Front Tire Rubbing on Fender

[2fs2ns]

On my way home from work today I noticed a tsshhh tsshh tsshh sound coming from the front tire souning like something was rubbing.  It didn't change when the brake was applied.

I pulled off into a parking lot and found that the sidewall is slightly rubbing the side of the fender on one area of the tire.

I check air pressure, it was normal, 35psi.

The only thing I can think is that the tire is a 120/90-17, the stock tire is a 120/80-17.  Could that be the issue here?  The metric/inch tire converters show the same section width for both tires, just different diameters.  It's a brand new tire, I don't want to replace it.  Maybe I can file down the plastic around the fender where it's hitting on the side?

[Charles S Otwell]

Is the tire rubbing all the way around or just in one spot? Also how much clearance is on the other side of the tire?

[MagnaMan]

It may be rubbing in quite a few places. From looking at your signature pic it looks like you have almost no clearance between your fender and the tire. I just checked on my bike and I have a good half inch or so between my tire and the bottom of the fender.

[2fs2ns]

I have a little over a quarter inch between the tread/fender.

My problem is on the sidewall.  Cheaper than getting a new tire, I think I can shave the inside wall of the fender to clear the tire, it won't take much.

[Jerry G Turner]

Let just a little air out of the tire and see if that stops it. I put air in my tire and it started rubbing I let out just a little bit and it stoped it doesn't take much the fender is so close.

[Greg Cothern]

Actually if it is the down side skirts of the fender you can cut it.  I seen a guy who used a pen and a string and the axle to mark the fender and cut them off and it looked pretty good.

[Charles S Otwell]

If you cut the down side skirts like Greg was talking about ,looks like you could also redrill the holes and raise the fender back up for a little more clearance on top also. I've picked up tar and pea gravel that don't look like it would clear your fender? Just a thought,

[Greg Cothern]

I dont think you would have to redrill to move the fender higher, I think you would be fine with the skirts gone.
Just a thought.

[Charles S Otwell]

Sorry Greg, I didn't mean to but in, I should have kept my thoughts to myself.

[2fs2ns]

I'm going to swing by the honda shop and let them look at it.  They said the tire would fit when it was put on, so we'll see if they have a recommendation now.  If not, I'll trim the skirt a little, shouldn't be hard.

I did increase the PSI from 32 to 36 a couple days ago, so that is most likely what triggered the rub.  I don't want to have to run my tire 6lbs low all the time though, I can't imagine that'd be a good alternative.

[Greg Cothern]

Charles you didnt butt in, never worry about adding to the information process, just gives more options!!!!

[MagnaMan]

If the Honda shop told you the tire would fit then I think it's their fault and they owe you the proper size tire at no expense. Sounds like they were just trying to force what they had in stock on you.  

If they want to assume no fault then you might ask them what Honda corporate will think when you report that they are going against their own specifications on tire fitment. A dealer recommending a tire that rubs on the fender/frame of their own brand of bike is negligent in my book, because we're talking potential safety hazard.

I definitely wouldn't want to run the tire at 32 psi either. I think you'll have premature tire wear. They just need to step up to the plate and get you the right sized tire. Hopefully you won't have to get nasty.

[silveradocowboy]

What if, or can you, use thinner spacers between the forks and the fender?

[2fs2ns]

I debated grinding on those spacers, however after looking at last night they mount right at the top of the fender, and there isn't much give up there.  If they mounted lower on the skirt it might have pulled it apart some.

I'm going to drive over to the dealer this week and let them check it out.  I'm sure they'll take care of it.

[MagnaMan]

Sorry for my rant. I'm a little peeved at the dealership near me at the moment.