I am hoping that someone can give some input on tire sizes and the associated handling characteristics when mounted to a fixed rim size. For example, I have a 696 and the front tire is a 120 60 17 and the rear is a 160 60 17. Obviously, Ducati has a reason for that sizing. But, the question I have is what made them go with these sizes. Would a 55 be terrible in some way? Or what about a 70?
Now, what about width? On some tire manufacturer sites it gives you the minimum and maximum rim width for certain tires. My rear rim is 4.5 wide and aparently can handle up to a 170mm tire. What type of handling characteristics would I notice from going to a 160 to a 170? What if someone put on a 180 or 190?
I am new to the motorcycle game, but I have been playing with mountain bike tires for some time now and there are pros and cons to these types of variations. For example, a wide tire on a narrow rim will tend to roll when pushed hard. Is this same for motorcycle tires?
Thanks guys. Just thinking out loud here and trying to understand the correlation between rim width and tire profiles.
Your choices on the front are a 120/60-17 or a 120/70-17. The 60 will steer a little bit quicker but the 70 will protect your rim better. I've never heard of a 120/55-17 front tire.
As for the rear, if you try to squeeze on a "wider" tire you'll end up distorting the shape of the tire and make the handling and traction worse. I wouldn't even try putting a 170 on the rear with a 4.5 inch rim.
If you still feel that you have to have a wider tire - and it could only be for looks and poser points, not for improved handling - buy a wider 5.5 inch rim first. Based on the weight and power of the bike, a 160/60-17 gives you the best handling and traction.
+1 On what Scott said, with wider tyres on the back the sidewall will have to much flex and be under constant strain [thumbsup]
the new 5-spoke rims have a 5.5" rear for the 180 tire!
if you read the reviews in mags they talk about this specifically. the M696 has a smaller tire in the rear than say the shiver because the weight and the power don't need the extra rubber and it helps handling.
a lot of guys here talk about that too, about how going up in size tire can affect the turn in etc.