Standard tyres on Jimny

Don't get hung up on width. Most of us are not concerned much by it.

It's overall diameter we are generally interested in to gain us ground clearance under the diffs to stop us being grounded on them.

This is worked out in theory from the numbers on the side. Eg: a 195/80/15 is 195mm wide and the profile is 80% of 195 = 156mm.

15" = 381mm

381 (wheel diameter) + 156 (above wheel) + 156 (below wheel) = 693mm =27.28"

Therefore 235/75/15's are much bigger at 733.5mm = 28.88".

The only issue is that the wider tyres like a 235/75/15 can catch on the wheel arches. So a tyres with the same diameter but less width will gain you ground clearance but reduce arch clearance issues.

We can only use what is available though rather than what is ideal. My compromise is a 215/80/15, which is an out of date size and not too easy to get.

The size on the side of the tyre is an in theory size though. In practice my Kumhos are smaller but my Malatestas are bigger than what they ought to be.

Kirkynut

So why do some people use195's?

wanderinstar wrote: So why do some people use195's?

Because more often than not they fit on a standard car with no suspension lift if not too aggressive or a larger than usual remould - Insa Turbo come up large for example.

They will certainly fit on a 2" lifted car without issue.

They don't change the gearing from stock much as they're not that much bigger than stock.

The fact they are not much bigger than stock means they may not be the best choice if you plan to modify your Jimny for more than just mild off road use. As such I personally would get on with a 3" lift and have the biggest tyres that fit without catching and/or take further steps to stop them catching, such as arch cutting. Otherwise you'll buy a second larger set later losing money on the first set that will never be recovered.

Does this help answer it?

Kirkynut

Yes, thank you. Going to a few places tomorrow to try trade my 2003 Clio for a Jimny. Wish me luck.

So have you a Jimny in your sights yet or are you still looking for one?

What do you wanna do to it when you get it?

Kirkynut

I use Nankang Toursport 611 tyres for on the road, size 215/65 15". The wider track/lower profile means the speed indicator is unchanged from original.

I have found that these tyres are the only tyres I have ever had in 11 years in this Jimny that allow me to corner at speed and in the wet. Absolutely love them, they are quite good on dirt tracks and mud but for off-road fair dinkum stuff I put on the Insa turbo Special Track 205/70 15's.

Tyres after 12 months road use:

Not got my eye on anything yet. but I am in the fortunate position to live quite near to 3 Zuki specialists.Kap in Keighley, Cam zuki in Halifax and someone in Bradford who calls himself Mr Jimny.So should get a decent one from either of them. In fact the first 2 have lifted and tyred motors . So am quitely confident.
Watch this space.
Ian.

just check they are not cat d

Didn't they think of that. When did they come in?

Even worse Cat C like mine I could never make it perfect but its passed its MOT, My front panel and inner wing is crumpled back, easily hidden to someone who doesn't look close inside or close at the fit of the headlight.

There is another Suzuki breakers in W.Yorks somewhere nr Keighley, Though I walked out once I got a price for a part.

Probally the worst time of year to buy a jimny! Great time to sell that's why i'm selling my G'Vitara once the snow comes.

WelI have finally got one in my sights.A 2002 black estate with 94000 on the clock.Fair bit of mile age but it looks genuine.Pick it up tomorrow. A main dealer told me to check the kingpins as they are a common item.Is this true. Icalled in and had a word with the bossman at KAP and he suggested first mod should be a transfer box bracket kit.

wanderinstar wrote: he suggested first mod should be a transfer box bracket kit.

Interesting, did he say why?