Just replaced my 180mm rear tire with a new 200mm rear tire without having to mod my bike or use spacers or what ever I didn't have to buy wider mud guard

The 200mm rear tire fits right on my 2015 oem 17x4.5 rim

EDIT: now that i have done a few 100 miles on my bike the 200mm tire is a charm

So if you own a 2013+ street bob and you want 200mm tire? Just put it on there is no need for spacers or anything else

If the tire is rubbing against the wall after the installation it could only mean the engine isn't mounted straight so all you have to do is realign the engine to get both side of your tire cleared of the mud guard.

My mechanic is freaking awesome he did it for me if you guys are in Perth Australia and you want a very good mechanic to work on your bike give Ando a call

 

Do you have any pics from the rear, curious to see how it looks?

 

Nailed it.


You actually reduced your contact patch by running the 200 on the stock rim. This will cause premature tire wear.

 

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

So, bigger isn't always better. Just bigger.

 

All tire manufacturers have a minimum and maximum rim width. So if you are too narrow there may be some saftey issues such as a weak side wall or as stated the contact portion is compromised. Then there is max width where people actually stretch tires. That's what the lowriders with the tiny 13"wires do for example. But as you realized the 180 felt better as it properly fits your rim. Don't be fooled though. With my 18x5.5 I can't get my index finger between the belt and tire so a 200 in a Metzler won't be going on my bike.

 

I'm not sure you should even run a 180 on a 4.5" rim.
I put one on and it measured just over 150mm.
Your 200 is probably under 170 and if that is the case, you would probably be happier with an actual 170.
I ordered a 6" wide rim to lace onto my hub so my 180 will actually be 180 and the correct shape.

 

Good to know you don't like it on the small rim though.

 

edit: the 200mm rides like a charm

 

180/55 17 on a 4.5" rim