I noticed this weekend it was time to get a new front tire. Got the size and hit the net. I bought the bike used about a year ago and the previous owner but a larger back tire. The manual I downloaded says the stock tire should be 170/60r/17. I have a Shinko 180/55/017. Ok fair enough it seams to ride ok no problems. The front tire is a Dunlop 120/70/17. The maintenance manual calls for a 130/70/17. So seeing that I have never bought tires for a motorcycle I am really confused. Should I stick with the 120 or step up to the 130? I found a set of Shinko tires for around $300. If I go back with the stock sizes what type of ride change can I expect? Honestly I'm tempted to buy the same size tires just because I am used to the way the bike handles.
If you buy motorcycle tires, you shouldn't notice much difference in the handling by going back to stock. If you go dark side on the back, you may notice some slight handling variation.
To each his own, but after doing a lot of my own research I find that most of the dark side criticism comes from folks who have never done it.
That aside, I'd just get the stock motorcycle tire sizes and you should be fine, unless you like the bigger back tire.
Lots of deals out there right now if you buy a "set"...
$50 rebates and such...
You can possibly afford a "better" tire.
When it comes to most things, motorcycle tires included, there are lots of "trade-offs" and "compromises" too...
Generally, longer wearing tires are harder compounds so they don't "stick" as well...
If cornering performance is a priority...
Warranties differ as well...
Because of a premature failure, I ran over something very sharp, my rear Metzeler ME888 Ultra Marathon had to be replaced.
After this mishap, I was able to rethink my decision of "mileage" being the highest criteria...
The ME888 on more than one occasion, slid out upon acceleration on dry pavement and didn't "stick" like I expected in emergency braking, either...
I opted this time around for an Avon Cobra rear tire...
Over 50 bucks cheaper...
Much better handling, both wet and dry...
No tire spin upon acceleration or while cornering...
Ride quality is on par with the Metzeler...
AND, what's this ???
A 1 year/15000 mile tread warranty that INCLUDES road hazards ?!?
SOLD !!!
Good Looking Tire Too !!!
Snake-skin sidewall, Cobra head...
Kinda like a Jedi used his Light Saber to slash out the tread pattern ...
Made in England...
As a general rule, a wider tire will not turn in as quickly as a narrower tire. However, with such minor width changes as you're looking at, the difference will be negligible. It's when you start making drastic changes, like going from a 170 to a 240 rear, or a 120 to a 90 front, where it becomes more significant.
Having said all that, do you understand tire sizes? If not, here are a couple of screen shots that show the differences between the stock and your current tire sizes.
I'm all for saving a few bucks where I can, just buy what you think is best for you. On my Vulcan I used Metzler 880s. I recently had a less than stellar experience with Shinko tires, but I don't expect anybody to avoid them for that reason. I probably won't buy another set, but that's just me.
As a general rule, a wider tire will not turn in as quickly as a narrower tire. However, with such minor width changes as you're looking at, the difference will be negligible. It's when you start making drastic changes, like going from a 170 to a 240 rear, or a 120 to a 90 front, where it becomes more significant.
Having said all that, do you understand tire sizes? If not, here are a couple of screen shots that show the differences between the stock and your current tire sizes.
I'm all for saving a few bucks where I can, just buy what you think is best for you. On my Vulcan I used Metzler 880s. I recently had a less than stellar experience with Shinko tires, but I don't expect anybody to avoid them for that reason. I probably won't buy another set, but that's just me.
If you don't mind, I, and I'm sure others, would like to hear about your Shinko issue.
BTW, War Eagle!
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