help with tyres

[response]

Hi guys. I am new this forum, but was hoping someone could help me.

I am doing a cafe racer from an XS500, it has aluminum rims, what is the widest tyres i can fit...? I am after the big Tyre look.

I am not sure what size rims i have, as the bike was a basket case... with no tyres fitted..

Help!!!!

Tony

[CrouchyUK]

Hi Tony- welcome to the forum!

If you post up your bikes numbers in the Registry- it will help our experts to give the right advice for your particular model.  The UK was notorious with these bikes for registering them late- poor sales- but I'm assuming your "R" reg is an XS500C?

If the wheels are original they will be 1.85" x 19" front fitted with a 3.25" x 19" TT tyre.  The rear on these was a 2.15" x 18" fitted with a 4.00" x 18" TT tyre.  Note that although alloy these wheels were not designed to take tubeless tyres.  Some European models and possibly a few UK actually came with a 2.15" wide front wheel- but the tyre was the same.  Later wheels were a lighter construction.

In all cases the wheel sizes will be stamped on the wheels somewhere- both the OEM and the majority of other makes?

Once you know what wheels you have then a discussion can start on possible tyre sizes.....

[response]

Thank you, i will get back to you 

[response]

Hi M8

The front is 90 90 19 and rear is 120 90 18

[wilberforce]

Hi M8

The front is 90 90 19 and rear is 120 90 18

I'm sure I have a 100/90 on the front and agree with the rear.  I currently have Metzeler me33 on the front and me99a on the rear, but I need to add they were fitted at least 18 years ago. Planning on putting Avons on in the new year as that seems to be what folk use on the road.

[Cheekywig]

Whats the Max rear tyre width that can be fitted on a TX500? thanks.

[dave835]

   My TX500A has always had a 120/90x18 since I first replaced the original . I replaced my rims with Akront 2,15x19 front and 2.50x18 rear , and there is absolutely no room to go to any larger tire between the rear brake stay arm on the right and chain on the left . Later model XS500's may have more room , but I have no experience with those bikes .
  Long story short , 120/90 works well , and provides plenty of traction . I road raced my TX with that and a 3.50 front tire , and today's tires are better than what was available in 1976 !