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

 

better sidewall stiffness and turn in

 

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.

 

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.......!!