Reading front tire information... (buying)

[Shuriken]

I need a new front tire. I don't really care what brand yet and don't want to start a tire thread. However, I am interested in knowing how to get the right size...

The 1980g standard uses a 3.5 x 19" tire, right? When shopping for tires I see the correct rim size but not 3.5 - instead there are 90, 100, 110, 150, etc.

If anybody can help me translate I'll order a new tire. I put a Dunlop 491 on the rear and it's a great tire. I wouldn't mind a matching Dunlop for the front if anyone has a recommendation (Dunlop front tire number). Also, any advantage/disadvantage of radial vs bias ply?

Ben

[MartyA]

Here is a quick cross reference

http://www.tiresunlimited.com/tire_g...ersion%20Chart

[strom]

100 90 19

LP

[tommystinson]

Are you looking for the construction difference between radial tires vs. bias-ply, or are you thinking of mounting radials on your bike? If you are thinking about radials, don't. Follow the threads (that you can search) on the topic. If you are searching for tires that "look" like sportbike radials, check out the Dunlop GT501. I just bought a set, they are speed rated for over 150, which the XS will only achieve if dropped out of a plane, and are considered a high performance tire. I got mine at Donelson Cycles on line.

[Jerry]

This site has a pretty good explanation of motorcyle tire sizes, along with other useful information. Link is to a .pdf file:

Motorcycle Tire Specs

As noted in a previous post, OEM size is 100/90-19. Going 1 size larger (110/90-19) or smaller (90/90-19) is possible, but your speedo will be a bit off due to overall diameter of the tire. Small tire = faster than true speed, tire makes more revolutions per mile. Larger tire = slower than true speed, tires makes fewer revolutions per mile. Dunlop's site includes overall diameter of its various tire stock numbers.

I prefer going with matched tires, and if you are running a 491 Elite II on back, put the same tire up front. I bought mine recently from: Motorcycle Pro Shop
No financial connection, blah blah blah. They have good prices when you figure in the shipping and handling ($9.00 in my case.)

[Jerry]

Forgot to note....

Recommended Dunlop 491 Elite II front:
MM90-19 Black Wall 4076-73
MM90-19 Raised White Wall 4075-73

The 'sportier' Dunlop GT501:
100/90-19 Black wall only 3004-25

The Dunlop site is at:
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Click on Tire catalog.

[Shuriken]

I like the Dunlop 491 I already have on the rear. A 491 for the front is pricey. Does anyone have anything to say about a Cheng Shin front? If I can save $20 bucks I might look at them, too.

The Motorcycle Pro Shop will send me a 491 Front for 77.00 after shipping. I wonder if there is a better deal somewhere else?

Ben

[tommystinson]

Not sure about a better price. You may want to consider another dunlop model if the 491 will cut into your beer money. The D404 is online in the right size for $45 or so, although I would buy cheaper beer for a week so I could buy a better tire, instead.

[Jerry]

Uh, gee,....little secret....

I put a new 90/90-19 Dunlop K491 on my bike this spring for $55.00. Tire was on eBay and has the Harley logo cast in the side. $20.00 plus $15.00 shipping, then another $20.00 for mount and balance. Tire is 3 years old, though, some dealer had a bunch of New Old Stock tires in stock and was selling them in a Dutch Auction.

Unless you look real close you can't even see the Harley logo. I don't normally recommend this route, but I would hate to see you put an inexpensive tire like a Kenda or Chen Shin on an XS or XJ. To much weight and HP for these tires. I know what it is like to be on a tight budget, but better you find a Harley 491 or 401/402 series than go with a Chen Shin.

Take a look on eBay, sometimes you can find a decent value.

[Underdog]

I've been tire shopping also & probably will go with the 491s. I wanted something with the raised white letters. I was at a local independent cycle shop that sells a lot of tires at dicounted prices. Anyway, the guy there pointed out something. If you pay to have them mounted & balanced (he charges 12 bucks a tire) there really isn't any savings in cheaper tires that wear quicker. Just another point to consider. Not a factor if you can mount & balance yourself though.
BTW, I also stopped in at the HD dealer where I deal and priced them. The price was actually pretty close since they give me a bit of a discount through my bussiness. But....and get this....The service manager says he's not alowed to mount tires on anything but a Harley, even though I'm just carrying the wheels in!! LOL!! I said fine, you just lost a $200 plus sale, I'll go get em up the street.

[Deano62]

3.5 inches is equal to 90 milimeters. Dunlop makes a
100/90 -19 front tire...part number 0305-0004

Retails out here in the east for $74.95

regards,
Deano

[Bill__Woods]

Go with the matching 491 on the front. Don't want a lousy tire on the front to save $20.00. I agree with Jerry, the XS is too heavy of a bike to use a cheap tire. I have had my 491 for 8K miles and they are good to go. They are good in the rain also.

[Shuriken]

Thanks for all the info, guys. I'll stick with a match and go with the 491 on the front.

Ben

[KurtG]

I have been using 491's on my street bikes as long as they have been on the market and the 291 before that. While other tires may be cheaper I have never found another that has a lower cost per mile. They are a great tire.