The TE250 came to me with a chunked up Michelin Cross non-DOT 100/100 on the rear. It is certainly useable but I just had to have matching DOT tires for some reason.
The tire that came new on it (which is on the original black wheel I received with the bike) is a very large Metzler Karoo 140/80-18. I have the matching front as well. These are in near new condition and are for sale on CL BTW.
With all this confusion of tire sizes I researched "Café Husky" and it appears the general consensus is a 110/100-18 is the preferred size so, I bought a new Kenda K760 Trakmaster II Dual Sport Tire 110/100-18 to match the front tire.
I decided to tackle the task of removing the Karoo from the OEM black wheel and installing the new K760 this evening.
I got so involved with it I didn't get any pictures until the tire changing excitement was over. I am going to have to hire a photographer.
Boy I forgot how hard it is to change rear knobbies
![Shocked :shock:](images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
especially when trying not to scratch the nice black paint on the rim.
I put on scratch (not a gouge) on the side and two nicks in the outer edge getting the last part of the tire over the rim where I couldn't get my plastic rim protectors between the tire and rim.
BTW I used the Armor-Al to get the Karoo off, I didn't use any on the new tire as I didn't want to risk it moving on the rim when running low pressures.
There is always debate on where to put the stem lock nuts and/or how many to use. I opted (and usually do) to use one nut inside the rim against the tube and use the other outside the rim snug against the rim. I know there are different theories for various configurations but any OEM tires that have not been off before I have found as stated.
And how about that rim strip? On top of the rim lock or underneath it? I put it on top as it was when I disassembled it.
Is that more anti-seize I see on the rim lock? Cheese Wiz man, come on!