Tire Size

[Stephen]

I'm taking the ride into the dealer next week for maintenance, etc. I might as well get new tires.

I plan to purchase the Michelin Pilot Road. Are motorcycle tires widths written in stone? Can I purchase a wider rear tire? What recommendations do you have for tires in the Pacific NW (Not very hot)?

Thanks.

Stephen

 

[dobias]

Stephan,

I'm waiting on some info from Metzler about models with reenforced sidewalls for heavier bike loads.

So far there is a "standard"Pilot Road front & rear in the 120/70ZR70 & 180/55ZR70 sizes. They will soon be receiving "B" suffix tires for extra weight carrying capacity. There's a "K" rear model they're looking into for me. Apparently it's for the very heavy K1200LT BMWs. If you aren't a heavy weight or carry full luggage & a pillion, the standard tire is suggested.

As for mounting a larger tire, I need to ask why? Do you have a ghost's chance of using all of the the existing tread or do you want to sport even more "chicken strips"? A larger tire will be pinched in by the 5.5 inch wheel & will result in a smaller radius tread on the road. There's absolutely no benefit I can think of unless you are looking for a "stylish phat tire".

dobias :glare:

 

[Stephen]

Thank you. That's exactly what I needed to know.

 

[Stephen]

The dealer only has Pilot Powers in stock. Even though they are a softer compound, they should be OK up here in this part of the country.... I hope! <_<

 

[RadioHowie]

Not really...the Power is probably only good for half the mileage of the Road. BUT, it WILL stick like hell and you'll be grinding the bottom of your bags off within a week.

 

[Cal24Master]

The dealer only has Pilot Powers in stock. Even though they are a softer compound, they should be OK up here in this part of the country.... I hope! <_<

It will work fine, but you will be going back for another one in about 1500 miles.

I run the Road on the rear and power on the front.

Tom