Tire Size Dilemma

rdrgoB · June 30th, 2012, 10:02 PM

So it's about time for a new rear tire and considering I can get discount tires through my job, I wanted to take advantage of the saving. Only problem is that I can't get the tire size I need. My 1999 Ninja 250 wheels are supposed to be 130/80 16. Could I get any of the following sizes, and if I can which ones would be best?

120/80-16
150/80-16
120/80-17
130/90-17
130/80-17

I'm leaning towards the 120/80-16 since it requires the least amount of change and it's on the width, but I'm hesitant about getting a smaller width. Would it be better to just go up to 150/80-16? I also wanted to avoid going to a 17'' diameter wheels, but if people have done it with success I wouldn't mind trying it.

***Summary: If I have to change tire sizes, am I better off reducing the width by 10mm, increasing the width by 20mm or just changing the diameter of the wheel.

Motofool · June 30th, 2012, 10:22 PM

I would go with 120/80-16.

The 150 is way too big.

If switching to 17", you will need to replace rear and front rims, in order to keep the geometry of the steering.

That would defeat the savings of these tires, in my opinion.

Consider the brand of tire for better traction and durability.
Do some research.

Mountain Dew · June 30th, 2012, 10:32 PM

Don't be a cheapskate. Get a 130/80-16. Or if you want to be a cheapskate, at least get the 120.

Alex · June 30th, 2012, 10:53 PM

The original rear size on the pre-gens was 120/80/16, but was bumped to 130/80/16 when those tires became more available. That said, tires are such an important component on the bike that I'd only consider putting on tires I was happy with, and not skimp to save a few dollars. Pirelli Sport Demons in 110/90/16 front and 130/90/16 rear work quite well on those bikes.

choneofakind · July 3rd, 2012, 07:12 AM

Good tires are a must! Pirelli Diablo scooter tires in 100/80-16 front and 130/80-16 rear are also good. They're very sticky, and only cost about $120 a set.
Posted via Mobile Device

JLinde1339 · July 3rd, 2012, 11:37 AM

Pirelli MT75 have been good to me. 120/80-16 rear and 100/80 front. About $125 for the set, IIRC.

rdrgoB · July 3rd, 2012, 04:58 PM

Turns out the shipping cost would out price any discount I got. I'll just get the right size tires. Thread closed I guess

June 30th, 2012, 10:02 PM	#1
rdrgoB ninjette.org member Name: Unspecified Location: nowhere Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: 18	Tire Size Dilemma So it's about time for a new rear tire and considering I can get discount tires through my job, I wanted to take advantage of the saving. Only problem is that I can't get the tire size I need. My 1999 Ninja 250 wheels are supposed to be 130/80 16. Could I get any of the following sizes, and if I can which ones would be best? 120/80-16 150/80-16 120/80-17 130/90-17 130/80-17 I'm leaning towards the 120/80-16 since it requires the least amount of change and it's on the width, but I'm hesitant about getting a smaller width. Would it be better to just go up to 150/80-16? I also wanted to avoid going to a 17'' diameter wheels, but if people have done it with success I wouldn't mind trying it. ***Summary: If I have to change tire sizes, am I better off reducing the width by 10mm, increasing the width by 20mm or just changing the diameter of the wheel.

June 30th, 2012, 10:22 PM	#2
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	I would go with 120/80-16. The 150 is way too big. If switching to 17", you will need to replace rear and front rims, in order to keep the geometry of the steering. That would defeat the savings of these tires, in my opinion. Consider the brand of tire for better traction and durability. Do some research. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

June 30th, 2012, 10:32 PM	#3
Mountain Dew Ambrosia. Name: Jaymie Location: Oahu, Hawaii Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1974 Honda CB550K0 W.I.P. Posts: A lot.	Don't be a cheapskate. Get a 130/80-16. Or if you want to be a cheapskate, at least get the 120. __________________________________________________ Life's better on the Mountain.

June 30th, 2012, 10:53 PM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	The original rear size on the pre-gens was 120/80/16, but was bumped to 130/80/16 when those tires became more available. That said, tires are such an important component on the bike that I'd only consider putting on tires I was happy with, and not skimp to save a few dollars. Pirelli Sport Demons in 110/90/16 front and 130/90/16 rear work quite well on those bikes. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tire size question	sidekick10121	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	5	March 11th, 2014 06:39 PM
wheel / tire size help	SON1C	General Motorcycling Discussion	5	September 25th, 2013 04:10 PM
Rear tire size	2fidyswag	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	18	April 18th, 2013 11:42 PM
tire size	unowned	Ninjettes At Speed	13	June 13th, 2009 03:34 PM
max tire size?	richierich781	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	2	May 13th, 2009 04:51 PM

July 3rd, 2012, 07:12 AM	#5
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Good tires are a must! Pirelli Diablo scooter tires in 100/80-16 front and 130/80-16 rear are also good. They're very sticky, and only cost about $120 a set. Posted via Mobile Device

July 3rd, 2012, 11:37 AM	#6
JLinde1339 Fighterer in Training Name: Joshua Location: Schenectady, NY Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250R Posts: 316	Pirelli MT75 have been good to me. 120/80-16 rear and 100/80 front. About $125 for the set, IIRC.

July 3rd, 2012, 04:58 PM	#7
rdrgoB ninjette.org member Name: Unspecified Location: nowhere Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: 18	Turns out the shipping cost would out price any discount I got. I'll just get the right size tires. Thread closed I guess