Did I order the wrong tire size?

[weasel01]

Dont want to rekindle any unwanted tire discussion but I have a question

I decided to order a Metzler rear tire and ordererd a 120/90 18 and now am realizing this is too big?

the owners manual says 4.0 x 18 there isnt a listing for a 110/90 18 but there is a 4.0x18 which

i didnt even notice it until just now......

What is the best size?

[nhmaf]

There are some brands that still offer the 4.0 x 18 size, though they are getting harder to find.

If you do really want Metzler Lasertecs I believe taht the 110/90 x 18 size if the closest in profile & dimension to the 4.00 H tire.  As we've discussed on other threads, the 120/90 or 110/90, etc. doesn't actually mean that the dimensions are exactly those numbers, it is the RATIO that the manufacturers follow pretty closely, though some tires will differ by a few millimeters in width from different mfgrs even if they are stamped as the same "size".

I am running the Bridgestone BT45 110/90 x 18 on my 1982 R65LS.
It handles well, and I can still slip the wheel on/off the final drive with it fully inflated and not have to remove any extra hardware.  If the 120/90 is just slightly rubbing on your swingarm you might get a valuable millimeter or so by using some different size "shims" or spacers in the rear wheel - but there is a limit to how much/far you can go.

Metlzer Lasertecs are definitely available in 110/90x18 size:
http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3734

[Bob_Roller]

It will work, but you need to install the wheel/tire assembly with little or no air pressure .

If you get the bike center stand on a piece of plywood, to get  a little more clearance to work with, it will help out .

I've had the same problem ordering Metzeler tires, the 100/90 x 18 is a not widely available size .

[weasel01]

It's not too late to reroute the tire back if another size is better.
they do offer a "4.00V-18" lasertec is this what I should have ordered?
I'd rather be out a little shipping and get the correct thing than cramming too large a tire on.

[nhmaf]

Here are some various tires, tyres, tahrs, that are manufactured in 4.0x18 size, though they may not be easy to find in stock:

Michelin Pilot Activ
Michelin M50 Macadam
Continental Conti Go!
Avon Roadrider AM26
IRC GS11

This link *might* work:
http://www.bikebandit.com/tires/c/a642336a328a14a634878

[weasel01]

nhmaf, i followed your link but only found the front tread pattern in 110/90 18?
I need the rear.

[nhmaf]

If it were me, I'd see if they'd switch for the 4.00x18 V rated Lasertec.
Metzler makes good tires and that should be the closest to the size it was designed to use.   But as pointed out, you can very likely fit most any 110/90 in there, and some 120/90 tires if you let some air out of them and make sure you have some extra height under the fender by shimming up the centerstand.   As I'm trying to keep this little bike fairly close to its original configuration and steering geometry, I prefer to use
either the 110/90 or 4.00 tires, but others have good experiences with the slightly wider profile ones too.  
'A chacun son gout' as we say in Quebec..  (to each his own!)

P.S.   Dang!  Sorry 'bout not checking for rear .v.s front on the Lasertecs.....   That does get to be a bit of a challenge with some of these tahrs....

[Justin B.]

The Michelin Macadams are available in 90/90-18 for front and 110/90-18 for the rear.

[weasel01]

Well, I called and they are going to intercept the first order and ship out the 4.00x18 v rated Lasertec.

Now that's situated let's talk about oil choices!!! Just kidding

[DgM]

My 1983 R65 had wobble issues reported in earlier post.  All bearings, bushings, etc. checked out okay.  Replaced older Metzlers with Avon AM26 - 110/90 x 18 front, 4.00 x 18 rear - all ride issues gone - no clearance issues, supple ride, good tracking in corners, highway grooves now no problem.  110/90 can be used on rear with reversed direction installation indicated on sidewall.

[ukzknos]

I just fitted a Metzeler ME77 on mine which comes as 4.00x18, see link:

http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/catalog/moto/moto_catalogo_schedaDescription.page?categoria=/catalog/moto/classic/none&vehicleType=MOTO&product_id=87310&uri=/metzeler/en_IT/browser/xml/catalog/moto/Classic_PERF_ME77.xml&menu_item=/products/catalog/classic

[weasel01]

I'm having wobble issues with older spitfires I really feel any new tire will be a better ride than it is now....
They are not bald but do have a large flat area right in the middle

[Justin B.]

Every used motorcycle I have bought with Metzlers has had head-shake - even when the tire looked like it had plenty of even tread left.  I don't know what the deal is, that's why I switched to Dunlops then Michelins...

[montmil]

Every used motorcycle I have bought with Metzlers has had head-shake...

Now that's interesting! My '81 was shod with Metzlers when I bought it. The front tire had very obvious cupping. Both front and rear tires were very hard. Uncomfortable to ride. Switched to Bridgestone Spitfires on the 81. The 83 has nice Dunlops.

Monte