What's The Widest Tire You Can Put On?

[Tom L]

What's The Widest Tire You Can Put On a '03 KDX 220 ? I just put on a 110/100 - 18, but it doesn't seem much wider than the stock 100/100 - 18. It looks like a 130 or 140 might even fit. I don't race, just joyride, so I'm not too worried about handling. I just don't like getting stuck in the mud!!!

 

[Zerotact]

Uhh,
Well, a michelin 130 is a standard 110. So a standard 120 is a Michelin 140. What tires have you been running? You might be able to get a 140 s-12 on there but I do fine with my 130 s-12.

 

[Tom L]

Sorry. That's a Cheng-Shin 110/100 I just put on. I measured it and it is actually about 112 mm at the widest point on the knobbies. The knobbies are still about 3/4" from the chain. What's the closest the knobbie can be to the chain without causing problems, assuming I don't let the chain get too loose.

Thanks,
Tom L.

 

[ellandoh]

a fresh tire will help a lot without even being wider but i wouldnt feel comfortable getting too much closer to the chain and i know that the exhaust might have a problem rubbing when the suspenders are getting excersized ........at least thats how i lost my sparkey w/ a standard tire

 

[Rhodester]

I have a Maxis C6001 120/100-18 and I have at least 5/8" clearance from the chain. It fits great and I don't have too much traction either.

 

[Zerotact]

you should smack who ever sold you, or talked you into buying a chen chin, no wounder you have traction problems. You;d have better luck climbing a hill with a motard slick.

 

[Kav]

I've seen some pretty awesome riding on motard slicks. you just never know...

 

[Tom L]

Thanks for the advice y'all!!! I know the cheng shins are crap, but spending $$$ on tires for auto or toys is a big pet peev of mine. So I just run at about 8 psi. It seems to work ok. I'm definitely gonna go for a 120 width next time though and see what happens. I figure if it rubs on either side, I can always grind down the knobbies a bit with the grinder!!!

CHEERS!!!

 

[john_bilbrey]

For a cheap tire, I can highly recommend the IRC VE33. It has lasted great, and hooks up real well here in TN...

 

[Jackpiner57]

I run Michelin S12 in the 120 width and it is awesome in the mud and soft stuff. Huge traction. Hell, it's awesome everywhere that I ride.

 

[bikepilot]

I ran a 140 IRC M5B on my CR5's. I am pretty sure it would fit the KDX as well. The M5B is an awsome mud tire. I would highly recomend one.

good luck.

 

[Woodsquest]

A 140 IRC M5B will fit..............until you get a flat and need to limp back to the truck. then the wider splay of the tire will hit the chain. With the chain stuck between two of the side knobs, you can't even push a KDX with a flat 140 M5B. Other tires may do this as well, but this is one size that is too big for the bike. Attempting to ride the bike with this tire flat will derail the chain. Now you truly are screwed. Stick with what's recommended and order tires on-line. A realistic size M5B is a 120. 44 bucks from rockymountain.

 

[Zerotact]

Don't forget Kenda's for a good cheap tire...

 

[Tom L]

Thanks All!!! It seems like you're spending around $40.00 minimum after shipping.