.

Yes and....  HD uses the same rim (3.5") for both the 130 and the 150. Not saying it's right, but both fall within the tire builders specs.

It was new tire time for my Early TC RoadKing. Pulling off a Comm II 150/80/16(only measures 147mm wide) and shopping for a replacement. The Service Manager at one of these "All Brand Dealers" stated 1st that "the Comm II is not getting the high mileage when mated to a heavy touring bike" so offered the E3 to me. That was fine by me. HOWEVER he also told me that a tire closer to the stock 130/90/16 will actually give a better contact patch because it sits more naturally on the 3.5" rim and the 150 have to be squeezed with creates more of a peak at the tread end of things.

What say you?

This is where opinions come in....   I'd take the Comm II over the E3 any day, for mileage and handling. If you have to have a Dunlop, consider the "American Elite" instead.
As above - on a stock rim either the 130 or 150 will work fine.

[92flhtcu]

As stated, width is, what it is, differs from mfg to mfg and it does fall within mfg specs. However, he did you no favor by selling you a E3

[Y2KRKNG]

That was my fault. I believe he was stating that the American Elite was going to do a better job on my RoadKing but when it came time to grab some off the rack the E3s where the only ones available. To be honest I thought they were the same

[PoorUB]

What is the problem with the Elite III's? I used to run on my '05 and thought they were a great tire. Many here ran them and liked them. Did they suddenly fall out of favor?

[tmwmoose]

Your factory 16" wheels are only 3.00" wide not 3.50"

[klammer76]

Your factory 16" wheels are only 3.00" wide not 3.50"

As moose stated, early model stock rims are 3.00" On my 2002 FLH, 3" rim, 150/80-16 Avon Venom & Dunlop American Elite both measured 149mm. My current Michelin Comander II 150/80-16 measures 145mm. Hated the American Elites. Loved the Venom but no mileage. Commander II's are new but so far like them just wish it was a tad wider.

[Y2KRKNG]

Good to know I have about three sets of wagon wheels I need to start checking the width

[04 SE Deuce]

There is truth to running a smaller or proper tire for corner patch/grip.  Old school production class road racers would drop a width on the rear to get a better patch for cornering grip.  Dunlop even states that a narrower rim reduces contact patch whether cornering or braking.

You must have gotten a MU90B16 E3 which is a 140mm width for use only on a 3" rim.  I would think the E3 is a decent tire in this application.  Also regardless of the 90 designation the 25.72" diameter is the OEM diameter.

[kd]

There is truth to running a smaller or proper tire for corner patch/grip.  Old school production class road racers would drop a width on the rear to get a better patch for cornering grip.  Dunlop even states that a narrower rim reduces contact patch whether cornering or braking.

You must have gotten a MU90B16 E3 which is a 140mm width for use only on a 3" rim.  I would think the E3 is a decent tire in this application.  Also regardless of the 90 designation the 25.72" diameter is the OEM diameter.

I thought the MU85 was 140 and the MU90 is a 130. I run MU85's in place of the MU90's on the rear of 2 1998 touring bikes.

[04 SE Deuce]

I thought the MU85 was 140 and the MU90 is a 130. I run MU85's in place of the MU90's on the rear of 2 1998 touring bikes.

Yes "U" designates 140mm width.  Possibly your thinking MT90 which is 130mm width.     

MU90 isn't as common as MU85 in fact I don't know of any of tire brand/models that use MU90B16 other than Dunlop Elite 3.  Dunlop lumps MU85 and MU90 together as 140/90.   

Example:  MU85B16 American Elite measures basically the same as a MU90B16 Elite 3 for width and diameter.

[hbkeith]

What is the problem with the Elite III's? I used to run on my '05 and thought they were a great tire. Many here ran them and liked them. Did they suddenly fall out of favor?

I liked the E3 better than the American Elites I'm running now on my RK

[kd]

I thought the MU85 was 140 and the MU90 is a 130. I run MU85's in place of the MU90's on the rear of 2 1998 touring bikes.

Yes "U" designates 140mm width.  Possibly your thinking MT90 which is 130mm width.     

MU90 isn't as common as MU85 in fact I don't know of any of tire brand/models that use MU90B16 other than Dunlop Elite 3.  Dunlop lumps MU85 and MU90 together as 140/90.   

Example:  MU85B16 American Elite measures basically the same as a MU90B16 Elite 3 for width and diameter.

Well there you go.  I have never seen or heard that before. I'll have to check the E3 tread depth and wear characteristics. I use both of the MU85's on the rear w/ sidecar rigs. They have a heavier load rating and deeper tread which gives longer service. Sidecars accelerate wear on rear tires no matter how well adjusted.