rear tire size

An answer to a P.M. question - This is what I'm rolling on:

Who makes it?
And how did you come up with this size? I know i am repeating myself, but looking at the data on the Tacoma tire size comparison calculator, size 80 seems to match better the original size. I might be missing something looking at this, these tire sizes give me always a headache and can't get myself to really study them.

I don't wish to pee on your fire but a fella fitted a 150 section tyre to his Z1300 here in the UK & found that as the rim is designed originally for a 130 section it distorted the carcass so that the contact area was about the same as the 130. When I had standard wheels I have fitted a one size larger than standard 140 section & found that OK. For me that is the biggest you can go safely on a standard rear rim. Just my opinion

Someone put a 140/80-17 on my bike and when I was cutting the tire off the rim I can say that it was really tight and fit well. I am wondering about larger sizes in general, and I want to research it well, hear real life experiences. Once I purchase a tire it is gong to stay with me for a long time! Looking at the tire size calculator, the sidewall height can change dramatically with different tire sizes. I've read that even on a 140 the tire can experience quite a sidewall flex making it in to a different experience. A wider tire doesn't always mean better ride. It's a vast and complex subject.

To complicate things: the same tire dimension specs from different MFRs can be different in actual size, e.g. two tires with the same spec'ed sidewall width can have different measured sidewall widths when installed.

Bucko wrote: To complicate things: the same tire dimension specs from different MFRs can be different in actual size, e.g. two tires with the same spec'ed sidewall width can have different measured sidewall widths when installed.

That is true, with the modified rear wheel on my Z1300 the previous 180 section Dunlop fitted with a 5mm gap between the sidewall & swingarm, when I decided to fit a Metzeler in the same size it rubbed the swingarm. So I had to revert back to Dunlop lol.