'97 VFR750 tires

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

  1. smoothbrain

    smoothbrain New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2007
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    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


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #1
  2. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2007
    Messages:
    3,383
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    Delaware
    Map
    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


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #2
  3. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2006
    Messages:
    4,358
    Likes Received:
    429
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Southwest Ohio
    Map
    Dont go with the 180 - It will steer slower.

    MD
     
    mello dude, Apr 3, 2007


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #3
  4. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2006
    Messages:
    9,765
    Likes Received:
    276
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Sikeston, MO
    Map
    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


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #4
  5. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2006
    Messages:
    4,358
    Likes Received:
    429
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Southwest Ohio
    Map
    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


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #5
  6. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2007
    Messages:
    3,383
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    Delaware
    Map
    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


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #6
  7. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2006
    Messages:
    4,358
    Likes Received:
    429
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Southwest Ohio
    Map
    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


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #7
  8. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2007
    Messages:
    3,383
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    53
    Location:
    Delaware
    Map
    I agree MD.

    Have a good one
     
    Bubba Zanetti, Apr 4, 2007


    This site may contain affiliate links for which VFRworld may be compensated
    #8
Related Topics

Share This Page