Tire size confusion
 

So I`ve been searching for my next set of tires...that`s a horror story on it own. But, I`m having a hard time finding my rear tire size. I have a conversion chart. Owners manual says 100/100 but actual tire says 4.6 (Dunlop 605). There doesnt seem to be a direct conversion....100/100 is only 4.0. And then some manufacturers use 'old metric' which my chart says is 120/80 for the stock 100/100.....
If I`ve confused anyone good! There should only be one way of sizing bike tires. I don`t care what it is! :confused:

So what should be the 'ideal' size tire I`m looking for in all tire size methods? I`m either getting an IRC tire or D606 (yes worlds apart lol).

Thanks.

A 100/100-18 fits better with the "power" at hand. IMHO

Ok but thats smaller than the 605 I have right? So if I do the cam mod even a 110/100 would be ok? If I can push the 4.60 D605 now, what would the benefit of the smaller 100/100 be?

Thanks for the reply.

Easier to push. I bought a 120/80-18 but didn't mount it as is was taller than the stock 605 4.60-18. I exchanged it for the 100/100-18, which was slightly shorter than the 605. The numbers don't tell the whole story, measuring a mounted properly inflated tire does. Actual size will vary between different models of tires even of the same size marking.

I use the 110/100-18 It seems to give me the best performance/handling compared to the 100 and the 120.

I am in the same boat as the OP.
What difference does it make in performance by choosing a 100 or 110 or 120 tire width? I am talking off road performance.

The OEM D605 is close to a 120/80. In fact looking at Dunlops web page, the D606 for our bikes is a 120/80. There is no smaller tire in the 606.
I agree that it requires more HP to move the larger tire (as it`s heavier to get rolling/inertia and the contact area is larger) so me personally, I would only put it on with the cam mod and carb kit. I also REALLY like the look and size of the stock tire so I`m thinking the 606 will be similar.

Anyone run the 606 on the rear?

I put the 606 set on, 120/90 on back, 90/90 on front and it works great. A bit heavier tire but so much better as far as durability and traction than the stock set. Good on the highway as well.

Side note, I ride the Southwest deserts and am at about 3500 MSL, but also ride single track at 7500 Ft MSL and even with the bike being out of breath that high, it carry's the tires well...great tires.

What size Kenda K760 tires are you guys running on the front?

Thats good to know. Still room in the swing arm I`m guessing?

Thanks.