One more tire size question

[C.V.]

searched the threads, and found the usual conflicting info, so I'll ask-
Best size tire for the front of my '79 850g

110/90-19 or 100/90-19

which is stock and which works best? I thought the 110 was stock, but I find lots saying the 100 is better. Help!

[76FJ55]

stock was a 3.50-19 which is closer to a 100/90-19. when looking at tire I always go the the manufaturer and check recomended rim size. whenever you but a tire on a rim outside the design of the tire you change the shape of the tire and usually decrease its performance. A narrow tire on a narrow rim will most likely out perform a wide tire on a narrow rim. So check clearance and check rim size before making your final decision.

[BassCliff]

Average Joe Inline-4

Hi Mr. C.V.,

Shhh! Mr. bwringer is going to yell at me.

"Best" will be what's best for you. I use a 110/90-19 on the front of my 850. It makes the bike steer a little slower, but most of my riding time is commuting anyway. It seems more stable on the freeway. It's still plenty fun in the twisties even though I have to use a little more muscle. My dear and trusted friend, Ms. SqDancerLynn1 also uses a 110 on the front. You should see her ride her fully dressed 850.

Most people use a 100/90-19 on the front for the 750-1100cc bikes. I have ridden a GS with a 100 on the front and the steering is a little quicker, but the speedometer is off. With the 110 tire there is almost no speedo error.

I've also heard it said that the back tire can affect the quickness of your steering just as much as the front. I use, as I think most do, a 130/90-17 on the back of my 850. A 120 is likely to give you quicker steering too. But that just seems too skinny to me.

Another tire discussion. Oh boy. Here we go.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[hikermikem]

For what it's worth, I'm running Dunlop GT501's on my 850GLZ

F - 100/90
R - 130/90

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Either works just fine. The differences are subtle. If you want to stay as close to factory as possible, I think you want the 110.

[chef1366]

I bought a 110 by accident. Stock is a 100/90/19.
It actually rubs on the fender a little bit.
Handles fine though.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I've tried both. Never had a rubbing issue. Some fenders allow you to swivel them a bit. If stock is 100, it sounds like he'd be more confident with the 100.

[bwringer]

If it's any indication, the sticker on my '83 says 100/90-19.

Depending on the tire, a 110 sometimes rubs, or is hard to stuff under the fender, which ain't right. 100/90-19 is easier to find, anyway.

You won't die or anything with a 110, but I noticed a big difference in hanlding when I figured out what the correct tire size was.

[C.V.]

Thanks guys, still conflicting opinions, but helpful none the less
The bike currently has a 110 on it, no rubbing, no probs but the cupping. Not sure how many miles on it, but I've put close to 4000 on it since i've had it. No probs with the handling initially, only recently. Is there any way to correct for the speedo error if I go with a 100?

[Nessism]

The front wheel on your '79 is 1.85" wide. The later G's received 2.15" wheels except for the L model which stayed with the narrower rim for some reason.

In my opinion a 110 tire is pretty margional on a rim that narrow - for a front anyway. I'd definetly stay with a 100.

[C.V.]

Tire ordered

Thanks again gang for your help. I ordered a cheng shin Hi Max based on the reviews here and elswhere. I decide to go with the 100/90-19, since that seems to be what the majority run, also thats what the tire conversion said was correct (you were right 76fj55).

Thanks guys, i'll check back in after shes mounted up and update.