78 special: Rear tire size - 130/90/16 or 120/90/16?

[cmattina1]

I'm searching for tires for a bike I just bought, and the past owner told me he thought the 130/90's on it at present are too wide and suggested 120/90, but I am finding it hard to find 120/90/16 tires and thinking i might just stick with the 130's.

any experience or recommendations?

Also, as a new and somewhat ignorant rider, would it be crazy to put sport touring tires on this if I plan on doing some extended road trips?

 

[Classic]

A 130 tire is a tight fit but its factory spec. Just make sure your chain is always in proper adjustment. Touring tires are good idea and a lot of us are running them. Many of us do 300+ mile days on our bikes.

 

[cmattina1]

thanks, I appreciate the input greatly, esp because we are in a similar climate (north of Duluth here).

 

[XS650_Bobber]

I am using 120, I think that the 130 will fit tight

 

[XSLeo]

On my bikes a 130/90-16 has plenty of room. A 130 in an 18 inch tire may be a whole nother thing.
The little Honda I have a po squeezed a 130/90- 16 in there. It should be a 120/90-16. Honda does like odd size tires. The po bent the chain gaurd to get the tire in there. The chain rubs on the tire.
There are not many tires out there in the 120/90-16 size but If it stays around It will get some.
It's up for sale if anyones interested.

 

[XS650_Bobber]

In ebay I just saw some 120/90/16 tires from 65$ shipped