tire sizes

[midnite]

Looking at replacing my front tire with a Michelin Commander II. The only problem is they don't offer this tire in a 150/80-16, the closest size is a 130/90- 16 will this tire work or not:think:

[Wayne O]

Have been on this same debate. Looks like I'm gonna go with the E3's

this time.

[abusive throttle cranker]

You say front but give rear sizes? I assume you mean rear. As it happens I've just been checking mine....and I have an Avon MT90 on the rear. Which is a replacement size for 130/90-16! (Mine is a '91 Venture Royale) This tire has been on the bike for awhile- to the point where it is cupped and dry rotted and needing replacement. So ya it works.

[Stanman]

You say front but give rear sizes? I assume you mean rear. As it happens I've just been checking mine....and I have an Avon MT90 on the rear. Which is a replacement size for 130/90-16! (Mine is a '91 Venture Royale) This tire has been on the bike for awhile- to the point where it is cupped and dry rotted and needing replacement. So ya it works.

 

 

I am thinking the original poster has a Gen 2. I believe the tire sizes on those are bigger than a Gen 1. I'm sure somebody with more knowlege of this will have the correct answer.

[beltfed50]

I tried the 130/90 on my RSTD and didn't like it. Made the bike rather squirrely above 45 mph or so, although it was definitely easier/quicker to turn at any speed and especially slow. Right now I'm running a "correctly sized" Avon on the front and a Commander II on the rear of my RSV. I like it. I know some folks won't think that's normal, but it works better than the 130 for me.

[darthandy]

As Beltfed50 mentions, going to a taller narrower tire can change the handling on your bike and not necessarily in a good way. Steering can become quicker to the point of being a bit "darty" at highway speeds. I would go for the correct size and it's hard to go wrong with the E3's. I have them on my RSV and the difference over the original Dunlops was noticeable.

 

Andy

[Guest scarylarry]

I wouldn't drop to the 130, I didn't like at all..

 

In parking lots it was ok, on the interstate it has a lot more than normal buffing, for back roads it might be great but here to Florda or Maine, no way or from your area to Nashville I wouldn't do it..

 

Hope all is well with you..

Edited January 30, 2013 by scarylarry

[djh3]

I changed to a 130 from the OEM E_3. I cant say as I really notice much difference at all. I have put over 5K on it. I do have the front end lowered in the triple trees, dont know if that makes a difference on this or not. Mine feels fine solo or 2 up. Definatly like the wet weather grip of the Commanders.

[RandyR]

I assume you'r talking 2nd gen?

 

I have a 130 front on my RSTD and like it. Its easier to manuever, and I rode to Ohio last summer on the highway, and had no issues.

[hunter 1500]

I just put the 130 on my bike end of last fall and havn't ridden it that much but I will not do it again. Like you said they don't make a 150 front in the Com II and I like the one on the back so I tried it. Don't like it in the corners nearly as well.