Right tire size

[bacca]

I have a new ( to me ) 1996 GFS600S.  The both tires are BT020 and were installed 2 months ago by the last owner. The spec calls for a front size of 110/70-17.  The tire is a 120/60zr17.  Is this to big for the stock 3.00 rims?  The 2000 Bandit uses this size but the rim is a 3.50.

Thanks
bacca

[chupacabra]

Its my opinion that your ok with that width. Why do you think its to big? Does it handle bad? What size do you have on the rear? I'm thinking I'd like to try a 120/70-17 next time I need a front. I think my rear is a 160/70-17, one size wider then stock and my front is stock 110/70-17 and I can only think of one other bike that runs that size (110/70-17) and its a old yamaha !

[PitterB4]

...I can only think of one other bike that runs that size (110/70-17) and its a old yamaha !

And your little brothers on B4s!  

I think the story goes that if you go wider, you're changing the profile of the tire - making it more round - and quickening steering.

[bacca]

Thanks for the quick replies!

It handles just fine.  The Bridgestone web site shows a min width of 3.5 for that tire.  I just don't want to go around a twisty and have the tire pull away because the bead angle to the rim is incorrect.

[Bantana]

I would stick with the stock sized tires. I have owned my 1996 B6 since
March 1996 and have tried numeorus tire sizes, brands and compounds.

Running an oversized tire will absolutely affect the handling and I don't think I'm smarter than tire manufacturers and I go with their advice.
With that said, I have always used a 110/70 front, but use a 160/60 rear
most of the time rather than the 150/70. Go figure. :-)))

Bridgestone 010's and 020's are excellent tires. I ride the Bandit so infrequently now, I opt for the short lifespan Metz Sportec M1's.
There isn't much reason to diviate from the factory pressure settings either. 33 front/36 rear.

~lloyd
  atlanta

[bacca]

If I want to go back to the orig size (150/70) I will have to go to a BT010.  The BT020 does not come in 150/70.  Can I mix compounds .... A BT010 on front and a BT020 on the rear or am I replacing both?

[Red01]

A BT010 front with a BT020 rear is a popular combo. For most riders, it means the two tires will wear out at about the same time. I had this combo on my B12 once and thought it worked pretty good.

Went with Pilot Roads after they wore out, just to try something new. The PR's handled similarly (to me anyway), and wear longer, so I'm still running the PR's