Vulcan 1600 classic and SideCar

Help need new back tyre.
The current tyre is all but knackered having run about 7k on its centre. The darkside has tempted me but what size tyre. The exisiting tyre is a 170/70/16 and my ride is a 2003 vulcan classic.
I see posts that have put a 195 or 205/60/16 on Vulcan Classics but not for my year bike and I gotta pay for the tyre upfront and no refunds if it don't fit.

I measured the gap between the drive shaft and the exisitng 170 tyre there is around 7mm clearance - not enough for a 195 tyre which is 25mm wider than a 170,
The drive shat cover has a bulge on the tyre side near the rear axle I think will rub on a car tyre which has its width nearer the middle of its wall.

I wondered if the driveshaft cover is different on later vulcan classics.

So has anyone actually fitted a 195/60/16 on a 2003 VN1600a Classic and how did it go?
or maybe there is another idea.

Just helped a friend to try and fit a 205 rear tire on a 1600 Nomad, exact same rear end as the 1600 Classic. It fit, but the 205 width was slightly rubbing on the driveshaft housing. We mounted his bike tire back on, and he later had a 195 width tire mounted. It has clearance from the driveshaft, which is the only place the 205 tire was rubbing.

I have been running a 205-60-16 gytt for four years it has credit card clearance on shaft tube but never touches.Mine is an 2005 nomad.

My stock rear tire was a 200-60/16 and I replaced it with a 205-60/16. Not a problem with clearances. Front tire is now a rear MC tire mounted reversed and works great. The rear tire is a bit larger as far as size but the bike does sit just a little lower. Great tire combo with a sidecar. Hope this helps.

The VN2000 has a wider frame in the rear than the Vulcan Classic, notice the difference in size of the stock tire. There seems to be enough difference in the tolerances of frame so that the 205 will work on some, but not all of them.

If you can try mounting the tire and can return it for full price return, than it's worth a try. If you can't, or don't wish to go through the hassle and price of paying to have it mounted twice, the 195 is certainly a better option.

Hey Guys;

I'm new to the Darkside, saw your post, and was hoping to get some insight. I purchased a General Altimax HP 205/60R/16 today for my '05 1600 Classic. Not too worried about that part of the equation, but I wanted to put the OEM MT on the front. Knowing that it has to be reversed, do any of you know if it will fit? I was told "no" by one expert in the field, but others have appeared to have done it. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.