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What's the difference in height and width: 130/80 or 130/90 R17

13K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  Slickrock 
#1 ·
I'm a knuckle head when it comes to understanding tire size. Can anyone tell me the difference in inches for height and width between a 130/80-17 and 130/90-17 tires? Stock rear size for my 83 Honda XL600r is 130/80-17. I currently have a 130/90-17 on the rear (super knobby tire). I believe the 130/90 is taller but not sure of width? I'm going to put a street tire on it for the off season so I can ride it when not on the Vee. It is super light and a rocket compared to the DL650a up to about 65-70 mph.

I can buy the same tire in both sizes but the 130/90 is cheaper by about $35. Wider and taller is better but want width over height if I compromise.

What is the 130/80-17 height and width in inches?
What is the 130/90-17 height and width in inches?

Thanks, Slickrock
 
#2 ·
There is no one answer to your question. Those are nominal sizes, not actual. Actual height/width varies from brand to brand, and model to model.
And wider isn't necessarily better, in fact it's often worse.
 
#4 ·
The numbers mean 130mm wide and a height of 80% then 90% of the width, both for 17" wheels. As Rich says, the actual sizes will vary. Figure the /90 tire will be a little taller than the /80 tire if they are the same brand especially.
 
#5 ·
Thanks all for the responses. I'll weigh the responses. A little taller doesn't sound like I'd notice the difference. I'm buying from Biker Bandit via Amazon so probably go back to stock tire size.
 
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#6 ·
I'll just note that there really isn't much clearance under the front fender even with a stock size knobby tire, so I am not sure a taller tire than stock is going to fit without modification to the location of the fender.
 
#8 ·
A little taller can be a big issue with the 12 and up 650, the front fender clearance is already pushing it.
As mentioned, we are talking about an 83 Honda XL600r not a DL650a. The 130/90 17 knobby tire is on there now and there is about 1/8-1/4" clearance between the tire and the swing arm.
 
#11 ·
Now that is good old American Standard measurements I can wrap my head around. Since I'm going for a very minor supermotard modification, the shorter would be better. Thinking about tracking down a 17" wheel to respoke my 21" front wheel to also. A smaller front wheel would theoretically improve road handling but at this point, I'm working on reliability first (pulling motor to replace the valve cover gleaning gasket) and rebuilding the cards so a smaller front wheel is low on priorities.

Thanks for all the help to everyone.
 
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