After years of sitting on the side lines...

[R1_4Life]

I've finally got my first chopper! I have to say, this was the best 40th birthday present ever! (Next to spending a weekend alone in Vegas without the family ) I haven't been this excited in years!!
Now, for a lil help. The gentlemen I got it from never rode it and the front tire started to weather crack. So I attempted to order a replacement in the same size as currently on the bike and I was having trouble finding a Avon Venom 80/90-21. From my understanding, Avon doesn't make this tire anymore. Everyone is now running Avon Cobras 90/90-21.
Well I found Michelins at my local street bike shop and picked up a 80/90-21. I grabbed one but I was hesitant because that same make/model Michelin doesn't come in a 250 size for the rear. It only goes up to a 240.

So the dilemma.. I'm running mismatch brands front to rear. I'm riding so I'm not to upset about it, but what are you guys thoughts? Also, what is the actual riding experience difference between the two sizes? Looking at the two side by side, the 90/90 is noticeably larger...

[Rickyland]

I see the top of this model is like a bee, congratulations. I'm new here, new to this forum thanks to a friend recommended.

[Shovel52]

There was a similar thread on this lately, and every one seems to have a different opinion on putting a larger tire on the front.

I would think that a larger or slightly heavier tire on the front would increase the handling at high speeds, but pulling up to red light it may be a slight difference , or heavy feeling, or floppy feeling, but barely noticeable.

As far as the way it looks, null....., nobody is even going to look.

[Rickyland]

I think that, when the rear tire is bigger than the front tire, it will make your car look sportier. The advantage of using larger rear tires is that the tires will be longer, and easier to grip the road.
When you put the front tire a little bigger, the grip will decrease, because the front tire has a navigation role.

[STEINBVG]

The bigger, wider a tire- the bigger contact patch with the road- thus better friction/ grip for brakes( front) and brakes and power transfer in rear.
Round motorcycle tires probably are not as impressive in that sense, but still I would prefer a bit wider tire on the front. I have 120x 21 on my chopper paired with 200 x16 rear.

A taller tire might change geometry of the steering slightly: total rake will increase, it might affect the trail- hence handling. If it was not setup properly- it will get worse.

And if a flop is present, a heavier wheel will do that more noticeably. But change from 80 to 90 is minimal.

In any scenario,

Given such difference in choppe4 tires size , perhaps the manufacturer mismatch does not matter much for driving , as long as all the ratings are equal.

Although it would obsessively bother me if there was a mismatch.

[Shovel52]

Originally Posted by STEINBVG

The bigger, wider a tire- the bigger contact patch with the road- thus better friction/ grip for brakes( front) and brakes and power transfer in rear.
Round motorcycle tires probably are not as impressive in that sense, but still I would prefer a bit wider tire on the front. I have 120x 21 on my chopper paired with 200 x16 rear.

A taller tire might change geometry of the steering slightly: total rake will increase, it might affect the trail- hence handling. If it was not setup properly- it will get worse.

And if a flop is present, a heavier wheel will do that more noticeably. But change from 80 to 90 is minimal.

In any scenario,

Given such difference in choppe4 tires size , perhaps the manufacturer mismatch does not matter much for driving , as long as all the ratings are equal.

Although it would obsessively bother me if there was a mismatch.

I agree with you, a mismatched tire would bother the rider, it did me, I went with a Dunlap on the front, I don't know, I think it is one of those mind games. However, to the average street Joe, not too many peoole would even notice, except the hardcores at CC......

[R1_4Life]

Thanks for the input guys... Yeah its definitely a mind thing and it screws with me mentally also. Now if Michelin would just put out a 250, that would make this a lot easier lol!

[STEINBVG]

Originally Posted by R1_4Life

Thanks for the input guys... Yeah its definitely a mind thing and it screws with me mentally also. Now if Michelin would just put out a 250, that would make this a lot easier lol!

I tell you this, if you can steer you bike in a parking lot not laboring against huge trail with 80, 90 probably won,t be a noticeable change. Than I would stick with the Avon’and the same ratings( I presume cobras are developmental replacement of the vipers- so they are pretty much the same thing)
But if the steering is already a hustle, then try to stick with at least the same size tire + same speed rating.
Don,t worry about the mismatch . Handling is more important than the appearance and vanity.

Again, the chopper front and rear tires can’t be more different just simply because the front and rear wheel aesthetics.
Bobbers are simpler, but people still try to ruin the look by putting fat ass tires on t(e back. I have been guilty too.