tire size

[egetaseb]

I have a 2004 Nomad. What is the largest tire size anyone has used with the stock rims?
Someone suggested 160/80/16 but I was wondering if anyone has tried a larger size.

[ringadingh]

Your choices are rather limited as far as tire size goes, Probably a 170 unless someone makes a wider tire. If you switch to a car tire you could go with a 195 for sure, and someone has put a 215 on, but that is a snug fit.

[watchman]

A 180 will fit with a little room to spare. My buddy Rick just put one on his 07.

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by watchman

A 180 will fit with a little room to spare. My buddy Rick just put one on his 07.

EGA- Be careful.....a stock 2004 is a 1500 with smaller OEM tires and I assume smaller wheels too than the 2007 (1600).

My understanding is a 160/80/16 is the largest you can use. I believe this is the "Goldwing" size as well.

[VulcanE]

Originally Posted by schoeney

EGA- Be careful.....a stock 2004 is a 1500 with smaller OEM tires and I assume smaller wheels too than the 2007 (1600).

My understanding is a 160/80/16 is the largest you can use. I believe this is the "Goldwing" size as well.

I think Schoeney is correct, that a 160/80-16 is the largest tire that will fit on a 1500.

[watchman]

I stand corrected! Some how I missed that you have an 04 Nomad. I would not install a tire larger than a 160 on the 04.

[egetaseb]

Thanks everyone. I do like the look of the fat tires on bikes but I guess that will wait until I upgrade to a bigger vulcan -- I see a V2K in my future.

Welcome to the forum! I'd like to give you my .02 on the whole fat tire thing. It does look good I admit, but after owning and riding several fat tired bikes, I think the fad is a bit of a detriment to motorcycling. Fat tires = less handling. There's always a good comprimise, and some bikes do well with wider tires. Personally I thought the V2K was a dog when I took it for a ride. Very heavy in the corners. I certainly wouldn't consider it an upgrade, just different. The Nomad overall is a better handler and tourer, even if it doesn't have the blistering 1/4 mile times.

If you just want to get to the bar - that fat tire is great. But if you really like to ride, the stock tire will do just fine for ya. And besides its hidden behind that great rear fender anyway.

Makes me wish I could have a dozen bikes in the garage!! Good luck!

[egetaseb]

yridehd,

I love my Nomad. You are 100% correct that the V2k is NOT an upgrade from the Nomad, Just different. It was just poor word selection on my part. I too would love a garage full of different styles of bikes. I am a dreamer but we are all allowed to dream....