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[electrax]

Hi,
I've been browsing this excellent board for several months now, but this is my first post.
I would like to fit a pair of Ensign Trials Universal tyres on my 2007 Electra x.
A search of this board tells me that the 350 19 should fit, just! I would ideally like to fit a 400 on the rear but don't want to go to the expense of changing the swingarm. What I would like to know is, if I fit an 18" rear wheel, would this help with clearance? Or will it still foul the chainguard fixing bolt?

Regards

[John M]

If you fit a 18" rear wheel your choice of trials tyre increases significantly. The standard trials size is 275x21 front 400x18 rear.
You will struggle to find many 19" trials tyres, 400x19 Dunlops are available, but they cost a fortune.
I have in the past had a 400x19 in an Indian swinging arm without any problems, but a 350x19 resides there now.
I have a Crusader with a 400x18 rear tyre without any clearance issues. The swinging arms aren't too dissimilar.
Both my bikes have 21" front wheels, I'm not sure I like the idea of a 350x19 front.

My personal choice of tyres are Pirelli MT43's which are trials universal pattern but designed for road use.

[electrax]

Thanks John, for your prompt and very useful reply.
Regards
Ian

[grunda 12]

this topic has cropped up man y times on this forum ,i will repeat my personal experience i have been running ensign 350/19 trials tyres on my india diesel bullet for the last 2 years and they handle really well on the road in the dry or wet i have done over 8000 miles on these tyres and they have plenty tread left i bought mine from classic tyres on ebay i got the pair for £99 free postage but remember it was 2 years ago i do not find mr h competitive on tyre prices asthey are not his chosen forte the bigger suppliers can sell them cheaper but mr h gives a great service so its up to you as they say happy days paul.

[electrax]

Thank you Paul, much appreciated.
Regards
Ian

[Alan R]

ELECTRAX----------- I have a brand new rear wheel hub with an 18" x WM3 rim professionally fitted.........It was for a project that has since been abandoned and is now for sale.. Was going to put it on E-Bay but forum members can have first go !!.........Contact me by e-mail on}------------- the gr8 BeAr one hundred and eleven ( but as a number) HAT hot male dot co dot yewkay ------------ ( That's an Anti-spam format so use your imagination... It'll be in lower case and in normal format and spelling !!)

[sofiaspin]

That is interesting comment from John M. I had a classic in trials trim - 21" front, 19" rear with enlarged swinging arm. It had Ensigns on and they stuck to a greasy November road surface like hot oil on glass. So after one too many bottom swinging moments on a roundabout I binned them for Avon roadriders and never looked back. The Pirelli option looks interesting because the Avons look thin and weedy and not Trials like! I have a new Woodsman with Ensigns and was planning to can them for Avons but I might look at those Pirellis.

[electrax]

Thanks for the replies guys. I take the point about using a 21" front wheel.
Just to clarify, will using an 18"on the rear actually give me more clearance,
Or just better choice of tyres, and if so,
would wm3 or wm4 be better? Or would it not make any difference.
Thanks

Ian

[Alan R]

Hi guys--------- thanks JOHN M for the "Heads-Up" on those Pirelli MT 43s'....I'm re-building my No2.Bullet as a 1950's Army Despatch Rider's bike deployed in the Suez Canal campaign and those would fit the bill--- especially the "OK for the road" part....For this bike it'll keep the 19" rims with a 3.25 on the front and a 3.50 on the rear.....Remember, the max road speed will be 50 mph so performance tyres not required........................ ELECTRAX, are you interested in this 18" rear wheel, or shall I put it straight on E-Bay ??------------- Ride Safe !!

[electrax]

Hi Alan,
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you.
Thanks for the offer, but I am going to give the 350 19 a go.
With 325 on the front
So go ahead and list it on ebay.
Regards. Ian