Tire size calculation

[Shwartz]

So I know that Tire threads are done to death but when I did a search, I couldn't find what I need.

Does anyone have a link (or can explain) to a good tire size calculation?

The factory spec:
Front - 3.25H19 4PR
Rear - 3.75H18 4PR

What's on there now:
Front - 3.25 V19
Rear - 120/80 VB18

How do I make the comparison from what is supposed to be on there, to what I should actually be ordering.
From what I understand it's simply a conversion from Metric to imperial?

Please clarify.

[GateKeeper]

it's all here....

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

then go to here

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff1/images/General_Suzuki_Specs.html

and see here

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/tire_info.html

lots of good stuff for you.....

and one more good read

http://www.petes-superbike.com/tire-school-a-2.html

.

[Steve]

I think the front tire actually translates to a 90/90-19, but if you install a 100/90-19, it will remove most (if not all) of your speedometer error.

A 120/90-18 would be correct for the rear.

Normally, yes, it would be a simple conversion from metric to Imperial, but they have changed the way they label tires a few times since these bikes were made, so the remaining tires just add to the confusion.

.

[Shwartz]

I think the front tire actually translates to a 90/90-19, but if you install a 100/90-19, it will remove most (if not all) of your speedometer error.

A 120/90-18 would be correct for the rear.

Normally, yes, it would be a simple conversion from metric to Imperial, but they have changed the way they label tires a few times since these bikes were made, so the remaining tires just add to the confusion.

.

According to Basscliff's chart, wouldn't it be closer to 110/90-18 for the rear? Does the 110/90 vs the 120/80 on it make a difference? So the 120/80 that's on it would just be a fatter tire with a lower sidewall?

[Guest]

Better a lower sidewall than a higher profile.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

On the rear you could use the 110/90 or 120/90 with very little difference between. My tire size converts to a 120 but I run a 130 and it works well. The same goes for the front. Right now I have a 100 but have used a 110. It makes a bit more difference for me on the front. The larger tire seems more "planted" and stable on the freeway but the skinnier tire is a little easier to throw around in the twisties.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff