oversize rear tyre question

[grb6372]

The standard KLR fairing is nice but really just cosmetic. I note with interest some conversions of the dashboard which incorporate switches, power outlets etc with an attractive backplate. However I look at the fairing as an opportunity to improve storage space. I shall explain - 1. Remove original dash completely. This leaves a big hole. Replace speedo/ tacho with a compact trail unit. (Commercially available) OR just use a GPS for speedo on a RAM mount (Who needs a tacho). Tidy up swithes etc. We still have a big hole to fill. 2. Extend the projection of the fairing forward by using an extension block. Easily fabricated with an aluminium block say 4 x 4 inch. We now have a bigger hole. You could reduce this dimension of course. The rest is open for debate. A soft waterproof bag could fit filled with lightweight gear for example. By use of plastic or whatever, a base could be constructed, even sides to make a waterproof container of sorts. The problems I see are maybe strength issues with the extension. Minimising fouling by the swing of the forks, headlight of course. Note that this is just an idea. It may sound stupid but sometimes you see KLR's so loaded up that you just wonder how to overcome the bulk, and perhaps distribute weight a little better. Anyway, have fun with this. Feel free to criticise. Greg B OZ

[Michael Martin]

Hi Greg, I've searched the Metzler website and cannot find information regarding compatible rim width per tire size. I suspect that the KLR rear rim is pretty narrow for the 150/70-17 Tourance tire, though. And the tire width may very well produce interference with the KLR chain guard. Measure the overall width of the Tourance tire on your Wee Strom wheel. Then look up the rim width of the Suzuki and compare it with the rim width on the KLR. The Tourance, when mounted on the KLR rim, will be narrower by approximately 40 percent of the *difference* in rim widths. As an example, if the Suzuki rear wheel is 3.5" wide and the KLR wheel is 2.5" wide, the difference is one inch. The Tourance tire mounted on the KLR rim will therefore be about 0.4" narrower than what it measures when mounted on the Suzuki rim. Using the same example, if the Tourance measured six inches wide on the Suzuki, it would measure about 5.6" wide on the KLR. Now compare the calculated width of the Tourance to the actual width of whatever tire your KLR has now. You will then be able to estimate the clearance from the sidewall to the chain guard and/or swingarm. Now, with all that being said, I looked at the Dunlop D607 150/0R17 tire specs for the recommended rim width. Per that web page, the recommended rim width is 4.25". http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=83 Therefore my conclusion is that, regardless of the measurements as discussed above, your Tourance tire would not be suitable for use on the KLR's 2.50" rear rim. I don't know what the tire manufacturer's position is, but going more than a half inch from the recommended width is something I personally not do. Mike Martin, Louisville, KY --- grb6372 wrote:

> Will a 150/70 tyre fit my KLR rear rim? > > My Wee Strom rear tyre is about 30% worn. 150/17 Tourance. When only a > week old it was punctured by a large screw and repaired. Repairer said > that it was bad and may not work. Ever since it has required pumping up > from a base 20psi to my desired 36psi. So my question is as above, and > will it be a safe proposition? Of course an alternative would be to > install a tube to the tubeless rim. However I would prefer to replace > tyre completely. > > Any experiences or opinions out there? > > Greg B > OZ > >

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