I just bought a 97 600 F3 and the guy I bought it from had just put new tires on it. The rear tire is 180 55 17 and it looks like the chain is rubbing the side of the tire. Is this tire too big for the bike? What are my options to keep the 180 tire size because I really like how it looks on the bike. Is the bike safe to ride if the chain is slightly rubbing on the rear tire.

 

Really a 180 is to big for that rim. A stock 160 is pretty close to the chain to begin with. I just order a 170 last night for my 98. I 170 is really the biggest you should go on that bike and that rim. I would ride it until the tire wears out then buy a 170.

 

Yeah I agree. 180 is too big. I run a 170/60 on my 96 f3. It looks good and rides good. And if its rubbing the chain, that cant be good for the chain or the tire. You feel me?

 

I feel ya, but I want to know if I will be pretty safe riding until the tire needs to be changed with the chain still rubbing the sidewall. I will go with a 170 next time, I don't think there is that much difference, look-wise. My first bike was a Katana, so that had no power and basically a bicycle tire on the rear!

 

TOO BIG! If you are intending to ride on it anyway be sure to keep your chain lubed well. With the chain rubbing at all your chain will become very hot. It is posible to break your chain because of the rubbing. Rubber tires generate a lot of heat just from riding. Now take rubber thats rubbing a metal chain. Not a good thing at all.

 

Does it rub all the time?

 

I had a 170 on my 95, it looked good (in terms of size, the tread was shot) but it was time for a new tire. My local mechanic who also races locally was telling me I could put a 170 back on it, but in his personal experience he felt that a 160 dove into the corners better than the 170. After thinking about if I would rather look at my bike or get the most out of riding it, I went with the 160 (dunlop 208Zr) I do think the 170 looked better, but i definitely think the 160 feels better, I'm glad I went with the 160. Hope this gives you a differant opinion on what your going to do. Either way I think it will look.
Good luck,
-Loomis

 

I'm running a 170 in the back.

Nice bike BTW

 

thanks. I have a front turn signal/running light out. Do I have to take the fairing off to get to the back side of it? Or can I just take out the screws and replace the bulb?

 

yeah i just bought two new tires for my 98 f3 and the rear was a 160/ 60

if your looking for a good cheap tire go to ebay and search tamahawk tires they are remade tires and look good my rear was $52 and my front was 39.