Proper size tires for XJ 1100

[OpFlash]

Hey guys sorry for the noob question. Im looking at picking up a new set of tires for the XJ. I know the rear size is 130/90 16. The front size is 3.50 H19. Is this a standard size? and the rear is a metric size? If so what is the equivalent for a front tire because ive been looking in catalogs like Dennis kirk and there are only a few listings for "3.50" size tires. Also what tires are you guys riding on right now? Any suggestions. Im thinking about a "sport touring" type of set.

[fredintoon]

Metric equivalent

Hi Opflash,
3.50H-19 is an "inch" tire size. 3.5 is the width in inches, H is the speed rating and 19 is the rim size in inches.
You want the nearest equivalent in the more modern "metric" size. Now 3.5" = 88.9 (say 90)mm but that ain't the end of the story. Inch size tires have a 100% height/width ratio. A 90/90 "metric" tire will have the same width but that second 90 means it has a 90% height/width ratio so it will have a smaller outside diameter. To get the same outside diameter as that "inch" size tire you'll need the next size up, a 100/90-16. Note that even "metric" tires still have inch rim sizes. The H speed rating is still OK unless you want to go twice the hiway speed limit for several hours at a time.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[fredintoon]

Oops

Sorry about that. Someone's tiny brain must too tired to tell a 6 from a 9. The tire you need is a 100/90-19.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[OpFlash]

Thanks alot for the information very helpful in understanding that situation with the sizes. now off to order a new set of rubbers.