Can 10 Inch Wheels Be Replaced with 12 or 13 Inch Wheels on Motorcycle Trailer

Question:

I have a single motorcycle trailer in a bag with 10” rim can I go up to 12 or 13” rims, any info what should I do would be great. May want to take a long trip and just want to know what I can do to make it safe as possible.

asked by: José P

Expert Reply:

Based on the picture you attached of your motorcycle it does look like you will be able to jump in size to a 12 inch, possibly 13 inch tire and wheel combo. The important thing to maintain is at least 3 inches of clearance between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender to ensure they don't rub up against each other during travel.

I don't know the exact size of the 10 inch tire you currently have mounted but I will make a recommendation for both a 12 inch and 13 inch tire and wheel combo and provide their dimensions so you can make sure you will maintain this clearance with the new size.

For a 12 inch tire and wheel the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ White Spoke Wheel # AM31199DX is a great option as long (as you have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern) that features a maximum load of 1,220 pounds at 65 psi. It will have an overall diameter/height of 21.3 inches and a width of 5.7 inches.

Then for a 13 inch tire I recommend taking a look at the Kenda Karrier ST175/80D13 with White Wheel # AM31951 if you have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. This radial tire has a maximum load of 1,360 pounds at 50 psi. It has a height of 24.1 inches and a width of 7 inches.

I have attached a couple short video reviews on these tires that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R