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Touring Tire Question (Aspect Ratio)

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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 09:43 AM
  #1  
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Default Touring Tire Question (Aspect Ratio)

So I need new tires on my RK Custom. Currently, it has the Dunlop 402's on it. Sizes are:
Front: MT90B16 (size is 130/90-16)
Read: MU85B16 (size is 140/90-16)

I've found a good deal on line on the Michelin Commander II's. But my questions is one of sizing. The Michelin's are:

Front size 130/90-16
Rear size 140/90-16

So that all checks. The difference is that the Dunlop rear's aspect ratio is 85 while the Michelin rear's is 90. I know what aspect ratio is, but I'm curious whether this 5% makes any difference at all in the fit of the tire. A higher sidewall could be a problem, but I can't believe it would cause any rubbing or interference. Besides, the Michelins are listed as an exact fit for my bike.

So should I care about this 5% difference in AR?

Note, I don't want this to be a thread on what tires are "best". It's a technical question about fit/size.

Thanks,
Steve
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 10:41 AM
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That will not cause a problem. The might sit 1/4" higher. Have at it. I love my Com II's. Night and day compared to the terrible stock Dunlops.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 10:48 AM
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Here you go........


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tir...5r16-140-90r16



Enjoy the Michelins.....!
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 10:48 AM
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You can also go to a Metzeler ME880 rear & front, they are closer to the size want and
are good tires too.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 10:59 AM
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Verify the load rating is equal to the factory tires and look around for a revolutions per mile statement. The taller tire will slightly lower the speedo indication for a given actual speed.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 11:03 AM
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they should fit fine I'm running dunlop e3 mu90-16 rear no problems(anything is better than 402"s) and the ever so slightly taller tire gets my inaccurate harley speedo closer to correct.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 11:15 AM
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Nice calculator, hattitude! Both tires are the same (130/90-16 and 140/90/16) so no probs there. And btsom, good suggestion about the load rating. The Mich front is actually higher (rear's the same). Thanks for the help. You've put my mind at ease! Always preferred Michelin cage tires, so I'm looking forward to these...
 
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Old Mar 1, 2014 | 12:20 PM
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Been using the Metzeler 880's about 4 tires now, wanted to try the 888's, but even though they are in everybody's catalog they aren't going to be released for a few months. BS!

I'm going to try a Continental this time.
 
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