tire question?

[shutterbug1024]

I recently bought 2 NEW front tires for ($40.00) for my k100RT size 110/90-18 metzlers; the stock size on the bike is 100/90-18; my question is will the bike perfom ok with a smaller tire? Years ago I put a smaller size tire on my Norton commando and when it rained the front end hydroplaned and I lost grip if the handlebars and flipped over, (not a fun ride), that was 30 years ago when I was 20yrs. old, I don't want to fly over my handlebars again......thanks in advance for the replies....steve in maine

[Woolly]

Steve - the ONLY tyres to get are Bridgestone bias belted Battlax R20's - dont last very long (6K front 11K rear) but, best wet weather grip goin.

[brianbeemer]

I recently bought 2 NEW front tires for ($40.00) for my k100RT size 110/90-18 metzlers; the stock size on the bike is 100/90-18; my question is will the bike perfom ok with a smaller tire? Years ago I put a smaller size tire on my Norton commando and when it rained the front end hydroplaned and I lost grip if the handlebars and flipped over, (not a fun ride), that was 30 years ago when I was 20yrs. old, I don't want to fly over my handlebars again......thanks in advance for the replies....steve in maine
110/90's are larger than 100/90's. the 110 and 100 being the measurement across the width of the tire and the 90 specifying the profile, in this case 90% of the cross-tire measurement. A low profile tire would have a /60 measure, for example, and a really low one /45. Personally I would never put a smaller tire on any wheel, front or back, car or bike. A larger one may give more grip but will alter the handling characteristics...