Great bit of history.
Interesting that the race bike ran with a 4.5" rear wheel and was making 88 HP.
so many people try to fit bigger tires and rims, yet a race team sticks with a 160 tire instead of going with the 5.5" rim and a 180 tire. I know for certain that they can fit the 180, as I have on my bike, so I'm certain that there was a good reason for this direction.
Is it possible to have too much tire?

Cheers, Phil

Well, I'll be able to tell you next season when I wear out the 170 I have on the 5.5" rim right now, and replace it with a 160 on 4.5" rim. It took me several years, but I found a white 4.5" rear rim.

Cheer, Phil