Tire size question, and recommendation needed.

[Ted33]

I currently have a Dunlop 756, stock size 110/100-18 on my '98 XR400R. It's in poor shape and I want to replace it with a Michelin S12, but because Michelin measures tire width from the outside of the knobs, I am unsure which size to get... a 120/90-18 or the 130/80-18. I have not been able to find tire data that shows all the dimensions of both Dunlop and Michelin to make my selection. Maybe I'm being too anal about this, but I want to get the best size of Michelin S12 for my bike.

By the way, I have done several searches and have not found the information I am looking for. I have found a few tire data sites and charts, but none that list comparable sizes between Michelin and other manufacturers, nor any that list all the dimensions (outside the knobs as well as to the casing).

Will the 130/80-18 work on my bike (will the knobs hit anything, like the chain or swingarm)?

What size do you XR400 owners recommend?

Thanks, from a true newbie!

Ted ?

[dale]

Get the 130/80. This will be same as everyone else's 110/100. I run the 130/80 S12 rear and a 756 dunlop on front.

[Rannoch]

I have a 120/90x18 micheline size, which rockymountain says is 110/100x18. Its a bit narrower than my previous d756 110/100, but it has way more hookup. I'll stick with that size; it seems to handle pretty good.

[Ted33]

Thanks much for the info guys. I noticed that rocky mountain's website lists the equivalent tire sizes when you select a Michelin tire. Good to know if anyone needs them. They list the 130/80-18 Michelin as an equivalent to the 110/100-18.

[ET]

I use IRC VE33 110/100-18. Wears well and is less expensive then many other tires.

[Dwight_Rudder]

The Michelins are great tires but they are not my pick for 4 strokes. They seem to get too much traction. I can't slide the rear nor drive off corners as well. I prefer Pirelli MT16 tires . If you have a 440 kitted bike I prefer the 120/100X18 ( 450x18 ) and if stock you probably would like the 110/100X18 ( 400x18 abit large 400 ) . I like the Scorpion Pro or MT83 front or the MT16 ft. I find I can go faster with these tires over everything else.

Cher'o,

Dwight

[motoxhead]

I'm buying some pirelli MT16 for my xr400 thanks for the suggestion dwight.

[Trailryder42]

The 140/80 S-12 will fit too. That's what I run on my XR4.