So, you're thinking about beefing up your Indian Scout Bobber with a big rear tire? Awesome choice! A wider tire can seriously transform the look and feel of your ride, giving it that aggressive, custom vibe. But before you jump in, let's break down everything you need to know to make this upgrade a smooth one. We're talking compatibility, performance tweaks, and some essential considerations to keep you rolling safely and stylishly.

Why Go Big on the Rear?

First off, why should you even consider a bigger rear tire for your Indian Scout Bobber? The most obvious reason is aesthetics. A wider tire simply looks tougher and more imposing, enhancing the Bobber's already muscular stance. It gives your bike a custom, personalized touch that sets it apart from the crowd. Beyond looks, a larger tire can also slightly alter the bike's handling characteristics. Some riders feel that a wider tire provides more stability, especially when cornering or riding in a straight line. It can give you a greater sense of confidence and control, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces. The increased contact patch can offer improved grip, which is always a plus. A big rear tire can also improve the bike's overall ride quality by absorbing bumps and vibrations more effectively. This can lead to a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially on long journeys. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. A wider tire can also make the bike feel a bit heavier and less nimble, especially at lower speeds. It might require a bit more effort to initiate turns, and the bike might not feel as flickable as it did with the stock tire. Also, a wider tire can affect your bike's fuel economy, as it increases rolling resistance. This means your engine has to work harder to turn the tire, which can lead to a slight decrease in MPG. Finally, there's the cost factor. Wider tires are generally more expensive than stock-sized tires, and you might also need to invest in a wider wheel or other modifications to make everything fit properly. But hey, if you're after that killer look and improved stability, the benefits might just outweigh the drawbacks.

Understanding Tire Sizes

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of understanding tire sizes. This is crucial to ensure you pick the right tire for your Indian Scout Bobber and avoid any fitment issues. Tire sizes are typically expressed in a format like 150/80-16, but what does all that mean? The first number, 150 in this case, represents the tire's width in millimeters. So, a 150 tire is 150mm wide at its widest point. The second number, 80, is the aspect ratio. This is the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its width. In this example, the sidewall height is 80% of 150mm, which is 120mm. The last number, 16, is the wheel diameter in inches. This tells you the size of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit. So, a 16-inch tire fits a 16-inch wheel. When choosing a wider tire, you'll primarily be increasing the first number (the width). However, you need to be mindful of the aspect ratio as well. If you increase the width significantly, you might also want to adjust the aspect ratio to maintain a similar overall tire diameter. Changing the tire diameter can affect your bike's speedometer accuracy and its gearing. To make things even more complicated, different tire manufacturers might have slightly different actual dimensions for tires with the same nominal size. This is why it's always a good idea to consult with a tire specialist or experienced mechanic before making a purchase. They can help you choose a tire that fits your bike properly and meets your specific needs and preferences. Also, be sure to check your bike's owner's manual or consult with an Indian dealership to find out the recommended tire sizes for your Scout Bobber. This will give you a good starting point and help you avoid any potential problems. Finally, don't forget to consider the tire's load rating and speed rating. These numbers indicate the maximum weight and speed that the tire is designed to handle safely. Make sure the tire you choose has a load rating and speed rating that meets or exceeds your bike's requirements.

Choosing the Right Tire

So, you're ready to choose the right tire? Let's dive into the factors that'll help you make the best decision for your Indian Scout Bobber. First, think about your riding style. Are you a weekend cruiser, a daily commuter, or someone who loves hitting the open road for long tours? Your riding style will heavily influence the type of tire you need. For example, if you primarily ride in the city, you'll want a tire with good grip and maneuverability. If you're a long-distance rider, you'll need a tire that's durable and comfortable. Next, consider the road conditions you typically encounter. Do you ride mostly on smooth asphalt, or do you often find yourself on rough or uneven surfaces? If you ride on rough roads, you'll want a tire with a strong carcass and good shock absorption. Also, think about the weather conditions you typically ride in. If you ride in wet or rainy conditions, you'll need a tire with good wet grip. Tire compounds also play a significant role. Softer compounds generally offer better grip but wear out faster, while harder compounds last longer but might not provide as much grip. Consider a tire's tread pattern, which affects its performance in different conditions. Deep, aggressive treads are great for wet or off-road riding, while smoother treads are better for dry pavement. Don't forget about the tire's appearance! After all, you're upgrading to a bigger tire for aesthetic reasons. Choose a tire that complements the overall look of your Indian Scout Bobber. Look for tires with a classic tread pattern or a modern, aggressive design, depending on your personal taste. Always read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. See what other riders are saying about different tires and how they perform in real-world conditions. Check out online forums, motorcycle magazines, and websites that specialize in tire reviews. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for advice from a tire specialist or experienced mechanic. They can help you choose a tire that's right for your bike and your riding style.

Fitment Considerations

Now, let's talk about fitment considerations when upgrading to a big rear tire on your Indian Scout Bobber. This is where things can get a bit tricky, so pay close attention. The first thing you need to consider is the width of your bike's swingarm. This is the part of the frame that holds the rear wheel. You need to make sure that the wider tire you're planning to install will actually fit within the swingarm without rubbing or causing any clearance issues. Measure the distance between the swingarm rails to determine the maximum tire width you can safely accommodate. Next, check the clearance between the tire and the fender. A wider tire might require you to raise or modify the fender to prevent rubbing. You might even need to replace the fender altogether with a wider aftermarket option. Also, consider the clearance between the tire and the exhaust pipes. A wider tire might interfere with the exhaust system, requiring you to adjust or modify the pipes. In some cases, you might even need to install a new exhaust system that's designed to accommodate a wider tire. The wheel's width is another crucial factor. You need to make sure that the wheel you're using is wide enough to properly support the wider tire. A tire that's too wide for the wheel can cause handling problems and premature wear. You might need to upgrade to a wider aftermarket wheel to ensure proper fitment. The axle diameter and length must also be considered. Make sure that the axle is compatible with the new wheel and tire setup. You might need to use a different axle or modify the existing one to achieve proper fitment. Don't forget about the brake caliper clearance. A wider tire might interfere with the brake caliper, requiring you to use spacers or a different caliper altogether. In some cases, you might even need to upgrade to a larger brake rotor to maintain adequate braking performance. Finally, be prepared to make some modifications to your bike. Upgrading to a big rear tire often requires some custom work, such as trimming the fender, adjusting the exhaust, or modifying the swingarm. If you're not comfortable doing these modifications yourself, it's best to take your bike to a professional mechanic.

Performance Tweaks

Once you've got that big rear tire installed, you might want to consider a few performance tweaks to optimize your Indian Scout Bobber's handling and power delivery. A wider tire can affect your bike's gearing, making it feel a bit sluggish off the line. To compensate for this, you might want to consider changing your bike's sprocket sizes. Decreasing the size of the front sprocket or increasing the size of the rear sprocket will give you more acceleration, but it will also reduce your top speed. Conversely, increasing the size of the front sprocket or decreasing the size of the rear sprocket will give you more top speed, but it will also reduce your acceleration. Another performance tweak to consider is adjusting your bike's suspension. A wider tire can change the way your bike handles, especially when cornering. You might need to adjust your suspension settings to compensate for the change. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you. You might also want to consider upgrading your bike's suspension components altogether. Aftermarket shocks and springs can significantly improve your bike's handling and ride quality. If you're planning on doing a lot of aggressive riding, this is definitely something to consider. Don't forget about your bike's engine performance. A wider tire can increase the load on your engine, especially at lower speeds. You might want to consider installing a performance air filter, exhaust system, or fuel controller to improve your engine's power output. These modifications can help your engine breathe easier and run more efficiently, giving you more power and torque. Finally, consider getting your bike dyno-tuned after making these modifications. A dyno tune will ensure that your engine is running at its optimal performance level. A qualified tuner can adjust your bike's fuel and ignition settings to maximize power and efficiency. This is especially important if you've installed a performance air filter, exhaust system, or fuel controller.

Safety First

Alright, guys, let's wrap things up with a crucial reminder: safety first! Upgrading to a big rear tire can definitely enhance the look and feel of your Indian Scout Bobber, but it's essential to prioritize safety throughout the process. First and foremost, make sure that the tire you choose is properly rated for your bike's weight and speed. Don't try to save a few bucks by buying a tire that's not designed to handle the stresses of your motorcycle. This could lead to tire failure and a serious accident. Always check the tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level. Underinflated tires can cause handling problems, reduced fuel economy, and premature wear. Overinflated tires can lead to a harsh ride and reduced grip. Invest in a good quality tire pressure gauge and check your tires before every ride. Ensure that the tire is properly installed and balanced. An improperly installed or unbalanced tire can cause vibrations, handling problems, and premature wear. If you're not comfortable installing the tire yourself, take it to a professional mechanic. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear when riding your motorcycle. This is especially important after making modifications to your bike, as you might not be used to the new handling characteristics. Take it slow and practice in a safe area before hitting the open road. Be aware of the potential changes in handling. A wider tire can affect your bike's handling, especially when cornering. Be prepared for the changes and adjust your riding style accordingly. Finally, never exceed the speed limit or ride recklessly. A big rear tire might make your bike look cool, but it doesn't make you invincible. Ride responsibly and always be aware of your surroundings.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to upgrading your Indian Scout Bobber with a big rear tire. Remember to do your research, choose the right tire, consider the fitment issues, make necessary performance tweaks, and always prioritize safety. Happy riding, and stay safe out there!