1) Going Narrower w/ 16" Frt Tire; 2) Mixing Tire "Lines"

[Cdn850T5NT]

My Series III 850T5 came w/ 110/90-16 frt, 120/90-18 rear. Hard to find the pattern I want in that frt tire size. Also, swing-arm / tire contact may be an issue with a wider rear...

I would consider a Kenda Cruiser 100/90H-16 frt (i.e. narrower) and a Kenda Challenger 120/90H-18 rear (i.e. same size as original... but it would then NOT be a Kenda Cruiser rear).

I lose a bit of load rating in front with narrower section size... but is this plan wrong-minded?

Kenda Cruiser rear is not avail. in 120/90-18.

See pix

[mtiberio]

I routinely run undersize tires on my street bike, I like the crisper handling. I also don't worry about matching brands front and rear, on a bike one end has no clue what the other end is wearing. Now if you are racing or pushing it, you want things to happen similarly at the limit. Even with same brands, you have to make that happen w/pressure and suspension settings.

[Cdn850T5NT]

Thx, Gents, for your reassuring comments. They are helpful and suggest I'm on the right path.

[Tusayan]

Many moons ago I tried a 100-width front tire on my ‘83 Honda VF750, one the first bikes normally equipped with a 120-16 front tire.  My thinking was to use the tire from the then-new VF500 and see if it lightened up the steering.  After the first violent tank slapper I decided it wasn’t going to work!

[Cdn850T5NT]

It already has quick steering, what with it being 16". All have said the key to straight line stability on this bike is at least 38psi in the front, in any case. I am cognizant of that whole tire pressure matter, for sure. Back in those days both the LeMans iv and the T5 had that straight-down-the-middle (i.e. straight) groove on its 16" frt... and in the case of the T5, also a straight down the middle groove rear tire pattern too.

I know I've been asking this question, in past... i.e. some time ago (sorry 😐)... but then what is most important to go for (with a 16" frt)? Staying with the OEM section width; tire pattern design (per the above); and/or keeping tire pressure highish?