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Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 1:09 pm
by westonjezek
Hello!
Has anyone ever fit a 120/90-18 on the front of a R100RT (or similar model)? Trying to figure out what dual-sport tires will fit, and not having any luck finding stock sizes (front: 100/90-18) that match the rear tread pattern (rear: 120/19-18).
In this blog, a person fit 120/90-18's to the front of a R80 monolever:
http://bmw-umbau-blog.weebly.com/bmw_bo ... es/03-2017
Thinking about this tire:
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shi ... ring-tires
Any thoughts on if a 120/90 would work for my R100RT monolever, front AND back?
Here is a link to photos of stock tire clearances in front and rear:
https://coxautoinc-my.sharepoint.com/:f ... Q?e=nSdDii
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 6:18 pm
by Rob Frankham
I would always recomend using the recomended tyre sizes that is 90/90x18 front and 120/90x18 rear. Increasing the sizes will affect the handling making the bike slower in bends. I doubt you'll get a 120/90 in the front. There are any number of combinations that will fit. I tend to use Metzlers (ME77 rear, Lasertec front) normally but I have Conti Go on at the moment. Seen to be OK but not over impressed with how long they've lasted. I'm sure there will be any number of other opinions along directly. This is a tyre thread after all
Rob
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 6:57 pm
by Airbear
O goody, a Tyre Thread. Michelin Pilot Activs in stock imperial sizes for me. Neutral steering, excellent grip and they maintain their shape right to the end.
But I see that you are after something that looks like this:
I guess those blocky tyres will get you to the cafe precinct on a dry day without too much trouble. It's your bike. Have fun.
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2019 2:41 pm
by westonjezek
Thanks everyone for your feedback! We will see if they fit

Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 1:42 pm
by westonjezek
Checking in to let everyone know that the 120/90-18 fit the front perfectly and a 130/90-18 fit the rear. I went with Shinko 804/805 Big Block tires. Still handles great, if you're not an aggressive rider.
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2019 4:22 pm
by hal
Pictures please!
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:14 am
by wolfram
Sorry to resurrect an old thread - but how do we get a larger rear tyre in past the brake shoes? I have struggled to get the old metzler 4.00 out (which is 110mm across).
are there narrower brake shoes that can be substituted?
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:18 am
by Kurt in S.A.
Imagine what people have to do when they put a larger metric tire in!! Basically, what I do is to deflate the tire which lets it compress easier. Then I use something like a thin piece of cardboard on either side of the pinch point and let the tire work against the cardboard. Be sure and tie up the center stand so that with all the pushing/pulling, you don't inadvertently move the bike forward and the stand collapses.
Kurt
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 3:17 am
by wolfram
I don't understand it! I've seen several videos where people have 120/80 metric tires on. I've watched this video where the 120/80 is just rolled in, no problem. But the camera angle doesn't show the brake shoes.
https://youtu.be/tGlkR3nYa2Q?si=o5cEbQPBlLbBhpXJ&t=551
Re: Max tire sizes for a R100RT?
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2025 6:10 am
by Rob Frankham
The original thread was about a monolever (post '85) machine which has a single sided swing arm so there is nothing to stop the tyre going past the brake shoes. On a twinshock, there is very limited room between the brake shoes and the left swing arm tube so getting anything larger than stock past is tricky. You could try deflating the tyre and compressing it to get it in. You may also find you need to pack the rear hub a little to the left to provide clearance between the tyre and the swing arm.
Of course, you could just use stock size tyres which are best for the purpose anyway.