97 K1100LT rear wheel replacement

[dispatched]

Just bought my first k bike and have been doing research into "modernizing" the bike safety wise. One thing I see brought up is the rear wheel is too narrow for radial tires and bias are less desirable for loaded highway riding etc. I have read about people putting other bmw rims that are 4" instead of 3" wide so they can run radials. Is there a easier to install/more common rim used or just try a few that you have on hand? k1200 rear rim? Thanks for any info. 

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Found the answer to my question. Going with a k1200 rear I think. Still interested if anyone is running a non-stock rear or front on their k1100lt. Thanks.

[Laitch]

There are some testimonials here and there concerning radial tires on stock K1100 rims. It's been done. Are you sure you're just not looking for an excuse to buy K1200 bling?

[koapono]

I am currently running Pirelli Angel GT radials on my 1100LT.
110 80 18 front
150 70 17 rear.
Have also used Michelin Pilot Road series in the past.

No issues regarding fit, finish or performance.

[dispatched]

Thanks, I think I might go with the 150/70 on the original rim and wait to pull the trigger on the fancy k1200 five spoke rear. Is the 150/70 easy enough to put on and get seated yourself or should I take it to a shop? I saw someone say they had to take off the can to their exhaust to get the bigger rear on. Which is within my abilities lol. Also if anyone had recommendations for tire places in the Milwaukee area for balancing/installation that would be great. Thanks again!

[Laitch]

Is the 150/70 easy enough to put on and get seated yourself or should I take it to a shop?

It's easy enough for anybody determined to do it with a few tools and access to an air compressor; otherwise, take it to a shop but a BMW service shop isn't necessary. Most tire or motorcycle shops will do it.

[dispatched]

Ok, thanks. I have the tools and usually change my own tires but I've never put a non standard tire on so I didn't know if it would be a bear or not.

[Laitch]

That tire's width falls within the permissible range for that rim's width.

[Laitch]

You should warm up your tires out in the sun before attempting to mount them.

[dispatched]

Good to know on the width, thanks! I think I'll go ahead and try and mount 'em myself, makes sense to warm them in the sun too. I really don't have any experience with touring tires so I was going to grab a pair of bridgstone battleaxe T31's. They seem to be decent, have front and rear sizes I need and not too much $$$.

[Scott_]

I have radials mounted up both my LT's with stock rims.... I will admit though, that finding radials that fit is becoming harder as the bike are getting older. Fewer mfgr's are making radials in the stock LT size.
As far as removing the exhaust can, only if your bike has non-stock exhaust.... standard stock K1100 exhaust system is one single piece. Aftermarket systems are 2 pieces. I have Remus on both bikes.

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Scott- Thanks for the info on the exhaust, it was your comment I saw about the fitment. Also how do you like your aftermarket exhaust? Worth the money, what would you say are the benefits for this bike? Regarding difficulties finding radials in the stock k1100lt rim sizes, I was thinking that was one of the pros of switching to the 5" k1200 rear; more options for tires.