Different tire size - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Suzkuz · 10-22-2007, 06:56 PM

I need new tires for my bike.

The rear tire on the bike now though isn't the size that the manual calls for.
The tire on rear of the bike is a 120/90, the manual says 110/90. However the 120 fits fine with no rubbing or clearance issues.

So what should I get then another 120 or a 110?

**Clint** · 10-22-2007, 07:13 PM

The 120 gives you slightly more contact patch for (very) slightly increased traction. The 110 might turn a little quicker (the rear tire turns the bike). Personally, I'd go with whichever is most readily available and least expensive.

omegajim · 10-22-2007, 08:53 PM

He's on an old Suzuki, will he really notice the difference?

Furthermore, if he is driving the bike "hard enough" to notice the difference, it's time to buy a much higher performance motorcycle.

All things being equal (they rarely are) I would stick with the manual. A bigger question should be---- whose tire will you buy? What kind of performance tire will suit your needs?

That will require some reading, and will have a MUCH larger effect on things than 110 vs 120 mm width.

mflueras · 10-22-2007, 10:27 PM

the difference will be barely noticeable. go with your choice of brand/price etc.

themeatmanlandry · 10-23-2007, 08:24 AM

If it were my bike, I'd put the 110 back on there. That's just me.

Easy Rider · 10-23-2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mflueras

the difference will be barely noticeable. go with your choice of brand/price etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by themeatmanlandry

If it were my bike, I'd put the 110 back on there. That's just me.

This is a tough one 'cause the result of changing tire size varies widely (in my experience). Two bikes ago, I got new tires and changed sizes slightly to save a lot of $$$; barely noticed any difference at all. Last bike did the same thing for pretty much the same reason and it felt like a WHOLE DIFFERENT BIKE.

SO............my advise is: If you are REALLY happy with how the bike handles now, then stick with what you've got. If you think the handling could stand some improvement, then drop back to OEM size. It might get better, it might get worse or might not change much at all. Only way to tell is find someone with your exact model of bike and the proposed new size tires for a test ride.

Good luck!

mflueras · 10-23-2007, 08:59 PM

Again, I don't think it matters. I would even go as far as to say that if one were to equip the same bike with the 120 then 110 they would have a hard time to tell which one is which. This is as much because the small size being compared (we're not comparing 200 to the 180 here) and the type of bike they are being installed. But this is just my opinion and opinions are like, well you know what, and everyone's got one. And hey, it's not my bike and ultimately the owner will do what they think is best. If it were my bike my "best" would be the size tire that is cheaper given the same brand/style (given all above).

2005GZ250 · 10-23-2007, 10:29 PM

I started riding my '73 GT750 with stock size tires, the rear was 4x18 or
100/100/18 and I replaced it with a 120/90/18 and that works out to be
4.75/4.25/18 The front tire was 3.625x18 or 90/90/18 and was replaced with a 100/90/19 or 4.0/3.625/18 The GT now handles better then with the stock size tires.

jgreth · 10-24-2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omegajim

He's on an old Suzuki, will he really notice the difference?

Furthermore, if he is driving the bike "hard enough" to notice the difference, it's time to buy a much higher performance motorcycle.

All things being equal (they rarely are) I would stick with the manual. A bigger question should be---- whose tire will you buy? What kind of performance tire will suit your needs?

That will require some reading, and will have a MUCH larger effect on things than 110 vs 120 mm width.

I take issue with the highlighted part of the statement above. My bike is not very powerful ( GS500F ) but I CAN ride it hard and can keep up with faster bikes. It's not just about the bike, it's about the skill. My GS500 is very agile and snaps on turns where as bigger bikes take more effort to lean them into a turn.

omegajim · 10-24-2007, 01:04 PM

Oops, hadn't noticed it was a 2007.

But if you bought that, was there a reason the jump to the gsx 600?

Although insurance could be high.

Suzkuz · 10-26-2007, 04:03 PM

I went with the 120
A pair of Pirelli sport demons.

mflueras · 10-26-2007, 07:39 PM

Those are good tires. Good choice.

10-22-2007, 06:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Suzkuz Newbie Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 86 Suzuki GS550 Location: North Jersey Posts: 19	Different tire size I need new tires for my bike. The rear tire on the bike now though isn't the size that the manual calls for. The tire on rear of the bike is a 120/90, the manual says 110/90. However the 120 fits fine with no rubbing or clearance issues. So what should I get then another 120 or a 110?

10-22-2007, 08:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,526	He's on an old Suzuki, will he really notice the difference? Furthermore, if he is driving the bike "hard enough" to notice the difference, it's time to buy a much higher performance motorcycle. All things being equal (they rarely are) I would stick with the manual. A bigger question should be---- whose tire will you buy? What kind of performance tire will suit your needs? That will require some reading, and will have a MUCH larger effect on things than 110 vs 120 mm width. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

10-22-2007, 10:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
mflueras Clunked into first gear Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 05 M50 and 03 Lightning Location: Hot Springs AR Posts: 211	the difference will be barely noticeable. go with your choice of brand/price etc. __________________ ...a chicken...I'd slap a chicken...

10-23-2007, 08:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
mflueras Clunked into first gear Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 05 M50 and 03 Lightning Location: Hot Springs AR Posts: 211	Again, I don't think it matters. I would even go as far as to say that if one were to equip the same bike with the 120 then 110 they would have a hard time to tell which one is which. This is as much because the small size being compared (we're not comparing 200 to the 180 here) and the type of bike they are being installed. But this is just my opinion and opinions are like, well you know what, and everyone's got one. And hey, it's not my bike and ultimately the owner will do what they think is best. If it were my bike my "best" would be the size tire that is cheaper given the same brand/style (given all above). __________________ ...a chicken...I'd slap a chicken...

10-23-2007, 10:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
2005GZ250 Fender Buffer Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2005 GZ250 1973 "heavyoldandslow" GT750 Location: Roland, AR Posts: 439	I started riding my '73 GT750 with stock size tires, the rear was 4x18 or 100/100/18 and I replaced it with a 120/90/18 and that works out to be 4.75/4.25/18 The front tire was 3.625x18 or 90/90/18 and was replaced with a 100/90/19 or 4.0/3.625/18 The GT now handles better then with the stock size tires. __________________ I only ride 'em. I don't know what makes 'em work. Oddball: Donald Sutherland, Kelly's Heroes 1970

10-23-2007, 08:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	If it were my bike, I'd put the 110 back on there. That's just me.

10-24-2007, 01:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,526	Oops, hadn't noticed it was a 2007. But if you bought that, was there a reason the jump to the gsx 600? Although insurance could be high. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

10-26-2007, 04:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
Suzkuz Newbie Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 86 Suzuki GS550 Location: North Jersey Posts: 19	I went with the 120 A pair of Pirelli sport demons.

10-26-2007, 07:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
mflueras Clunked into first gear Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 05 M50 and 03 Lightning Location: Hot Springs AR Posts: 211	Those are good tires. Good choice. __________________ ...a chicken...I'd slap a chicken...

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