That was me and you're right. I obviously need to spend more time thinking through complex math problems like adding and subtracting. Suddenly the clearance issue isn't so worrisome, but what about the .6" extra width? At 1/3" on each side I wonder if we have the clearance at the belt guard. I'll check later on.

Even if it does fit I wonder if it is really preferable over the MU90-16. The added width will look good, but will also increase the chance of hydroplaning. Will more rubber on the road aid traction in the dry, and will it translate into better durability?

 

According to lp there is clearance at the belt guard because he put the 160 on his 2007 SG with no issues.

I'm not sure why you would worry about the width when the 09's have 180's on there rear and do just fine.

 

The '09's use a totally different frame, fender, swingarm, narrower belt, and most other components in the rear of the bike to accommodate a wider tire.

I just checked and the math doesn't work for my bike. With an MU90-16 mounted on my '07 SG I have .22" of clearance between the tire and belt guard. By Dunlop's specs this tire is .53" narrower (.265" on each side) than the 160-80-16, so based on this the 160 won't fit this bike without modifying the belt guard, which is something I won't do. Personally, I wouldn't want to take a chance on mounting this tire on this bike, but YMMV.

I'd like for LP to measure the clearance he has on his bike, as well as verify that he didn't cut or otherwise modify the belt guard.

 

I just tried to take a picture of it and could not get the angle. I'll get the bike out this weekend, take off the saddlebag and show that there is plenty of room. Trust me, you can use this tire without modifying the belt guard.

One point I want to make here that I have made in other posts on this subject: The 160/80/16 is about the same size as the stock 401. I know the numbers aren't there (say it's wider) but in observation and having measured the tire first hand, it's pretty skinny for a 160. So skinny in fact that it is more narrow than a D402 150/80/16. Yes folks, more narrow than a 150.

Here are some pics and thread where I did the ACTUAL measuring and pictures etc.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ml#post4361178

I'll try again this weekend to get a pic when I can get the bike out...

lp

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-mo...ml#post4361178 Huh?????

That's a surprise all right.

 

Is there anyone out there with a 06 RKC that has bigger than stock rubber on a stock bike? I am about to put new rubber on mine and like the idea of them lasting longer.

Jeff

 

great info all! tagging also.....

 

Thanks for the effort, and I do believe you. I was just looking at Dunlop's specs and my existing clearance with the MU90-16, and it just didn't add up. I won't be buying a new tire for some time anyway, as I have a new rear and front ready for mounting now, and my present rear has probably 9-10 months of use remaining.

If you have time, take a set of Allen wrenches and put one at a time between the tire and guard. One will barely fit, so measure its width and that'll give you a close measurement of your clearance. There may be better ways to measure, but this was the simplist method I could think of. On my bike with the MU90 the 1/4" didn't fit but the 7/32" did.

 

Finally got the bike out. Nice day!!

Anyway here are the pics as promised. Hope this helps.

lp

 

+1 on the Elite 3. I have just over 10,000 on my rear and I ordered a new set for a summer trip. I still have approx 1/2 of the tread depth left. Never had any issue on my 07 ultra. I think if I ran it all the way down to the wear bar, i would have probably 20K on it. I ride mostly 2 up with both of us over 200#. Great tires compared to the crappy D402that I had to replace after 8K on the rear.