We have a stock 51 1300 (3100) and are looking to put the tallest tires we can on it for better gearing. Can anyone tell me the tallest tire size they have found will work and not interfere with fender clearances, front and rear?
Nate will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe 215/85R16 is the recommended modern replacement to the old 16" bias ply tires. Only concern I have is that they are usually recommended for 5.5" (minimum) rims, while the artillery-style wheels I want only come 5" wide in the 16" diameter. But it'll probably work... That's about a 95.5" circumference tire. I think that's about 2500 rpm at 55mph with a 4.11:1 rear.
I use the 215/85R16 tires on my original rims. The sidewalls are wide enough to pinch onto the rims. You may have to find a small independent tire shop willing to mount the tires because of the range given for tire width this size. I have had tires this size in this application for well over a decade with no trouble. With 355:1 rear gears, my tall tires are turning the engine at 2400rpm at 60mph. Enjoy. Jim
