As mentioned in another thread, it's time to replace the tires on my 2004 SP700. The stock tire sizes on this machine aren't available in all tire models, forcing me to look at changing the tire size slightly.

I'm not too worried about an extra inch of width in the back, but the front tires are a different matter. I'm definitely concerned about rubbing when the wheels are turned all the way to either side.

The stock front tires are 8 inches wide. Can I safely go to 9 inch wide tires without having to use spacers or different wheels? I plan to keep the diameter at the standard 25 inches, though "25" seems to mean different things to different tire manufacturers ("25" inch Bigfoots are actually 26 inches, etc.).

So... is an extra inch safe, or should I stick with the limited choices in truly 8 inch wide tires?

Thanks!

 

You can go with a 9" in the front but it will be close. I had the same bike and drove one year with 9's in the front with no problems. I had mud lights on it if you wanted to know. 25X9X12 25X12X12.

 

So you bumped up the rear width too (from the stock 11 inches). Did the back end work OK?

When you say "close", do you mean "you still had clearance" or "they would rub occasionally but it didn't bother me"?

Thanks for sharing your hands-on personal experience!

 

the extra width on back isnt any big deal. the 9" wide fronts may fit but there going to be real close. hopefully when your in the mud or something a rock or what ever doesnt come up between the tire strut, tir=e rod end and do damage. personally this is why i went w/ a aftermarket wheel kit that has better off set in the rims. just my own feeling not everybodys.

 

i have the 9inch wide on the front w/ delta steel wheels itp 589/ms tire,,,, its a little to close for my likeing.. i currently have 2 washers per stud , i will buy spacers .. like stendori said whatt if and that rock thing