How big of rear tire fits commando? (2010)

BrianK said:

I'm running Conti Classic Attacks on my '73 850, 100/90-19 front and 120/90-18 rear (wheels redone by CNW/Buchanans).

No real brief for or against them except this - they are without a doubt the biggest PITA to install (I run the same on a BMW R100RT so I've had the pleasure twice). I thought radials were supposed to have flexible sidewalls; isn't that the point? These SOBs are an absolute biotch to spoon on by hand.

I will likely revert to my beloved PIrelli Sport Demons next time around assuming they come in the right sizes (and the sizes I have seem perfect).

Before this it was Bridgestone BT-45s, recommended (and installed) by Sir Matt Rambow himself; IIRC, they were the same sizes. They were okay too.

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I went back and looked at cNw’s wheel offering. Matt did do my hubs but they are now laced up with Excel shouldered 19” WM2s, which is the stock size. I know a lot of people use wider rims and 18s on the back. I looked up the Pirellis you mentioned and saw they are available in a front tire size, but not the rear. I suppose the front could also be used on the rear? That’s what Avon seems to do.

I am reluctant to redo mine as I am not sure there would be a cost or otherwise benefit at this point. If I were to do it over again, I would probably go wider. Andover Norton recommended Avon Road Riders, “100/90 x 19" front and back, 90/90 x 19" front only for sharper steering”. Probably because that is what they sell as they stay stock.