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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: skoebl on April 05, 2006, 07:30:13 PM

Title: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: skoebl on April 05, 2006, 07:30:13 PM
Alright, I've used the search function as well as I could (there are lots of broken links in the old posts...which makes things hard sometimes).

So, it's tire time for me. I decided to get Metzeler 150/70/17 for the rear.

What size do I need for the front?
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: manofthefield on April 05, 2006, 07:36:31 PM
110/70-17 is the stock/recommended size
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: runsilent on April 05, 2006, 08:17:07 PM
150/70/17 Lasertec or Z6?

I'd run the 110/70/17 with the Z6 and the 110/80/17 with the Lasertec.
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: Alphamazing on April 05, 2006, 08:38:52 PM
Are you using the stock rim? Why did you decide to go with the 150? You do understand that the tire will be pinched in the stock rim causing a different tire profile and will wear unevenly. This uneven wear will cause a sudden fall in when you're turning. Can you handle the bike suddenly dropping in on you?
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: Turd Ferguson on April 05, 2006, 08:40:06 PM
It wont look much wider than stock either, as it will be slightly pinched by the small rim.

Go 130, or 140 at most.  Or...do what I am doing...swap rims.

-Turd.
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: MarkusN on April 05, 2006, 11:43:13 PM
Not to mention that for a 150 to fit you probably have to modify the torque link of the rear brake. At least that's what I hear. Clearance will be minimal if there remains any at all.
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: RVertigo on April 06, 2006, 01:24:49 AM
130/70-17
110/70-17
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: runsilent on April 06, 2006, 07:52:35 AM
Metzeler approves of fitting both the Z6 and the Lasertec in the 150/70/17 size on the 3.5" rim. 

The falling in described by Pablo was with a 150/60/17 Pilot Sport and not a 150/70/17 tire. 

The Lasertec will fit without alterations, but the slightly wider Z6 may require grinding off a bit of the brake torque rod for adequate clearance.  If you want sport touring radials, the Diablo Strada 150/70/17 has the same dimensions as the Lasertec and shouldn't require alterations.  Also approved by Pirelli for the 3.5" rim.
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: skoebl on April 06, 2006, 09:28:10 AM
Quote from: runsilent on April 06, 2006, 07:52:35 AM
Metzeler approves of fitting both the Z6 and the Lasertec in the 150/70/17 size on the 3.5" rim. 

The falling in described by Pablo was with a 150/60/17 Pilot Sport and not a 150/70/17 tire. 

The Lasertec will fit without alterations, but the slightly wider Z6 may require grinding off a bit of the brake torque rod for adequate clearance.  If you want sport touring radials, the Diablo Strada 150/70/17 has the same dimensions as the Lasertec and shouldn't require alterations.  Also approved by Pirelli for the 3.5" rim.

Which do you think is better; Biased or Radials? (Was going with the Lasertec btw)
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: skoebl on April 06, 2006, 10:11:01 AM
Quote from: runsilent on April 05, 2006, 08:17:07 PM
150/70/17 Lasertec or Z6?

I'd run the 110/70/17 with the Z6 and the 110/80/17 with the Lasertec.

Oh, and why a taller tire with the lasertec? (that's whta the middle number is, right?  :oops:)
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: badguy on April 06, 2006, 10:22:40 AM
Quote from: skoebl on April 06, 2006, 10:11:01 AM
Oh, and why a taller tire with the lasertec? (that's whta the middle number is, right?  :oops:)


As far as the middle number, that's partly right...it's an aspect ratio (height divided by width). 

For the stock 110/70/17 tires, the 70 means 70%, as in tire height is 70% of the width.
Title: Re: Tire Choice Confirmation
Post by: RVertigo on April 06, 2006, 11:44:20 AM
Quote from: skoebl on April 06, 2006, 09:28:10 AMWhich do you think is better; Biased or Radials? (Was going with the Lasertec btw)
People usually say radials are better (I wouldn't know), but I've seen an argument about sticking to the type of tire your bike was built for...