100/90 Front Tire on 1.85 Rim?

[bobbydyabb]

Browsing the archives, many of you appear to use a 100/90-18 front tire.  Am particularly interested in this size as it is very close in diameter to OE 3.25x18.  Problem is that some tire makers, (Avon & Bridgestone and maybe more), specify a minimum applicable rim size of 2.15 for this size (my ' 83 R65 OE front rim is 1.85).  

So, if you're using this tire size on a 1.85 rim, may I ask what your real world experience is?  Brand of tire, tire pressure used, turn in and cornering characteristics, straight tracking?

Thanks,
---
Bob Dominguez
'83 R65
Cerritos, CA

[Bob_Roller]

I've been using the 100/90x18  front tires ever since I replaced the OEM Continental tires in 1987, no issues yet .

A recent poll, showed three favorites of the members here, Bridgestone Battleax, Metzeler Lasertec, and Michelin Macadam .

Pressures in the 35 psi range seem to be about the normal pressures run in these tires .

I've been using the Metzeler Lasertec tires, formally the ME33/ME99 tires .

They are not the longest life tire, I get about 11-13,000 miles on a front, and 8-10,000 miles on a rear .

Last set I had put on was $350, that included tires,tubes,mounting and balancing the obligatory taxes and tire disposal fees .

I don't get to ride in too much wet weather here in Phoenix, but the few times I have, the tires didn't give me any problems riding in wet conditions .

But they stick like 'velcro' once warmed up .

[montmil]

My R65's, 81 and 83, roll on 100/90x18 fronts. Bridstone Spitfires on the '81 and Avons on the '83; not my choice, fresh ones came on the bike. Playing with tire pressures between 31-35psi.

I'm no Matt Mladin but I have enjoyed bending both brands.

Monte

[Semper Gumby]

You will have no problems using the 100/90-18 tire on the 1.85 rim.

BTW - I just replaced the whole front end with a 1988 K100RS front end with a tubless 2.50X18 rim.  Works great on my 1980 R65 so far.  I got an unbelievable deal on the complete front end off ebay.  Funny thing is it came with a good 100/90V18 BT45 tire!!

It is nice to have the right sized rim for the tires involved.