Advantages and Disadvantages of a Wider Tire

There could be various reasons for switching to a wider tire; performance and looks. You either want a larger footprint to provide extra grip or a wider back end to complete the style of your custom bike. Or, you want to have a smoother, more comfortable ride. Ultimately, a wider tire gives you more performance on the road and on the track which could be one of the biggest advantages to switching sizes. 

Either way, there are several factors to consider. So now, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of fitting a wider tire to your motorcycle.

So why go wider?

Performance: The tires fitted as original equipment to your road bike do an excellent job. Yet, they are a compromise between handling, performance, and often cost.

However, a stock tire may be overwhelmed and not provide enough grip if you significantly increase your motorcycle’s power output or handling capability.

A wider tire will put more rubber on the road. It will offer added grip in a straight line and a broader cornering profile.  

Look: A wider tire wasn’t always for aesthetics. Most frames were rigid in the early days of custom bike building, meaning no rear suspension. In which case, a wider-than-stock back tire would soak up bumps to offset the harsh ride.

Yet, bigger is always better in the world of custom bike building. So today, it’s not unusual to see a ‘fat tire’ motorcycle fitted with 360/30-18 back tires; that’s a colossal 14.17″ wide!    

Conversion: Moving on to the other extreme of wider tire upgrades. The popular trend of converting off-road bikes to Super Moto’s involves increasing the size of both front and rear tires.

The choice of road tires for dirt bike rims is limited. So an increase in rim width allows for a selection of sticky road tires.

Advantages of a Wider Motorcycle Tire

In 1957, motorcycle racer Bob McIntyre recorded the first 100-mph lap of the infamous Isle of Man TT course. McIntyre’s bike featured Dunlop’s TT100 racing tires that were used in this historic event.

He completed this mind-blowing feat on a rear tire approximately the same width as a clenched fist. So are wider tires the way to go? In a word, yes. Although cutting edge for the time, McIntyre’s racing Gilera pumped out 47-hp, about the same power output of a modern mid-sized commuter.

You can add another 100-hp to this figure for today’s road-legal sports bikes. And with aggressive power delivery, wider is 100 percent better.

A wider footprint from your motorcycle’s tire allows more of the engine’s power to be transferred to the road. Although the added cornering benefit is dependent on tread pattern, you will also enjoy more cornering performance from the extra rubber.

Disadvantages of a Wider Motorcycle Tire

The obvious downside to going wider is cost. First off, you’re buying more rubber for your rear wheel. Also, if the outlay is due to a performance upgrade, you may burn through the tire faster.

Depending on how wide you want to go, you may need to buy a larger rim to accommodate the wider tire. So this is another cost consideration to factor.

Clearance is also an important consideration, so check that a wider tire won’t rub or come into contact with other components. The additional width of the tire must also not interfere with the drive chain.

For custom motorcycle applications, adding a rear tire that is much wider than the front may compromise the handling.

Top Tips for Fuss-Free Wide Tire Conversion

Motorcycle tires work in pairs. To get the most performance in grip, mileage, and handling, ensure your wider rear tire is the same make and model as the front.

Always check your rim size to check the wider tire will fit. If in doubt, consult a tire expert.

Make sure you have enough clearance to accommodate the wider tire upgrade. Also, check the dimensions of the new tire. A change in diameter will alter the back wheel’s rotation speed. What’s more, it could also affect the read-out of instruments.  

If you’re considering fitting a wider rear tire, weigh up the pros and cons before pulling the trigger and ultimately, consult with your local motorcycle dealer for advice regarding wider tires for your motorcycle.

Are you interested in trying out a wider tire size on your bike? Find a dealer near you today and explore your Dunlop Motorcycle Tires options with a specialist.