Bridgestone S11 Spitfires

[Shovel Jockey]

My 78 standard came with a new set of these installed. It seems like a fine tire with great reviews. I have a 100/90-19 on the front & a 120/90-18 on the rear. The rear seems a little large compared to the front OR the front seems a little small compared to the rear. Would you guys recommend increasing the front to a 110/90-19 or decreasing the rear to a 110/90-18. I think the 100/90 front & 110/90 rear which, most closely compares to the original 3.50 & 4.00, is still a bit shorter although the same width. Will the taller tires adversely effect handling or will the shorter tires lower my cruising speed too much? Also I can't seem to find the S11 Spitfires on the Bridgestone web site to reference and compare sizes, Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated. Joe

 

[PetesPonies]

I've run these on another bike. Wasn't too impressed. I'd just wait for the tires to wear out. It won't take long . . . .

 

[XSLeo]

I like mine, much better than the Dunlop D404's.
As far as the size they will work fine. The difference the 110-120 is about 1/2 mph at 60 mph. You probably won't feel much difference in cruising speeds or handling.
Not with most street tires, race tires maybe.
Leo

 

[Downeaster]

I like mine, much better than the Dunlop D404's.
...<snip>...
Leo

Whew, cuz I've got a brand new set sittin' in the basement waitin' to go on my bike...

 

[XSLeo]

Bridgestone Americas is where I just found Spit Fire S11 specs. The height of a 110/90-18 is 25.9 inches tall. The 120/90-18 is 26.5 tall. .6 inches.
The fronts are 100/90-19 26.2, 119/9-19 is 27. .8 inches difference.
Change tire height .5 inch makes 1 mph change. That is if I recall right.
Leo

 

[Shovel Jockey]

Bridgestone Americas is where I just found Spit Fire S11 specs. The height of a 110/90-18 is 25.9 inches tall. The 120/90-18 is 26.5 tall. .6 inches.
The fronts are 100/90-19 26.2, 119/9-19 is 27. .8 inches difference.
Change tire height .5 inch makes 1 mph change. That is if I recall right.
Leo

Thanks for the help as usual xsleo

 

[cros36]

i like my 110/19 130/18. didnt get to far with them this season due to working out the kinks in my build, but i like the looks i guess.

 

[5twins]

I've tried both a 110 and 120 on the rear and prefer the 110. The bike steers quicker and corners better with the tire size it was designed to use.

 

[Purplezinger]

My 78 standard came with a new set of these installed. It seems like a fine tire with great reviews. I have a 100/90-19 on the front & a 120/90-18 on the rear. The rear seems a little large compared to the front OR the front seems a little small compared to the rear. Would you guys recommend increasing the front to a 110/90-19 or decreasing the rear to a 110/90-18. I think the 100/90 front & 110/90 rear which, most closely compares to the original 3.50 & 4.00, is still a bit shorter although the same width. Will the taller tires adversely effect handling or will the shorter tires lower my cruising speed too much? Also I can't seem to find the S11 Spitfires on the Bridgestone web site to reference and compare sizes, Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated. Joe

The Bridgestone S11 Spitfire is a excellent choice for XS650. They have dual compound rubber, meaning the center tread is harder for long wear while the sides are softer for more grip leaned over.

 

[lsc86]

Never rode with them on a XS, but any other bike I've sampled them on- no thanks, wouldn't cross a street to put a set out if they were on fire on my own bike....

 

[PetesPonies]

I thought the same thing first time I tried them . . long wear when cruising. Nope . didn't last long at all.