rear tire

[timkil]

Quick question. My 1983 r80rt has a 120-90-18 Metzler me88 on the rear. It is a pain in the ass to remove. I have to partially deflate it to get by the brake shoes. I just read in an online owner's manual that it should be a 4.00 x 18. Is this the case? I am ready to replace it anyhoo. Thanks

[Bamboo812]

It can't hurt to go with the stock size, but partial deflation has been my standard operating procedure for years.

[khittner1]

Yes, your bike takes a 4.00x18 rear tire, and it will fit better than the 120/90-18 you have. The selection of 4.00x18 tires is, however, comparatively limited. Metzeler doesn't produce the ME-88 in that size any longer; I've migrated to the Michelin Pilot Activ in the 4.00x18 size, and have found no reason so far to maintain any loyalty to Metzeler.

[SteveD]

How do you remove the wheel?

I find the technique of undoing the rear guard takes a few minutes. Four small bolts, disconnect the rear harness, the brake caliper and axle out. The wheel is much easier to remove. Deflation is still useful. The fiddly bit is manipulating the caliper. Overall, it's a 15 minute job on and off.

[khittner1]

I think an R80RT has a rear drum brake . . .

[SteveD]

I think an R80RT has a rear drum brake . . .

Of course it does! It should be even easier then shouldn't it

[Kurt in S.A.]

Pulling a 4.00x18 tire off my R100/7 drum brake rear is no piece of cake. It takes quite a bit to squeeze the tire past the left side shock mount and the exposed shoes on the final drive. I have to use thin pieces of cardboard on either side of the tire where it begins to touch the bike...then with low pressure in the tire, I can walk the tire past the frame/drive and out. It's disconcerting how much effort that takes.

Kurt in S.A.

[Mike744]

I recently put Pirelli Sport Demon tires on my R100S. 110/90 - 18 rear and 100/90 - 19 front. I found that pulling out and replacing the the rear wheel was not difficult with the front wheel removed and the front axial in place and resting on a block.

[Chuey]

The stock size tire barely fits between the brake shoes and the swing arm. I usually have to wiggle and walk it out. Well, I'm not wiggling - I wiggle the wheel/tire.

Sometimes I've bought bikes that had oversize tires on the rear. I figure that may be something I would try if I ever start sliding the narrower stock size tire in turns. That hasn't happened yet.

Chuey

[khittner1]

I've found that the tire removal/re-installation drill goes much more smoothly by placing a couple of thin bills between the mechanic's hands---then deflation and inflation don't really matter so much.