Topic: Tire size effect on handling

[Nicolai]

Okay I've searched the forum a lot about tires for my CB500 cafe. I have ended up deciding to buy these tires: http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/productInfo.aspx?catRef=569868
I believe they are the same as the Cheng-Shin Hi Max C907/C906.
I know that there are a lot of people that doesn't like the performance of these tires. I have however decided on these as I like the look and the price and because I only will be driving my bike very little. So I'm not trying to start a discussion on tire choice but rather on tire size. I think I will go for 100/90-19 (front) and 120/90-18 (back). Actually I like the look of a 130 rear tire better but from reading this forum it seems like most people doesn't recommend this because it will result in bad handling.

So my question is: How much does the size on my tires affect the handling of my bike? What is the biggest tires I can put on and still keep handling good?

I don't like the look of the original size rear tire as i looks like a bycycletire, and after all the look is a big part of a cafe racer. On the other hand I don't want my bike to handle poorly, but keep in mind that my bike is only for an occasional ride when the weather allows it (which isn't often here i Denmark)

I know very little about this so any advice will be appreciated :-)

[Aaron Richard]

I would go with the 120 max on the rear. My buddy installed a 130/90 on the back and it looks like a big balloon, and it will not handle or wear correctly.
120/90 or a 120/80 would look, wear and handle good. it will wear a little quicker in the middle as oppose to the original 110 tire.