I already did a search on the forum, I am sure that people are running hugger with different size rear tires


Honda VTR 1000 1998 2003 Rear Hugger Red HU47 | eBay


It says in the auction that it only fits the stock rear tire, Im running a 190/50/17 which im pretty sure isnt a really big difference from the stock tire, but someone grinded out a spot on my stock chain guard for the tire to clear. I think this hugger is made by Moto fairings.

My 2nd question is.... is everyone cutting off the black plastic piece hanging from the battery box. I think its only function is keeping road grime from being thrown up in the shock area.

 

Never ran one my self so im not sure of the clearance but i would figure that since the 190 is alittle wider and a little taller you might have a clearance but thats just my oppinion. never know with out trying, if it dosent work, resell it.

 

Don't know the brand of my hugger. It was on the bike when I got it. It's CF, and doesn't look as if it would fit anything larger than the stock tire. You may luck out on the 190/50. Going with a 190/55 I'd expect you to have trouble with it rubbing. You could always add some washers under the mounting points of the hugger to jack it up in the event you have clearance problems?

 

Hmm, looking at it, the chainguard portion would cause lots of issues if you tried to shim it.

Look at Nath having to run without a chainguard for clearance with a 190/55

 

But the chain guard is made on this hugger

 

Yes, but the design was most likely done for a stock tire size. Worst case you'd have to cut off the chain guard portion. Either way report back on your results. That's the value of forums like this, people trying things out-side the box. In other words go for it!

 

Anyone know the width difference on the stock tire vs the 190/50/17.... I would think this thing would have 1/2" tolerance

Looks like pregnatated plastic instead of painted to, so cutting it shouldn't look bad as long as I cut it slow speed

 

Well.... I bought it, $85 so we will see soon. I'll let everyone know

 

That plastic thing hanging from the battery box is bolted one (two small bolts) no need to cut it off. Ya I want to see your hugger on the bike, thinking of getting one of those ebay cheapies as well.

 

OK.... Got the hugger today, its actually made from firberglass, you can still see the mat on the inside.


The color is a tad bit brighter than the factory red, not many people would notice this even it it was butted up against the fairings. Definatley close enough to the factory red for a non-connecting panel. The finish of the paint matches the factory finish very nicely.



Installation took about 5-10 mins and I had to take the left rear foot peg bracket loose to get it in there. I also removed my rear mud flap which was held on by 3 screws. As you can see it doesnt go up into the front sprocket cover but there is only a small gap unlike the factory chain gaurd. But unlike the factory chain gaurd it clears the 190/50/17.





The left side also fits nicely and has all the holes for a ready mount



My bike has a new 102 link chain and 16/43 gearing so the tire is pretty much all the way against the front of the adjusters. The tire clears, the hugger seems pretty well shaped for my tire.


Here is 2 over all shots of the bike with this $65 hugger plus shipping.

 

On the shot showing clearance to the tire, it looks fairly tight, have you taken tire growth at speed into consideration?

 

Well the width of a stock type is 180mm and the aspect ratio is 55% .... so its the side wall is 99mm tall (from tread to bead). My rear tire is 190mm wide and the aspect ratio is 50% ... so its the side wall is 95mm tall. I cant imagine the centrifugal growth width being a factor since I got an extra 4mm of clearance.

I was also under the impression that the DOT tire required zero tire growth for the highway motorcycle tires for quite a few years now.... but I cant find anything on that for sure.

 

OK found it.... DOT highway use approved tires can have up to 6% of tire growth. Some of the race tires have 22% of tire growth. Im thinking 22% would hit my swing arm