Upsizing rear tire to a plus 1?

[Deep Thoughts]

Hello Gents,

I am contemplating the replacement of my rear tire soon, and wondered if any of you have replaced your stock rear 150/90-15 with the 170/80-15? The Shinko SR777HD model I am considering has both sizes available and the specifications are nearly identical, save for the larger tire being only 3/4" wider overall. It also has 5 tread plies as opposed to 4 with an additional 80 pounds load capacity. My only concern which leads me to ask the forum, is this. The rear wheel rim width is 3.5 inches. The plus 1 size tire calls for a 4 inch rim width. Does anyone here believe there is any danger in mounting and running a tire that exceeds the rim width recommendation by half an inch?

Thanks for your thoughts and/or experiences!

[GrandpaDenny]

There isn't enough room in the fender for a 3/4" wider tire.

[Deep Thoughts]

I would be more concerned that it wouldn't clear the swing arm, but the fender? Based on just a visual inspection, it appears there is plenty of space available under the fender. Have you tried fitting that specific size tire and had clearance issues? Now that I think about it, wouldn't the guys running car tires on the back experience an even greater risk of rubbing hard parts? Maybe I am over thinking it.

[Nails]

These things are easy to over-think. As an example, a larger tire can negatively affect steering lean-in.

[GrandpaDenny]

These things are easy to over-think.

Why, Nails, that's amazing to hear from you! Ok, you're not Nails, who are you, and what did you do with him?

[Nails]

Obviously, he quit thinking and thus aren't.