Standard model tire size 130 rear? 100 or 110 front?

[markb80]

Getting my barn bike xs1100 ready for spring. Next is tires. But having trouble finding the right size.

I have had 3 standard models in the past but could have swore I put 120/90/17's on the rear. Can't find any now. Maybe it was a 130/90/17. I can't find many/any of those anymore. Will they rub the driveshaft housing? or any other problems? Should I get the 130/90-17?

I ran both 100's and 110's in metric on front. I think the 100/90-19 may have been the better fit, but maybe not. Anyone recommend either the 110 or the 100 in front?

[bikerphil]

130/90/17 is the stock size for the Standard rear tire, and the blackwall will not rub. If you want to lower the bike, you can use the 120/90/17. The 100/90/19 is the stock size for the front. You can run a 110/90/19 if you want (Standard model only), but the fender clearance will be very close.

[markb80]

Thanks, just ordered those. Nice prices right now at motorcycle superstore.

[RS Thornton]

So what model of tire

Ok, I'm nosy...
I am pondering new rubber and so I am interested in what you went for? Not starting "that tire thread again", just want to know what you picked.
Thanks
Scott

[markb80]

I have used Bridgestone S11's twice now and was happy with them. The front tire didn't cup on me like the Michelin's Macadams did on my FJ1200 in 2000 miles. The tread design has large, more rigid blocks, not as prone to flexing. Probably not the best tire out there but got front and back for 120 including shipping and I know it's better than a Kenda Challeger. Those went about 1.5 seasons on a kz650 for me years ago, which I sold, and I can imagine how quick they would wear on a big heavy xs11. I have been impressed with Shinko tires. The 712 (I think) made my xs650 handle better than ever before, hands down, awesome! Rolled into turns so smoothly I would never put anything else on that bike again. There was a sport touring Shinko that I considered, but I think they run a little soft and may wear too quick. If I wanted to spend more I would have went for Avon Road Riders probably. But I don't ride the xs11s that aggressively (80 special, 78 std).

[RS Thornton]

Thanks for input, I expect to be putting some aggresive miles on in places like US250 and US50 in West Virginia so will make a note on the Avons. I am surfing some of the sport touring forums and reading their tire threads, but many of the tires run on those bikes are not avail for the 17 inch rears.
Scott

[DiverRay]

ALL of the "NEW" bikes use radial, low profile tires. The XS was not designed for them! You CAN change out the rims and run the newer tires, but you need to find something that would fit the small by today's standard suspension. Any of the "soft" compound tires will handle well. You WILL be replacing them about every 5 to 7 thousand miles, if your lucky. I like the "harder" or "dual" compound tires. They will still allow the XS to go as fast as you care to, but they usually last almost twice as long as the "sport" tires.

[dbeardslee]

I have had 3 standard models in the past but could have swore I put 120/90/17's on the rear.

When I put the S11's on mine (110 and 130 widths), after fighting with the rim locks for 3 days I finally gave up and took them to a shop for mount and ballance. The guy who did the work has been running the same little shop for 30 years and he told me the XS's originally came with 120's in the back. I thought he was full of baloney at the time, but maybe he was right.

He also told me that the S11's are a duel compound rubber - a detail that's lacking in their literature. After 3000 miles or so they're staying nice and round in the back and they stick to the road very well. Every now and then if I hit something slippery on the road the back will break loose, but it's very controllable.