1150 tire suggestions (Regarding 16" on front)

[zachdexter]

All,

I have done some searching on the forum and found that a lot of you really favor Avon AM26's. My 1150 has a 16" rim on the front. Avon has no specific 'front' 16" on the front, but it does have a universal 16". My current front is a 110/90, and the Avon universal is a 120/80. Could I get some advice as far as a better 16" front tire for an 1150? I'm thinking a 120/80 could be a drastic change in handling.

Thanks!

[bluewool]

All,

I have done some searching on the forum and found that a lot of you really favor Avon AM26's. My 1150 has a 16" rim on the front. Avon has no specific 'front' 16" on the front, but it does have a universal 16". My current front is a 110/90, and the Avon universal is a 120/80. Could I get some advice as far as a better 16" front tire for an 1150? I'm thinking a 120/80 could be a drastic change in handling.

Thanks!

You're doing something wrong. They make a front specific 110/90 16

http://www.avontyres.com/motorcycle/roadrider

They have them at Revzilla...

[cableguy]

Do some math to figure out the difference in circumference:
110=width in mm
90=the percentage of the width that makes up the height from the ground to the rim. 110x.90=height

Outside Diameter will be 16(inside diameter of tire) + 2x height
Circumference is pi(3.14) x diameter

There are also tire size calculators that will compare different sizes

You want to keep the circumference as close as possible or your speedometer will be off.
I think it's best to stay with stock sizes. Wider affects your contact patch and not always in a good way. Wider and lower is usually good for cars but not always good for bikes.

[zachdexter]

Found the problem! The 110/90 16 isn't carried by a supplier in the area. Both cycle shops that I called couldn't find a reference to their tire. One of them finally said their supplier may not carry the whole product line. I guess that's the case for both shops. So, it becomes a matter of who I can order them from around here, or getting them shipped. Thanks!

[bwringer]

One left at Dennis Kirk... better grab it quick!

https://www.denniskirk.com/avon/front-am26-roadrider-110-90v-16-blackwall-tire-2268213.p543167.prd/543167.sku

[zachdexter]

Alright, here's the conclusion.

I called 5 motorsports shops and struck out with 5 motorsports shops. None are carrying the tire. One nice parts receptionist wanted to know why. She did an hour of research and called me back. As far as she could tell, suppliers are no longer stocking the AM26- or at least my 110/90-16 size. She gave me a link to American Motorcycle Tire (americanmototire.com) that one of the mechanics use. It ended up being about $10 cheaper for the two tires than dennis kirk (about $10 after shipping and fees). All the websites are showing clearance on this AM26 size- so I am glad I nabbed some this afternoon.

Cableguy- thank you for the theory and application lesson. I did not consider a speedo offset with sidewall changes. I'll be at stock sizes though, so that's a plus.

Thanks all! I hope no one else runs into this!

[derwood]

110/90 16 and 120/80 16 are both stock sizes. avon, michelin, bridgestone and metzler still make both those sizes and they are avalible on this planet.(earth)
consider posting your planet of origin and / or residence
I like the avon and metzler, on the 1150
the bridgestone and michelin? not so much

[zachdexter]

I am an Earthling- natively.

I am near Poughkeepsie NY.