tire size debate. By jct842 (Read 1,042 times)

[jct842]

Tonight for lack of any thing productive I got a cloth tape measure out. I just happen to have two small scooters with the same brand and model # of tire, SL26 Pirelli's on them. One has a 3.5X10" tire and the chinese has a 120/70/12 on it. And about the same miles on each.

Yes the 12" is slightly bigger, 1 1/2 inches to be exact. I taped the measure to the front tires and rotated then did the math. 138.5mm verses 150.5mm in circumference...... 17 3/8" verses 18 7/8 in diameter.

For those contemplating a 50cc purchase I doubt seriously that most people would be able to tell any difference in handling after paying at least $100 more for the scooter with 12" tires. Remembering that Honda put a 3.5X10 on the rear of its very successful Helix 250cc scooter.
john

one other point is that the thicker cross section of the 3.5X10 is going to absorb road shock a whole lot better than a low profile tire will.

[Cruiser]

Good info, John. Now I don't have to go out and measure my tire on the VIP50 to calibrate the bike speedometer add on. ;D I also agree that the ride would be better with the 3.50 tire.

[jct842]

I could be wrong, but I do believe that different manufactures are going to have some slight differences in tire size. Since both of my tires are same model/make what I have will be accurate for pirelli's for sure. Low profile tires sure do not have the comfort the old fashioned ones do. For some thing like a crotch rocket the low profile are going to handle better at 100mph + speeds and them things ain't built for comfort either. john

[nulldevice]

The ten inch tire on the back of my 250cc SunL is a 120/90 - 10. In imperial units that is about 4.75 inches wide, a 10 inch rim, and a cross section profile height of about 4.25 inches. It is considerably bigger than a 3.50-10. My search of the Internet (multiple sites) claims the back tire size was 120/90 - 10 from the beginning. If you saw them with 3.50 10 inch tires on them they were probably replacement tires.

[seanstr]

I think the difference in handling is from the difference in wheel base.