Hitchcocks Forum

Hi there all, what are the biggest tyres that will fit on ordiary enfield rims, want to give it that (bobber look) running TKC 80s at the mo same size back and front have been v good but getting ready, they do look rather skinny especially the back, so any thoughts please would be appreciated, Steve

Hi STEVEM,----------- What swing-arm do you have fitted at the moment ??? It's a matter of tyre clearance at the front end, especially the chain-guard bolt.... If it's purely the "look" that you're after maybe dropping down to an 18" rim with a 4.00 section trail-type might do the trick ??.... There is also the option of fitting the TRIALS swing arm......expensive, though you do get to keep a 19" rim, but say in WM3 for that chunkier appearance....

Hi Alan, standard swing arm and not looking to fit trials arm or smaller wheel, to be honest the bike is a little shabby chique and would look the biz with some chunky tyres, would it for example take a 4 inch back and front tyre? steve

Bigger tyres might fit but they might rub on the wiring under the mudguard when going over bumps and undulations on the road; besides, the standard tyres are the look of the fifties and suit the bike; another case of fixing things that are not broken until they are?

Hi Steve. The standard trials tyres sold by Hitchcocks are a lot fatter looking and fit the standard rims with the standard frame. They're not ideal for road use but I've not had any problems (ridding between the lanes which are mud.)

I should mention, normally a trials bike has a larger front wheel fitted with a skinnier tyre. I didn't want to replace my front rim and have made more of a trail bike, not so much a trials bike if you get me?

Hi, I´m planning to fit TKC 80 tyres. A 100/90/19 to the front and a 120/80/18 at the rear. Can you give us any feedback on ride quality on and off road?

many thanks

Roeland

From what I've read on the MT Riders Club and UKGSER websites, TKC80's are great off road, but it feels almost like you're riding on cobbles on road.

Never had a problem with tkc tyres both on or off road had them on an r80gs ok to 75mph, after that they start to dance a little, lets face it you aint going to be doin those sort of speed on an enfield

Hello Steve - I have a 4" universal Ensign tyre on the original rear rim and it is ok, ie swinging arm clearance is fine, although I will have to shave the chain guard when it has to go back on. My rear mudguard is not original but still we have adequate clearance (the rear light cables are routed elsewhere for side-mount number plate, etc. Got the same tyre on the front but it is a 3.50 Yamaha rim so no problem. I like the chunky look too!