Tire questions - Page 4

mrlmd1 · 07-02-2008, 02:36 PM

Well I got my bike back 2 weeks ago and the Cheng Shins came from California here to the local dealer. They put the 906 and 907 numbers on the invoice, but the front tire is now a 120/80-16 as discussed and not a 110/90-16. Apparently that is not available anymore anyplace. In my limited riding so far I can't tell any difference in the bike's ride or handling, except they look a whole lot better, and I feel a whole lot better having new tires instead of 9 year old ones. The 120/80 is a little less than 0.4" wider (that's less than 1/4" on each side for the total width of the tire), so it can't make any significant difference other than having very slightly more contact area, maybe a millimeter or two. The contact pattern or dirty area on the tire seems the same as before. What is interesting is that the tires are mounted correctly with the rotation arrows embossed on the sides in the right direction, but the tread pattern front and rear is reversed, with the rain grooves pointing in opposite directions front and rear. I can post pictures if anyone's interested in seeing this. It must be different front and rear for shedding water or traction, but I thought it strange looking at it. Any thoughts on this?

**jonathan180iq** · 07-02-2008, 02:39 PM

I think I know what you are describing and I never could figure out how that works. The same it true for bicycle tires. I guess its just up to the tire design to figure what design works best for each individual application.

I, for one, will go ahead and request pictures. Nothing like a picture.

The difference between a 120/80 and a 110/90 is only 3mm. So, it should be slightly wider and not change the height much at all.

samato · 07-02-2008, 02:55 PM

jonathan180iq,

You mentioned that Dunlop D404 are available as a set in our sizes but I can't find a place that has the front (110/90-16). Would you happen to have a link?

Right now, I can't find any matching set regardless of price!

Thanks

**jonathan180iq** · 07-02-2008, 03:58 PM

After searching around for the last few minutes, the only version that I can find for direct purchase is in Australia. I may have to revise my posts to mention that there are no longer matching sets available for the GZ.. What a crock....

The information listed below comes from the DunlopUSA website and mentions that the only way to get the Dunlop D404 in size 110/90-16 is to order through OEM... The only direct order DunlopUS model seems to be the GT501. Dunlop certainly makes the D404 110/90 but not for us. I'll see if I can find a way to have it shipped from AU or CAN.

Make: Suzuki | Model: GZ 250 (99-08)
Front Rim Size: 2.50x16 | Rear Rim Size: 3.00x15

O.E. Replacement Front Tire:
Tire : D404** | Size : 110/90-16 | PSI/Loaded : 25

O.E. Replacement Rear Tire:
Tire : D404 | Size : 130/90-15 | PSI Rear/Loaded :
Click for Info

** - Available only from O.E.M

**jonathan180iq** · 07-02-2008, 04:08 PM

found one in the UK for $120.... http://www.sticky-stuff.co.uk/shopping_cart.php?sort=3a
good grief

**jonathan180iq** · 07-02-2008, 04:16 PM

If you also go with a 120/80-16 in the front, you can get a set of matching ChengShins on Ebay right now.

It looks like the problem is finding a stock front tire replacement. That's just not a readily available size.

You may just need to end up finding a close tread pattern and mix-n-match.

Sorry man...
Or go with the Kenda Cruiser set with the smaller front tire

**jonathan180iq** · 07-02-2008, 04:38 PM

Here are some:

http://traxms.com/Motorcycle_Tires_Stre ... C907R.html

samato · 07-02-2008, 05:07 PM

Thanks for all the info. I'm just shocked that it's so hard to buy some stupid tires! I'm thinking about the doing 120/80-16 so I'm gonna check on eBay.

samato · 07-02-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathan180iq

Here are some:

http://traxms.com/Motorcycle_Tires_Stre ... C907R.html

I called and they don't have them either.

Quimrider · 07-02-2008, 05:25 PM

Let me know if you find the Cheng Shin fronts. Or for that matter any front. I'll probably go with the Continental front if I can't find the C.S. My local shop can't find any 110/90-15 tires. Good thing I still have some tread left and don't need a new tire immediately! Try googling "110/90-15" maybe that will help

Thanks Jonathan, I meant 110/90-16.... DOH!

07-02-2008, 02:36 PM	#31
mrlmd1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Crawfordville, Florida Posts: 2,853	tire questions Well I got my bike back 2 weeks ago and the Cheng Shins came from California here to the local dealer. They put the 906 and 907 numbers on the invoice, but the front tire is now a 120/80-16 as discussed and not a 110/90-16. Apparently that is not available anymore anyplace. In my limited riding so far I can't tell any difference in the bike's ride or handling, except they look a whole lot better, and I feel a whole lot better having new tires instead of 9 year old ones. The 120/80 is a little less than 0.4" wider (that's less than 1/4" on each side for the total width of the tire), so it can't make any significant difference other than having very slightly more contact area, maybe a millimeter or two. The contact pattern or dirty area on the tire seems the same as before. What is interesting is that the tires are mounted correctly with the rotation arrows embossed on the sides in the right direction, but the tread pattern front and rear is reversed, with the rain grooves pointing in opposite directions front and rear. I can post pictures if anyone's interested in seeing this. It must be different front and rear for shedding water or traction, but I thought it strange looking at it. Any thoughts on this? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-02-2008, 02:55 PM	#33
samato Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Orlando, FL, USA Posts: 38	jonathan180iq, You mentioned that Dunlop D404 are available as a set in our sizes but I can't find a place that has the front (110/90-16). Would you happen to have a link? Right now, I can't find any matching set regardless of price! Thanks __________________ 2003 Suzuki GZ 250 - stock Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-02-2008, 04:08 PM	#35
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	found one in the UK for $120.... http://www.sticky-stuff.co.uk/shopping_cart.php?sort=3a good grief Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-02-2008, 04:38 PM	#37
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	Cheng Shins Here are some: http://traxms.com/Motorcycle_Tires_Stre ... C907R.html
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07-02-2008, 05:07 PM	#38
samato Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Orlando, FL, USA Posts: 38	Thanks for all the info. I'm just shocked that it's so hard to buy some stupid tires! I'm thinking about the doing 120/80-16 so I'm gonna check on eBay. __________________ 2003 Suzuki GZ 250 - stock
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07-02-2008, 02:39 PM	#32
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	I think I know what you are describing and I never could figure out how that works. The same it true for bicycle tires. I guess its just up to the tire design to figure what design works best for each individual application. I, for one, will go ahead and request pictures. Nothing like a picture. The difference between a 120/80 and a 110/90 is only 3mm. So, it should be slightly wider and not change the height much at all.
	0

07-02-2008, 03:58 PM	#34
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	After searching around for the last few minutes, the only version that I can find for direct purchase is in Australia. I may have to revise my posts to mention that there are no longer matching sets available for the GZ.. What a crock.... The information listed below comes from the DunlopUSA website and mentions that the only way to get the Dunlop D404 in size 110/90-16 is to order through OEM... The only direct order DunlopUS model seems to be the GT501. Dunlop certainly makes the D404 110/90 but not for us. I'll see if I can find a way to have it shipped from AU or CAN. Make: Suzuki \| Model: GZ 250 (99-08) Front Rim Size: 2.50x16 \| Rear Rim Size: 3.00x15 O.E. Replacement Front Tire: Tire : D404 \| Size : 110/90-16 \| PSI/Loaded : 25 O.E. Replacement Rear Tire: Tire : D404 \| Size : 130/90-15 \| PSI Rear/Loaded : Click for Info - Available only from O.E.M
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07-02-2008, 04:16 PM	#36
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	If you also go with a 120/80-16 in the front, you can get a set of matching ChengShins on Ebay right now. It looks like the problem is finding a stock front tire replacement. That's just not a readily available size. You may just need to end up finding a close tread pattern and mix-n-match. Sorry man... Or go with the Kenda Cruiser set with the smaller front tire
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07-02-2008, 05:25 PM	#40
Quimrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 198	Let me know if you find the Cheng Shin fronts. Or for that matter any front. I'll probably go with the Continental front if I can't find the C.S. My local shop can't find any 110/90-15 tires. Good thing I still have some tread left and don't need a new tire immediately! Try googling "110/90-15" maybe that will help Thanks Jonathan, I meant 110/90-16.... DOH!
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