Tire Sizing: 120/60 versus 120/70

[corey]

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?

[Bill in OKC]

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).

[corey]

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?!

[Bill in OKC]

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.

[corey]

slower handling = not what i want. hah.
thanks bill! appreciate the help.

[dragonworld.]

You will find the 120/60 has a "rounder" profile with a fairly constant contact patch at angles of lean and while vertical.

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.

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!!
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.

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!!