tyre sizes 1981 xs400

[xsbeachhopper]

Hi all,
New to this forum - so hi and looking forward to connecting up with you all.
I'm building a XS400 beach hopper out of a US import 1981 XS400 special.
The first thing I need to do is get some tyres so I can road test it before pulling it to bits.
It has the Original tyres on there at the moment, which have weird sizing- they are both perished.
Could someone tell me what the tyre sizes should be in uk sizes- and any recommendations would be great.
Thanks and best, Andy

 

[xschris]

Not sure what uk sizes are but here we use 90/90-18 for the front and 120/90-16 for the rear. Those are stock sizes. Post some pics of the bike, we like pics.

 

[xsbeachhopper]

Not sure what uk sizes are but here we use 90/90-18 for the front and 120/90-16 for the rear. Those are stock sizes. Post some pics of the bike, we like pics.

Thanks for the reply. I have managed to fathom this out and have now found tyres online that would be suitable, but and here comes the next questions...
Do I need tubed/tubeless tyres? I haven't taken the tyres off the rims and was going to order tyres and take them to a tyre place to have them fitted.
My wheels are the spoked type if that helps. They have a threaded nut over the valve.
Will post pics in a while... half in bits at the moment.

 

[xschris]

You will need tubes and rim bands in you have spoke wheels. I would get new of both if you don't know how old they are.

 

[xsbeachhopper]

You will need tubes and rim bands in you have spoke wheels. I would get new of both if you don't know how old they are.

Thanks - all understood and about to order some Metezler ME22's front and back, with rim tape and tubes.
Will post pics of the bike in the next couple of days, once back together.
Will also post a bit about what I am planning and hopeful that people will be willing to help.
Thanks, XSchris