Simple enough question i guess.
My bike is supposed to come stock with a 120/60/17 tire (according to the interwebs, i have not verified what is currently on the bike).
Most sporty tires i see for sale on my favorite sources have only 120/70/17 available.
What is the difference?
Will i be okay with the 70 vs the 60?
What type of handling differences should i expect?
One of my friends just did this on an MV. He hasn't ridden it much yet so the assumption is it will handle slower - but maybe not too slow. The upside is better wheel protection and a bigger selection of tires to choose from. My Aprilia came with a Pirelli 120/65 - I think there are a couple of tires in that size still available, but even then people were suggesting going to a 70 to help avoid bending wheels when you hit potholes (they have a way of being in the wrong place at the wrong time here in Oklahoma).
having contacted my local cycle gear, there is no problem getting the tire i want...
i was curious about the handling characterstics...
thanks for the input bill!
anyone else have anything?!
Yes, I looked up Pirelli and Michelin and they both make a 120/60 in a few styles. I guess it is just not stocked in some places. It looks like a pretty common size. Great, I am glad you have it sorted then. The 70 series is taller so you might be looking a fender clearance issues - but handling - taller tire = higher front end = generally slower handling.
slower handling = not what i want. hah.
thanks bill! appreciate the help.
You will find the 120/60 has a "rounder" profile with a fairly constant contact patch at angles of lean and while vertical. ;D
Whereas the 120/70 has a larger contact patch at angle of lean and you will find it "drops" into corners off the centre of the tyre a lot quicker. [thumbsup]
On my 94 FZR1000, the standard front tyre was a 130/60, but when they became unavailable the 120/70 was fitted and it scared the crap out of me the way it used to fall into corners!! :o
Once the suspension was reset to accept the extra grip available it handled great and felt planted when on hard cornering at moderate to extreme lean angles. [thumbsup]
Some people have found that when running the lower profile tyres they have suffered rim dings from the lack of sidewall protection?? I havent actually experienced this myself but I guess it could be a factor!! ;)