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Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 1:40 pm
by bobwhitman
I need some new tires for an Ace 90, Stock was 2.75x 17 front, while the rear sported a whopping 2.75x17. Limited choice today, especially off-road/dirt patterns. This little critter will likely never see 60 mph, bit will see dirt, of unknown nature.

Some of the most promising little rim wrappers are offered as "front" tires, although, I could go al the way up to 300x17 equivalents (!), especially if I use "front" tires on the rear. For such an application, is there a problem doing so? Frankly, dirt grip and (may I admit it) gnarly appearance are primary considerations, but I would like them to be practical & safe. What say you all?

Bob (way to big for an Ace 90) Whitman

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 1:50 pm
by Bullfrog
I'll set myself up for an actual tire expert to cut off at the knees, but I can't imagine that the raging horsepower of a Hodaka 90 could "find" the "weakness" which seems to be implied by putting a labeled "front" tire on the rear (or vice versa).
My 2 cents.
Ed

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 1:53 pm
by Dale
Look at Shinko SR241 at Chaparral Motosports. They have the sizes. Look at the Shinko 244 also.

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:42 pm
by JPark
Ackshilly, the manual says 2.50 F and 2.75 R. I put a 2.75 F and 3.00 R Shinko 241 on mine and it looks and works great.

The 244 looks too post millennial for the bike in my opinion, and is really designed for something faster/heavier, in my experience. They seem stiffer, but then I don't weigh that much.

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 3:59 am
by bobwhitman
JPark is right, 2:50 front, 2:75 rear. I got so excited contemplating upgrades @ Chaparral (ooh, 2:75x3:00!) that I mis-typed.
Appreciate the expert responses, will reflect further, try to determine whether my budget can justify the top-shelf cost of a Shinko 244 ($44), or I should keep costs down with the 241 ($42).
I do have to take into account the fact that motor upgrades (22mm carb & model 90R air cleaner!) should significantly enhance horse (pony?) power. I suspect such radical mods could overwhelm a 2:75 rear, and a 3:00 might be necessary.

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 6:00 am
by viclioce
I ended up putting 2.75 tires front & rear. I bought one tire, a while back, at a local shop on clearance for $40. Then I bought a second 2.75 for the front from either bike bandit or Rocky Mountain ATV. Can’t remember which.

I figured with the stock motor, air box & 4 speed gear box, it wasn’t going to make much difference in a 1/4” of rear tire. And, it’s going to my 11 year old great nephew. :ugeek: Victor

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 6:28 am
by givergas
ive been getting IRC trails GP -1

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 7:50 am
by bobwhitman
GG
What size and source?

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 8:26 am
by givergas
look up ..IRC TIRES, then look at there dual sport tires they have 2,75 and 3,00 in the trails GP-1 . for trail rides and street i do they work fine

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 12:35 pm
by Darrell
Dale wrote: Tue Jul 06, 2021 1:53 pm Look at Shinko SR241 at Chaparral Motosports. They have the sizes. Look at the Shinko 244 also.
Strongly recommend the SR241s for appearance (trials universal) and function. I have then on my Wombat and will likely put them on a 250sl after the Kenda K270s are done.

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 12:53 pm
My 1968, Ace 100, Model 92 "Restomod" and I used the Original Rims so I put 2.75 x 17 (Shinko 87-4443 sr 241) on the front ($43.46) and 3.25 x 17 (Kenda 14281091)on the back ($50.41).
Beside the fact of using the original one's being in good shape, I have a "Small Instep of 26 inches" so I need it to be Lower so I can put my Feet on the ground at stops.

They have Knoby Tread.

Re: Itty- bitty tires

Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2021 4:06 pm
by viclioce
My 90 has a Shinko HoleShot 520A a 17 X 2.75 on the rear and a Bridgestone Motocross M100, also a 17 X 2.75 up front. Here’s pics of both the front and rear tires. :ugeek: Victor