What to do about tires...

[gixxer9]

I'm having difficulty trying to decide on tires for my elite. I'm running a 2.75 up front and a 90/90 on a met wheel in back. I wish to stay 2.75 up front for speedometer purposes.

My dilemma is trying to find a matched set. The only matched set I've been able to find is the Kenda K329. They are probably a decent tire, but I don't know anything about the company. Mismatched tires are generally not recommended in the sportbike world, but would that be an issue on a 45mph scooter?

What do you think about a Bridgestone Hoop 2.75 up front and a Michelin S1 90/90 in back?
As always, I'm open to suggestions!

[martynkim]

Both of those sound great! not to worry. I have the same bike and run a Pirelli SL26 out back and a 2.75 IRC in front. IRC corners well and Pirelli speaks for its self. Wet or dry the IRC holds the road great. I have no experience with the tires you mentioned but, I wouldnt give a thought ordering those.

[odinxxix]

the kenda is a good tire i have a set on my spree and it handles great in any weather.

[gixxer9]

the kenda is a good tire i have a set on my spree and it handles great in any weather.

That's good to know. How is the tread wear?

[odinxxix]

well i havent had them that long but they seem to hold up real well. its only been like 3 months. but its not the main mode of transportation. its pure enjoyment. but over all im pleased with the kenda.

[drizzle]

although kendas are usually said to be good quality, i'd stick with a better, "more expensive" tire. I had Kenda 313's that i bought brand new, and only got about 2000 miles out of before the rear was down to the wear bars.

[odinxxix]

2000 miles!!! id say thats pretty good for a small scooter tire.

[gixxer9]

2000 miles!!! id say thats pretty good for a small scooter tire.

I was thinking the same thing, lol! My 87 elite only has 1600 miles on it. Of course, it took a while at only 25 mph! Even though we can get 45 mph now, it'll only see 500 to 600 miles a year, but I share drizzle's concern about off-brand tires (I only run Dunlops on my GSXR's).

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Quoth Gixxer:

I wish to stay 2.75 up front for speedometer purposes.

In that case, going to a larger size will neatly correct the Factory Built-In Optimism of at least 6%. If you have a sportbike, you should know that the typical (Intentional? You be the judge...) error is to read 10% high, particularly in the 600 class. This is according to Motorcycle Consumer News, which includes True and Indicated speeds @65 MPH in all of its comprehensive road tests.

On the scooters, a front 90/90 reads about as close to true as you'll find. A 3.50 actually reads a bit lower than true. Matching tires is never a bad idea, but you're correct that it's not as critical at 45 as it is at 145. Your mileage, as they say, may vary.

[gixxer9]

On the scooters, a front 90/90 reads about as close to true as you'll find. A 3.50 actually reads a bit lower than true.

Thanks for the info, Wheelman. Does the above statement apply to later elites that came with 3.00" tires, or elites like mine that came with 2.75" tires?


**Faulty calculations removed by me to save confusion (i calculated percentage based on sidewall rather than O.D.)**

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

I take the nominal wheel diameter + 2x the tire height into account when I perform my famous Mathematical "Calculations".

So a 2.75" tire is 10 + 5.5 = 15.5 diameter while a 90/90 (indeed about 3.15 "tall") is 16.3.

In that case, 16.3/15.5 = ~105%.

The actual mounted tires can be measured for more-accurate assessment of their sizes because brands do vary a bit. Better still, I've had my GPS mounted atop the instrument cluster and made direct observations confirming my assertions.

One instance, with the 3.50 up front the speedo indicated 31 while the GPS showed 30. Yes, my Elite had a 3.00 stock, but I'm not sure Honda adjusted the speedometers when it went up from 2.75.

[gixxer9]

Good catch. I was calculating percentages off of sidewall height, and not outside diameter, lol. I'm not comfortable running a 90/90 on my 1.85" front wheel, but a 3.00" should be safe because that's what is on late model elites with the same 1.85" wheels. I came up with a little more than 3% difference comparing a 2.75" to a 3.00" tire (nominal, of course).

There are more options for a 3.00" and 90/90 matched set than the 2.75" and 90/90 set.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

If you can find a later Elite 95mm brake panel, the Metropolitan tubeless rim designed for 90/90 fits directly. Panels appear on eBay from time to time. The rear Met rim requires no mods except the need to deflate the bigger tires to clear the muffler mount for installation.

[gixxer9]

Greetings:

If you can find a later Elite 95mm brake panel, the Metropolitan tubeless rim designed for 90/90 fits directly.

What years in particular? I've seen pictures of a '98 and an '01 brake panel. They definitely look different than my '87 panel, but if they'll work for me, I'll pick one up.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

I'm pretty sure the 95mm front brake debuted in 1994 and every year thereafter. '94-2001 should work. The Met panel would work, but the slot that engages the fork boss is oriented "vertically" for the telescopics on the Met.