Can I put a 120/17 70 on an R6?

[The Awesome]

Originally Posted by OreoGaborio

The change in handling would be minimal. You're not going to reduce the ability of the bike much, if at all. It may steer a little heavier, but that's about it.

If that's all you've got & you need something in a pinch, throw it on there and give it a try. If you don't like it, then swap it out when you can. It's not going to pose a safety hazard.

A smaller profile number just means it's a little "flatter" of a tire in the middle of the tread. It doesn't automatically mean the tire won't give as much lean angle or you'll run out of tire sooner. And contrary to popular belief, the profile ratio doesn't necessarily denote the size of the sidewall, but the overall profile or "pointiness" of the tire. A 70 series is a "peakier", more triangular tire than a 60 series, which typically means a larger rolling diameter and a SLIGHTLY bigger contact patch when leaned over.'

For street riders, the biggest effect of switching from one to another is just the handling FEEL of the bike, not handling performance.

End of discussion.

[OreoGaborio]

Originally Posted by The Awesome

End of discussion.

Sometimes I have that effect on women as well... I leave them speechless

[Homeslice]

If a 60 series doesn't run out of tire sooner, then why did the 60 series on my SV650 have no chicken strip remaining after running it on the track, yet when I switched to a 70, I had an inch-thick chicken strip no matter how hard I ran it? And yes the suspension was set up properly to compensate.

[tached1000rr]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

If a 60 series doesn't run out of tire sooner, then why did the 60 series on my SV650 have no chicken strip remaining after running it on the track, yet when I switched to a 70, I had an inch-thick chicken strip no matter how hard I ran it? And yes the suspension was set up properly to compensate.

I'm thinking the point is that the "average rider" is not going to get their front tire leaned over that far just street riding.

[Homeslice]

Maybe, but it also makes a big change to the feel. A 60 series is typically going to be about 2 cm smaller in diameter than a 70. Thus effectively dropping the front end unless you compensate for it. Why risk giving him a tire that he might not like, just to save $100? I don't get it. There are plenty of good deals out there.

[OreoGaborio]

Sorry, I thought we were in the Street section, not the Track section. I didn't realize he was going to be pushing this tire on the track.

... Oh wait...


Homeslice, chill... I said "doesn't automatically mean the tire won't give as much lean angle or you'll run out of tire sooner"... In some cases it will, in some cases it won't. You guys are talking in absolutes... sorry, but that's not how it works. A 120/60/17 in one brand could have very different physical dimensions than a 120/60/17 of another brand.

Bottom line: I stand by what I said. There's no risk of physical danger in switching from one size to another. It'll likely change the feel of the bike, but that's about it. Start pushing the tire on the track and you'll likely get a change in performance characteristics, but on the street it's a non-factor.

In any case, on the street it's not a huge deal... put the tire on & tweak as needed.

[Homeslice]

Fair enough.

[smileyman]

If the custom bike crowd can get along with 220 sized rears and dual sports get by with 19 in fronts, then you can ride safely on anything...

It will still feel like shit...

[Amber Lamps]

Here's the thing...how about we spend the $10 to have the tire mounted and let the rider decide how it "feels"? I've had 190/50, 190/55 and 200/50 rear tires on my bike and I still like the 190/50 best even though the general consensus is that I "should" like the 55 series tire better. Oh and "O" is totally right, different brands and/or series tires can have completely different profiles to them. The "60" or "70" is only relevant to that particular tire. Who knows, the guy might appreciate a slower turn in...besides, even if you guys are right and the change will "flatten" the tire, it will also "lower" the front end which typically quickens steering. If it's any consolation, I have a 50% 170/70 Pirelli Diablo the kid can have... I personally, don't see any "danger" in changing the tire...Heck, raise the tire pressure 3 lbs if you're worried about it...

[tommymac]

Originally Posted by The Awesome

Bad tire info cracks me up. Contrary to popular belief, you won't spontaneously combust if you use a 120/60. In fact, some race tires even use <70 profile fronts. I rode on a 120/65 for a long time.

But if he lowsides that r6 and slides a little bit he might :LOL: