I have posed both of these questions recently in other posts about tires, but since they were surrounded by a bunch of other questions, they have gotten overlooked.

1. What is the consensus, if any, on the width of the front tire? I have seen a lot of people, myself included, biasing toward wider back tires, but I have not heard anyone comment on front tire width. For obvious reasons, there does not appear to be a huge range of widths available, but there is a range. For example, one manafacture (Cheng Shin) offers a 2.75" and a 3" front tire. I assume that others have similar offerings.

2. How do you figure tire height when only the width & rim size are given (i.e., 5.10-18)? I saw in a recent thread how to translate the xx/yy-zz format into the tire dimensions. But when the size is given in something like 5.10-18, how do you know how to figure the tire height? Are you supposed to assume that the sidewall is 100% of the width, so that a 5.10-18 would have similar dimension to a 130/100-18?

 

H'mmm . . . . . good questions!

On the front tire width, I would almost venture to say that you're going to get as many differing opinions on this as you would if you asked, "What's the best . . . . . " to use in my KLX?

I have seen quite a few variations. A friend of mine had a KLR650 last year with an 18 inch front tire that he was riding in the sand. It worked exceptionally well! I've been thinking about doing that to my KLX250, as that is where I ride it mostly, sand . . . . . deep sugar sand! I might be going for a 100/100x18 rear tire, both front and rear!

Now, if you take the 100/100x18 tire, I do believe - at least if my calculator is correct - would equate to a 3.94 inch wide tire. I do believe that the 4.10x18 tire would be the appropriately sized replacement tire for the bike.

Of course, to make matters more difficult - actually the decision making process has a few more variables - is the fact that Kenda makes a 3.25x21 front tire in their 270 model.

Which tires to put on? I'm not sure. I've got many friends running the Cheng Shin 858's that swear by them. I haven't heard anyone swear at them yet. I mean we're talking about $47 for a SET of tires!

I'm looking for info on an 18 inch front rim - probably will go with an Excel. Now I need to find an appropriate spoke kit. I have laced and trued bicycle wheels, but not a modern motorcycle wheel. I guess I'm going to find out in the near future.

Yes, pictures will be available.

I am leaning this way as whenever I ride the TW200's we have at one of our school locations, they just handle so well! I'm thinking this will become a sand demon!

 

I would say the 5.10x18 is the same as a 130x18. Actual math says 5.12, but it's close enough!

 

Marty, thanks for the info. I am leaning more and more to the C858s in the 130/80-18 (rear) and 3.0-21 (front). You mention the Cheng Shins for $47 for a SET. I have found good prices on them, but not quite that good. Where do you recommend that I look? If I can get that price or something close to it, I am pretty much going to order them today!

Thanks,
Chris