Author Topic: Max Tyre width (Read 3560 times)

rikpotts · « **on:** November 27, 2006, 07:40:12 AM »

My year 2000 B6 (y model) is desperate for a new back tyre but I dont know what to get.

It currently got a Bridgestone Battlax BT54r 170/60ZR 72w (what does the 72w mean?!) but when I look at the boards people seem to have 150s and 160s.

Am I best to keep it below 170? Im asking because ive got the opportunity to get a Dunlop 190 for cheap. I thought my 170 was standard so 190 might be on the limit but seeing as the standard Bandit has a 150 a 190 seems to be a bit much!

Also whats the consensus on Dunlop tyres? I was happy with the Bridgestone, I got in the region of 6-7000 miles out of that tyre which seems to me to be a hell of a lot.

The Dunlops im looking at are the D204 and K510b. Theres also a Metzeler RENNSPORT 180/55 ZR 17 that im looking at.

rikpotts · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2006, 10:37:03 PM »

Ive been out with the rule and my hugger kind of limits me to a 170.

I think im gonna settle with a Michelin Macadam 100X 170/60.

solman · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2006, 09:15:01 AM »

I would say that a 170 is definitely max. I think the stock for a 600 is either 150 or 160. Your rim isn't as wide, so going too wide, can cause adverse effects. Normally you can go one size larger than stock.

rikpotts · « **Reply #3 on:** December 04, 2006, 03:38:42 PM »

Well I ended up with a Battlax BT-57 180!

It went on the rim ok and the guy at the shop thought it would be ok. Theres only about 1000 miles left on it so I wont have to use a dodgy setup for too long if thats the case.
Is "too long" long enough though

:)

solman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 04, 2006, 11:29:34 PM »

Just be careful, you might end up with some unexpected handling issues.

rikpotts · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2006, 11:17:43 AM »

Your dead right there!

I expected it to be harder to turn with the fatter tyre but the difference with the 180 compared to the 170 is huge! Its ok once you've got some lean into it but for tuttling around town its difficult.

I was planning on jacking the backend so ill see if that helps a bit, otherwise im gonna drop back down to a 170 or even a 160 next time round.

2005B12S · « **Reply #6 on:** December 06, 2006, 10:53:24 PM »

Its all about rim size. I believe the B6 has a 4.5in rear. A 4.5in rim is best suited with a 160 tire. This guarantees proper fitment and will allow the tire to conform to its design shape.

If you want a 170 or 180 rear you will need a 5.5in rear rim. Any shop guy that mounts a 180 tire on a 4.5in rim and says its OK is a nitwit.

Any premium 160 size tire -I highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Power- will more than handle the power output of your bike. Remember, late 1980's GSXr750's came with the 4.5/160 rear combo and this worked fine.

Check Dunlop's website, they have a nice fitment guide regarding rim and tire size compatability.

Good Luck, Ed.