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'97 VFR750 tires

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by smoothbrain, Apr 3, 2007.

  1. smoothbrain

    smoothbrain New Member

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    I need a new (rear) tire quick, and my guy doesn't have a 170 in stock - can I get away with a 180?
     
    smoothbrain, Apr 3, 2007


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  2. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

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    Yes!

    I have Metzler Z6's on the bike and the back is a 180.

    Don't go larger! It won't fit and the rim is not big enough for a larger tire anyway!

    BZ
     
    Bubba Zanetti, Apr 3, 2007


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  3. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Dont go with the 180 - It will steer slower.

    MD
     
    mello dude, Apr 3, 2007


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  4. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    I said the same thing to the guy selling me my last tire when I had the nail and he said that some of his 180s were race tapered so they would actually turn in better and have more grip on the sides. True? It sounds logical given they are for racing, but the guy was kinda FOS so I took everything he said with a grain of salt so to speak.
     
    reg71, Apr 4, 2007


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  5. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    If its the same tire model, the guy is FOS. The issue with the tire size is steering geometry. Going up in size slows it, going down in size speeds it.

    My buddy on a ZX9 went up to a 190 thinking about more grip, but would comment about "its steers like a pig now". He's back to the stock 180's now.

    Yes, it makes a difference!

    MD
     
    mello dude, Apr 4, 2007


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  6. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

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    mello dude & Reg:

    Depends upon the tire, etc.

    I had a super long discussion with the Metzler rep at the D.C. motorcycle show. In the end I settled on the Z6's with a 180 instead of a 170. I have a little more contact patch, and the bike turns in great!

    But just like you guys know that's not always the case. Larger tires do not always mean more contact patch. It's one of those things you have to research the hell out of to find the truth.

    Smoothbrain just asked "if he could get away with it" And the simple answer is yes.

    BZ
     
    Bubba Zanetti, Apr 4, 2007


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  7. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I suppose your right - can he get away with it? Yes. Is it desireable? Debatable.

    I guess you could say once the bike is leaned over sometimes there would be slightly more contact patch. Just like anything else - there are always trade offs. Depends on what you are after. Sometimes rider skill comes into play too.

    Ride Well,
    MD
     
    mello dude, Apr 4, 2007


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  8. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

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    I agree MD.

    Have a good one
     
    Bubba Zanetti, Apr 4, 2007


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