Notices
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

Why such narrow tyres? Esp. on Classics

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 14 December 2005, 08:56 PM
  #1  
mad doc
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
mad doc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Stones Throw Away (Maryland, USA)
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Why such narrow tyres? Esp. on Classics

As being someone from across the pond, I'm always curious as to why many, if not all over there run such narrow tires with such low pro sidewalls on their wheels.

Is it personal preference? Is there a performance aspect? I see many classics run 205/40/17 and 215/40/17 tyres on their 17in wheels. While here the popular size is either 215/45/17 or even 225/45/17. Some however do run 215/40/17 tyres. I, however am looking to put 235/40/17 tyres on my classic come this spring

Same thing goes for 18in wheels. I see many running 215/35/18 or 225/35/18 (best size for a classic I know). I had 225/40/18 on my 18in wheels, abeit minor rubbing in the rear. And here the sizes range from 215/40 to 225/40 for 18s on a classic.

What's the popular size for the bugeyes and blobeyes?

Just a curious question. I've had this question in my mind ever since I joined SN.

I know that if I ran anything smaller than a 215/40/17 I would have many-a bent wheels.

Keith
Old 14 December 2005, 11:53 PM
  #2  
warrenm2
Scooby Regular
 
warrenm2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Epsom
Posts: 5,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

better sidewall stiffness and turn in
Old 15 December 2005, 07:33 AM
  #3  
911
Scooby Regular
 
911's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 11,341
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

On a classic anything wider than 205/215 and the try will fowl the suspension and/or the rear wheel arch lip.
Maybe the roads are also better here (can't believe i've siad that) so fewer pot holes. I almost lived in Detriot for 2 years, now those ARE bad roads!

The low profile tyres are a vast improvement for chassis performance though I personally prefer 16 x 205 x 45.

Graham.
Old 15 December 2005, 07:10 PM
  #4  
RON
Scooby Regular
 
RON's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Deepest Darkest Dorset!!
Posts: 10,011
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Wider tyres may not rub in the US, not sure they have the arch rubbers on them, and also, a lot of the roads are straight.......!!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
S600HBY
Wheels And Tyres For Sale
11
01 November 2015 04:23 PM
PetrolHeadKid
Driving Dynamics
10
05 October 2015 05:19 PM
Mad Hammer
Subaru Parts
2
29 September 2015 08:15 PM
shorty87
Other Marques
0
25 September 2015 08:52 PM



Quick Reply: Why such narrow tyres? Esp. on Classics



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:54 AM.