Modern Vespa

Probably a novice question but i am looking at some new tyres for the cosa.

What is the difference between a 100/90/10 and a 350/10 or 300/10

Its just I notice I can get 3 of the 350/10 michelins for £59 or 2 of the 100/90/10 for that price.

What do the numbers mean and whats the difference, would they both fit the bike?

http://www.mbdevelopments.co.uk/schwalbe/faqs_vespa_tyre-size.php

Hi first off what model vespa are you fitting tyres to?

A Cosa.

I think that means they'll need 3.5x10 like their primitive P-relatives?

The link posted above gives a good explanation of what the numbers mean, but I can give you a more practical explanation of the differences. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the Cosa is intended to run on 100/90-10's. In comparison, the 3.50-10 is slightly taller in height and narrower in width. Installing a set of these will slightly raise your effective gear ratio, which will slightly reduce the rate of acceleration, but it might be able to reach a slightly higher top speed. They will also cause your speedometer and odometer to turn slower than they should, due to the larger overall circumference. The overall handling will also feel less "beefy" and a little more "squirrely" (a bit like going from a scooter to a bicycle) since it's riding on a narrower patch of rubber. You'll probably find that it corners with much less effort than you'd normally expect too, which may take some getting used to.

The 3.00-10 is 1/2 inch narrower than the 3.50-10, so the results would be even more dramatic than what I described above, and I wouldn't recommend installing them on the Cosa. Those are meant for Vespa smallframes, not full frame Vespas. If you were to install them, it would feel very much like riding a bicycle, and they'd definitely wear out much more quickly.

So, if money is really tight and your choice is between the old bald tires or new 3.50-10's, or if you want to try them as an experiment, you could get by with them, but you should expect some differences in handling and performance. Otherwise, you'll probably be more comfortable riding on the proper 100/90-10's. Hope this helps!

A great help, many thanks.

I have S83 350-10 on the 200 Cosa. Had them for 1 year.
Rides ok for daily use. I just happened to have a few 350 tyres to wear out.

The original 100/90-10 did give a more solid ride.

Bagels bang on the money for the tyre description.

Yeah im a bit torn on it to be honest. I have seen some other cheap ones at only 12quid each but im sure they wouldnt be that good and wont last.

Im tempted to just get the 350/10 as there are more deals on them and although maybe not quite as good to have as the 100/90/10 they will still be half decent.

Again its the old budget isnt it.

if you are looking for good tires talk to your dealer they should know. if not i would put contantal zippy1 on. i have these tires for my s150 and love them. they stick like Velcro.

i went for the michelin s1 100/90/10 a bit pricier but will be worth it im sure.