Tyre width preferences for 15" rims on a Ford based Sportster

[David]

What are you running? I see 215's are rare in 60r15, so what about 205/65's? I see the build manual talks about the rear tub spare recess being there for 195/15's.

The 205's it seems will give me an 8mm larger diameter, so that's 4mm higher under the guard which isn't good given how close the front guard, and stay bolt is to the tyre already.

Speed difference is liveable;

Screenshot 2021-06-28 at 12.26.30.jpg

I know this car has had 215's from new as they are 1998 tyres!

Just seen the Marlin manual says 185/70 15J up to 205/65 15J on 6.5-7". So I think it'll be 205's. Still interested to hear what everyone runs.

[Patrick]

Re: Tyre width preferences for 15" rims on a Ford based Sportster

Mines a BMW E30 based Sportster but as I understand there's some shared stuff on that one, its a 2005.

I'm using the TSW BBS replica wheels that were on the donor 15x7J, but I sized the tyres same as the E36 instead of the E30 so mine are 205/60/R15 all round rather than 205/55/R15 - 3.2% difference. I'm running a 3.91 LSD so it lengthed the gaps between the gear changes a little bit.

[David]

Re: Tyre width preferences for 15" rims on a Ford based Sportster

Thanks I’ll see if I can find some pics of yours for comparison.

You have a couple of photos of my car in your gallery, one very helpful which confirms my thoughts that the two chrome bumper bolts in front of the windscreen were in fact for two wipers. The car now has three wipers.

[David]

Re: Tyre width preferences for 15" rims on a Ford based Sportster

Still working on tyres, and wheels now. What ET are people running on their 7x15's? Mine are ET35. I also see that I have spacer, look like 5mm on the front, and maybe on the back. Look to be to get the tyres to clear the front mudguard stays. Anyone else have spacers? Maybe going to 205's will negate the need for them.

[chris_cussen]

Re: Tyre width preferences for 15" rims on a Ford based Sportster

I am using 205/55/15 Kumhos on 15" rims from a 2005 Fiesta S

[David]

Re: Tyre width preferences for 15" rims on a Ford based Sportster

I am using 205/55/15 Kumhos on 15" rims from a 2005 Fiesta S

Thanks Chris.