what tires sizes fit rx3

[fishman10]

ok, much has been discussed about what tires are available...what im wondering what other ''close sizes'' will fit an not cause any clearance issues.

[SpudRider]

I installed a Shinko 244 tire on the rear wheel; it was size 5.10-17. I mounted a Kenda K270 tire on the front wheel; it was size 3.50-18. Both tires are working well for me.

[SpudRider]

I bought both tires from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC.

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...ual-Sport-Tire

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p...ual-Sport-Tire

[SpudRider]

Here are some other sizes which fit the rear wheel.

5.10-17
130/80-17
130/90-17
130/70-17
Here are some other sizes which fit the front wheel.

3.00-18
3.50-18
100/90-18
110/90-18
100/100-18

[Weldangrind]

Spud, just for giggles, do you think a 4.10-18 would fit on the front wheel?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Spud, just for giggles, do you think a 4.10-18 would fit on the front wheel?

Yes, I certainly do.

[Weldangrind]

That would be an interesting look, but I doubt that it would be a benefit.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That would be an interesting look, but I doubt that it would be a benefit.

The stock front tire is size 100/90-18, which is essentially a size 4.10-18, tire.

[Weldangrind]

I'm surprised to hear that the stock front tire is so wide. That's the standard size for most dirt bike rear wheels.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I'm surprised to hear that the stock front tire is so wide. That's the standard size for most dirt bike rear wheels.

You are exactly correct. The front rim is size 2.15-18, which is the same size rim for the rear wheel on my Honda XR650L! The Zongshen ZS200GY-2 comes stock with the same front rim.

That is why I prefer mounting either the Shinko 244 tire in size 3.00-18, or the Kenda K270 tire in size 3.50-18, for the front wheel of the Zongshen RX3. Both of these tires are narrower, and much lighter, than any of the other knobby tires which will fit the front wheel of the RX3.

[oldqwerty]

The RX3 is an adventure bike, not a MXer or Dakar racer. Therefore, the RX3 should have tire sizes suitable for its intended use use. The sizes fitted are well suited to the bike's intended use. The rear tire has a slightly shorter cross section but otherwise same size as the KLR650. The front tire is about the same size as experienced and knowledgeable KLR riders switch to and giggle like little girls first time they grab the front brake on gravel, and instead of a washout the bike just stops. It is one size smaller than what is typically fitted to more roadworthy adventure 650s, which is perfect for a bike that weighs 100 pounds less than the 650s.

It ain't broke. Don't try to fix it. If you want a 21-inch wheel, get one attached to a MX or trials bike that can make good use of a 21-inch wheel's characteristics.

Stock front is 100/90-18. 100mm is ~4.00. A 4.00-18 will be about a perfect replacement, just a tad taller, roughly equivalent to a 100/100-18. Anything from 3.00 (90) to 4.60 (120) will fit the RX3 front rim, but the extremes might assume some odd cross section shapes. Putting a flat-topped rear knobby on the front that is at the extreme high width for a rim size throws some round across the tread, resulting in more predictable handling on hard surfaces. Just because a tire fits the rim doesn't mean it will fit the bike, or have sufficient load capacity to be safe.

The stock rear tire is 130/70-17. 130mm is ~5.10. A 5.10-17 will be about the same width, but quite a bit taller, roughly equivalent to 130/100-17. If someone will post the width of the rear rim I'll post the sizes that will fit the rim safely.

I would prefer to see TW200 tires on the RX3. Monster traction has spoiled me. Unfortunately, the TW's Bridgestones are speed rated slower than an RX3 will go, and the Shinko TW replacements are speed rated even slower. If I can knock the lens off a TE's taillight standing it up at 35mph, I'm not worried about saving a pound or two of front tire weight. I'll be running the biggest tires I can fit. I like traction.

Keep in mind that different types, makes, and models of tires can be marked with the same size and actual measurements can vary significantly when mounted. Most manufacturers have actual sizes listed on their websites if you go hunting.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by oldqwerty

If I can knock the lens off a TE's taillight standing it up at 35mph, I'm not worried about saving a pound or two of front tire weight.

Did you mean to say TW? If so, that's impressive.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Did you mean to say TW? If so, that's impressive.

X2; I want to see photos.

[SpudRider]

After riding several hundred miles on my Shinko, 244 rear tire, and Kenda, K270 front tire, I can report I am very pleased with the performance of both tires. The tires grip well off road, and stop the bike securely. Also, the tires perform very well on pavement, even while traveling at full throttle on limited access highways.

I have not noticed any difference in saddle height after mounting these tires. However, if someone is short of stature, she might want to choose a different rear tire. I don't know of any knobby tires in size 130/70-17. However, if a shorter rider wants improved traction off road, he might want to try the Michelin T63 in size 130/80-17.

The Kenda, K270 tire in size 3.50-18 is almost exactly the same width and height as the stock front tire, as shown in the photograph below.



There are many good options available in larger, knobby front tires, but I suspect one will lose top speed on limited access highways, and get a little less fuel mileage pushing the larger knobby tires. My current tire combination gets the same fuel mileage, and gets about the same top speed as the stock tires. At worst, I might have lost about 4 mph in top speed with the Shinko and Kenda tires I currently have mounted.

Of course, everyone has different preferences in tires, and YMMV (your mileage might vary).

[oldqwerty]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Did you mean to say TW? If so, that's impressive.

Adrenaline rush. Riding alone 20 miles from nowhere out on Old Ore Road in the middle of Big Bend National Park, tooling along about 45mph taking in the scenery. Smooth road, but at the last instant before death what should appear but three ditches (washes), each about a foot wide, two feet deep, and a foot apart, crossing the road at a 45* angle. Drop a front tire in one of those and you'll break the forks clean off, pretzel the wheel, drop a foot in the next ditch and the inertia of the bike will lay you face down, knee bent backwards, until you are flat on the ground. That would really suck.

So, go into panic mode, stand on the rear brake, front brake to the grip, downshift to 3rd while slowing down (because you know TW brakes won't really stop you) to 35, WFO, dump the clutch, and 280 pounds yanking on the handlebars starting with the forks completely compressed, and a TW will go over backwards if you're not careful.

Ride over the ditches in the most beautiful wheelie EVER!, get it back under control, stop, praise God, look around to see if anyone was hiding in the bushes to click the crashes (no, bummer), then change shorts.

Originally Posted by SpudRider

X2; I want to see photos.

You'll have to fuss at the 30 or so TWTex riders who were riding BBNP that day and missed the photo op. Had there been a mid-air op someone would have gotten it for sure--they always do.