Need New Rear tire unsure of size because of odd Rim size on my bike

[MaaloX]

Hey guys,

I have a 98 M750 that I bought second hand last summer. I am needing to purchase a new rear tire this summer but I have a few questions.

First, the rear rim is 17x5.50 with a tire size of 160/60. In a previous thread I was told that the tire that is installed is to small, and I should be looking at a larger tire. Plus I need to find out what size sprocket carrier is installed. There is my question. How do I find out if buying a larger tire I will be able to have clearance for the chain? And what size tire should be installed on a 17x5.50 rim? 

I was able to read a few numbers off the flange  Ducati-16010041A.

Thanks guys,

[Düb Lüv]

160 might be small, but going larger on a monster is almost just for aesthetics. wider tire turn slower unless it turns to quick already. i have a Dss monster too and if you do go with a larger tire, stay below 180 wide and you'll be good on clearances.

on the sprocket, i would hand you over to chris @ Ca-cycleworks.com. one of the many wonderful sponsors in the left column over here. i really like CA, because i live on the east coast and he ships USPS priority so i get my order in 3 days or less, rather than 5 maybe 6. he also has a gearing chart for sprocket sizes and recommendations.

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I'm just babbling all this info incase you mean rear sprocket and not the sprocket carrier.


on the rear sprocket, there's aluminum, steel, and aluminum w/ steel outer ring. the aluminum ones are going to be lighter, more expensive, but might not last as long as a steel one. steel ones are easy on the wallet, pretty durable, but heavier. the aluminum w/ steel outer ring is best of both worlds as far as weight and durability but kinda expensive though

a few more people may chime in on this, but if your doing a new rear sprocket you should go ahead and get a new chain and front sprocket. i know it's a chunk of change, but putting a new sprocket on a wore out chain will shorten the life of the new sprocket.

if you buy a new chain you'll use a 520 chain. 520 are good for "engines under 1000cc".

this is a good little tip if you going to do the repairs yourself. if you get a new chain you don't need to buy a chain tool. this is the awesome thing about DSS monster. cut the old chain off with a grinder, measure up the new chain. take just the chain to motorcycle shop to cut and put the master pin in with the chain off the bike. yes off the bike. probably only charge you like $5.

when re-intalling loosen the 2 heim joint at the bottom of the suspension arch and slide the chain on, then re-install the heims. installed chain without buying the chain tool. TAA-DAHHHH!

[MaaloX]

Thanks Dub luv for the tips.  Right now the tire installed is 160/60 and I think it rode fine last summer, and looks fine as well. I was just under the assumption that having that smaller tire on the bigger rim was not as safe. I just wanted to make sure if buying the same size as I have on now I was not doing something stupid.
As far as cycleworks goes I just got my shipment of chain/front and rear sprockets this week from him!! Looking forward to installing this weekend.

[The Bearded Duc]

If you have a 17x5.50 rear wheel on your bike that means someone else changed it. They probably don't have the bigger tire on the rear due to chain clearance issues.

All of the smaller engine monsters come stock with a 17x4.50 rear wheel which does require a 160 tire.

The 5.50 wheel comes stock on the 900, S4 and so on and usually comes stock with a 180 rear tire, although I have seen a few with a 170.

I have the stock 4.50 wheel and run a 170 tire which works well for me. If you are gonna keep the 5.50 wheel I may suggest going up to a 170 tire or if you have the funds try getting a hold of a 4.50 wheel on Ebay, this will ensure a proper fit with the tire and also cut down on weight.

And the part number you posted is just for the flange.

[Düb Lüv]

ahhhh yeah forgot about the baby monster's having the narrower rear rim. DUHHHH me.

[MaaloX]

is there a way I can measure to see if I will have chain clearance before buying the 170/60 tire. I am just paranoid is all that it wont fit. 

[The Bearded Duc]

is there a way I can measure to see if I will have chain clearance before buying the 170/60 tire. I am just paranoid is all that it wont fit. 

You can measure if you want to. Measure from the edge of the tire, where the side wall meets the tread, to the chain.

Like I said though, I'm running a 170 tire and have no clearance issues.

Also, check out motorcycle-superstore.com for tires. They usually come in under everyone else by a few bucks and ship quite fast.

[MaaloX]

Also, check out motorcycle-superstore.com for tires. They usually come in under everyone else by a few bucks and ship quite fast.

Ordered Mich pilot powers tonight. Thanks for all the help.

[normalcyispasse]

You should be fine. A narrower tire may "flatten out" in profile if stretched over a rim too wide; I usually see 160-180 width tires on 5.5 wheels, though.

[ducpainter]

Most tire manufacturers don't recommend a 160 on a 5.5" rim.

My M900 came with a 170. It worked fine. I like the 180 better as the profile will flatten some on a 170.