Well after looking at the chart in the "weird tire" thread of mine, I come to my next problem: modern tire sizing. The front is a 3 in. wide 17 in. diameter rim and the back is a 3.5 in by 16 rim.
From what I think I've learned, I need a 90/90-17 for the front and a 120/80-16 for the rear.
Can I assume that this is like car tires in that the front is 90% of the 90mm tread width and the back is 80% of 120mm?
I don't think I'll be able to find OEM sizes. What does a smaller/bigger tire do to the handling dynamics? The only company I think I found is Shinko. Are they any good? I've seen things listed as front or rear. Can I use a rear on the front?
I'd really like Avons or Pirellis.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, it is like car tires.
These Avon's come in 100/80-17 front and 120/80-16 rear, should be close enough.
http://www.bikebandit.com/avon-am26-roadrider-motorcycle-tire
I just got a Shinko front tire for my bike, it is great for the price. I am going to get one for the rear soon. If you search on ADVrider you can find lots of reviews for them and most people seem to like them.
I've since found Avons and Pirellis in those sizes at BikeBandit. That site was a huge help. Now I just need to figure out if I'd notice the $30+ dollars difference in the Avons.
Jake Wilson (.com) is another great source for moto tires.
No experience with Pirellis, but those Roadriders are sweet.
The Bridgestone Battlax BT45 was always my favorite non-radial bike tire, FWIW. They are STICKY but also pretty damn good in the wet.
http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire
SlickDizzy wrote:
The Bridgestone Battlax BT45 was always my favorite non-radial bike tire, FWIW. They are STICKY but also pretty damn good in the wet.
http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire
Had them on my GS500F; they lasted pretty long and I don't have any complaints. Didn't track them, but I did ride on them in just about every weather short of ice and snow.
Problem is the small weird size I need. Bridgestone doesn't even have a100 series tire in 17.
I have the Shinko 712's on my XS, been very pleased. Good grip, after 1100 miles still look like new, have not needed balancing, no vibration even way over the posted speed limit. 
Kenda K657's are a pretty decent low priced street tire. http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Kenda/kenda_k657.htm
They have the rear size you are looking for but not the front. That is definitely a weirdo size, too.
EDIT: They have the K671 which is a 'cruiser' tire, the front might be the size you need: http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Kenda/kenda_k671.htm
