I was web surfing recently and found a reference to using a 195/55/16 car tire on kawasaki 1600 Nomads and classics. I have been wanting to replace my rear tire when the original wears out and this looks like it might just do the trick. The 195/65TR16 Continental VancoContact 2 is one choice. The Turanza EL 400 195/60 R16 is another. The Potenza grid G019 and Achilles ATR Sport 195/55 R16 are also said to be fits. One guy says that he can fit 6 business cards stacked up between the left swing arm bar and the tire. even though this is not a heck of a lot of room, it only matters that it does not rub at any time. no one has mentioned that any of the tires rub so maybe this is finally the car tire that will work for kawasaki owners. As soon as my tire wears out,one of these car tires is going to be my next choice. has anyone already done this to their kawasaki 1600/sidecar rig?
I would be careful as a 195/65 is MUCH taller than a 195/55. Get the specs from your local tire dealer and you will see what I mean. You will want the tire that most closely matches the height of the stock tire or just slightly less.
I have converted my 2000cc Kawasaki Vulcan/Champion to a 205/60R16 automotive tire (stock was 200/60R16) and it is great! The stock wheel was just wide enough and everything clears.
