185R14 vs. 195R14

[AlanH]

Good morning all,

maybe someone can give me real life experience advice. I am desperately needing to change tyres on my '70 Westy with 3rib gearbox and std. 1600TP.
I am looking to get 185R14's ContiVanContacts, but it seems I might not get them but 195R14's are available. I know they will affect gearing, but to what extent. Is it a definite no no or can one get by.

Thanks for the replies and please feel free to recommend other brands that would possibly be better suited. value for money or what ever.
I just read good reviews on the Contis and thought that would be my tyre of choice.

[John Alves]

the 185 is 10mm narrower than the 195, if you are worried about gearing, find out the difference in outer tyre diameters

[sean]

Dont go with the 195's. It will effect the performance of your engine.

There isn't a lot to choose from on the 185R14's, but the Conti Vanco 100 is the best available. Its also locally manufactured. I use them on my busses.

[AlanH]

Thanks guys,
I managed to get 185's.
Also had front and back wheel alignment done.
They couldn't get it all the way to spec, say the ball joins are not the best anymore. I haven't replaced them yet as I wanted to find out where to get and what make. Don't want to buy cheap china sh1t.

[Riaan.N]

The tyre outer diameter between 185 and 195 will also be slightly different even if the sidewall high and rim size stays the same. I used 80 profile as example.

[AlanH]

Correct thanks. That's why I wanted real experience comments. But since I only have a stock 1600 I was happy to get the 185's.
Thanks.