KLR650 knobbie tires

**Kurt** · #1 21 Oct 2001

Hi,

I'm refitting for a return to Mexico's Copper Canyon this winter and am pondering better tires: Perrelli MT21's to be specific. Problem is Kaw's spec calles for a 130/80-17 for the rear but all Perrelli has is a 120/90-17 or a 130/90-17. Anyone have a suggestion as to which (if either) I can use?

Kurt

**wbagwell** · #2 25 Oct 2001

I would just eyeball the current set-up and see how much room you have left for a bigger tire. If possible, try to push the suspension all the way down and make sure it clears. Easier said than done, but it's worth the effort to make sure it's okay.

If it doesn't, MT-21s are in high demand in the states, you could re-sell it easily and try something else.

Best of luck
Wright

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Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/

**Kurt** · #3 26 Oct 2001

Do the different sizes have pro's/con's attached? I have gobs of clearance as the rear fender and frame are well away like an off road bike.

Kurt

**wbagwell** · #4 26 Oct 2001

Check for clearance on the swingarm, the mud flap in front of the tire, the chain, and the muffler - a friend of mine had a Big Gun exhaust on his KLR that hit the tire when the suspension took big hits. Also, I would guess the KLR has some frame bars under the rear fender, make sure that it or the bolts that bind it to the fender don't touch. You'll hear a horrible grinding noise if they do, and it'll chew the knobbies right off the tire. I had this happen after I installed some longer bolts onto my rear fender to mount some side racks, and didn't have time to cut them down for the weekend's ride.

As for what different tire sizes buy you, a wider tire will give you more traction off road and a taller tire will have the same effect as dropping a tooth on your rear sprocket, though the difference is smaller.

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Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/

**Kurt** · #5 27 Oct 2001

Ah, Ha! That's exactly what I was looking for. You wouldn't believe how long I've looked for the answer in you last post. Thanks!

Kurt

**wbagwell** · #6 31 Oct 2001

I should also mention that a taller tire is slightly less prone to puctures from hitting rocks, since there's more room for the tire to give before hitting the rim.

Wright