Tires! Difference between metric and standard? By niedzwiedz (Read 1,924 times)

[niedzwiedz]

I been looking for some new tires. Many are available in both metric and standard.
What I was kinda looking at; 3.50-10 compared to 90/90-10 when I convert the measurements they seem very close in size (if, I doing it correct?)
Both are a J speed and the Load Ratings are 51(3.50) and 50 (90/90) so fairly close.
The price difference is way different, the 3.50-10 being $8+ more!

Would the load rating cause that much price difference? What am I not understanding?

I do understand a slight difference may affect my speedo, but, I hope not handling?

[rob63]

The imperial sizes are 100% aspect ratio, therefore 3.50 wide and 3.50 in profile. Most imperial sizes go up in increments of 0.25 inches although the tyre size doesn`t necessarily convert over to metric accurately. A manufacturer may call his tyre a 3.50 but the design could really be 3.40, he simply rounds it up to the next 0.25 as per industry standard.
The metric system allows for a bit more accuracy especially when lower profile tyres started to be manufactured, so your 90/90 will be (first figure) 90mm wide approx, but with an aspect ratio (second figure) of 90% of 90mm (81mm approx).
Hope that makes sense ?

[sprocket]

Metric is standard...for the rest of the world.

Don't worry about the load rating but buy decent tires and the highest speed letter
you can aford...

Generally name brand tires like Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli, Avon etc, will out wear the Chinese tires by a factor of 3 or 4

After you have replaced the rear scooter tire you will understand why it is better to do this once and get decent tires... that will last a long time.

[niedzwiedz]

Thanks; Rob63 & Sprocket. That about what I needed to hear. I never was big knowledgeable on Tire/Tyre tech stuff and now we see both Standard and Metric here in the U.S.A.. Kinda like buying a socket set, seems to me all Metric should work in most cases, even if it a 9/16th nut/bolt!
I am looking at Michelin and Pirelli. I want a good price, but, want it with good quality too, not mind a few extra bucks for quality.
Also; thinking about trying something like those Dyna Beads for Balance? Not seem too expensive to see if they work.

[sprocket]

The beads actually do work very well, I know lots of people swear by them...