Tire recommendation for 450L

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  • Tamara
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    Tire recommendation for 450L

    It's time to replace the rear tire on '85 450L. The sidewall on the tire says it's a 120/90-16 which seems to be an odd ball size. What brand and what size would you guys recommend for my little 450?

    Thanks!
  • tkent02
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Jan 2006
    • 35571
    • Near South Park

    #2
    You want long mileage? Great traction? Low price?
    Wet roads? Dry roads? Do you ride aggresively or just putt around?
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    • Guest

      #3
      I just put Pirelli Sport Demons on mine not so long back. They're supposed to be good small to mid capacity commuting tyres but also grip well for the twisties and in the wet.

      So far, I have to agree and am loving them!

      Rear supposedly comes in 120/90-18 as well so you should be able to get them to suit yours.

      Comment

      • Tamara

        #4
        Originally posted by tkent02
        You want long mileage? Great traction? Low price?
        Wet roads? Dry roads? Do you ride aggresively or just putt around?
        I guess it would help if I added that . I like good traction, reasonable price, try to avoid wet when possible but in Florida that can be nearly impossible. My style is fairly laid back. I outgrew aggressive a long time ago.

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        • Tamara

          #5
          Originally posted by pete
          I just put Pirelli Sport Demons on mine not so long back. They're supposed to be good small to mid capacity commuting tyres but also grip well for the twisties and in the wet.

          So far, I have to agree and am loving them!

          Rear supposedly comes in 120/90-18 as well so you should be able to get them to suit yours.
          My stock rim is a 16". I'll have to contact retailers to see if they can fit them to my bike.

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          • Guest

            #6
            I keep coming up with a IRC Durotour RS-310 or Kenda K657 challengers in that size. I don't know anything about either brand. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

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            • Tamara

              #7
              Originally posted by OldVet66
              I keep coming up with a IRC Durotour RS-310 or Kenda K657 challengers in that size. I don't know anything about either brand. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx
              That's what I've been coming up with too and I've never heard of either.

              Comment

              • Chrkut

                #8
                When I get home, I'll see what I have on mine. Not sure if the 82 has the same rear size, but its probably pretty close.

                Comment

                • BentRod

                  #9
                  Don't bother with the Kenda tires. They are so slippery in the wet you are better off riding on the rims.

                  I cannot speak to the IRC from personal experience

                  Bridgestone makes the Exedra as a custom style tire in a 120/90R16, but it isn't so easy to get, and usually has to special ordered. They also make a 100/90R19 Exedra front tire to match

                  I hate to admit it, but there isn't a lot going around in a 120/90R16, other than Kenda, and IRC.
                  I can tell you that folks have fitted 120/80 tires and 130/90 and 130/80 tires to 400L and 450L models. Personally, tire trouble was part of the reasons I got ride of my 81 400L.

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                  • bwringer
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                    • Oct 2003
                    • 17066
                    • Indianapolis

                    #10
                    The IRC is a good tire -- definitely a lot better than the Kendas. I'd order up a set of those, along with new tubes and rim strips, of course (or valve stems if it's tubeless).
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                    • Nessism
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                      • Mar 2006
                      • 35793
                      • Torrance, CA

                      #11
                      https://www.denniskirk.com/irc/rear-....prd/64120.sku
                      Ed

                      To measure is to know.

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                      • Chrkut

                        #12
                        I got some of the people at my house to look at my tires.

                        Rear is an Avon Road raider, but its a 120/80/16. Not sure if it can be used on your rims.

                        They have treated me well since i got them, but I haven't put many miles on them. Not too shabby in the rain, they did a lot better job than my boot soles did.
                        Last edited by Guest; 07-08-2013, 04:53 PM.

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                        • Steve
                          GS Whisperer
                          • Jun 2005
                          • 35925
                          • southwest oHIo

                          #13
                          You have a 16" rim? How wide?

                          If it's a 2.15, you will want to stick with a 120 width.

                          If it's a 2.50, you can go to a 130.

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                          • Tamara

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Steve
                            You have a 16" rim? How wide?

                            If it's a 2.15, you will want to stick with a 120 width.

                            If it's a 2.50, you can go to a 130.

                            .
                            How can I figure out what the width is? I know it's the stock rim that came from the factory. According to the fiche, it's 2.15.
                            Last edited by Guest; 07-08-2013, 06:04 PM.

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                            • Nessism
                              Forum LongTimer
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                              • Mar 2006
                              • 35793
                              • Torrance, CA

                              #15
                              Originally posted by Tamara
                              How can I figure out what the width is?
                              Look at it. Size is cast into wheel. 2.15"
                              Ed

                              To measure is to know.

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                              Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

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