Hi

I'm a newby, and I have searched the post's.

I was woundering by get some feadback off you guy's how going from a 170/60 to a 180/55 goes feel wise?

The reason I ask is I know it will fit, but my I have a BT54 170/60/17 (narrow) and my mate has the same size but in a Avon (it looks more like a 180) and his bike feels slower to corner than mine.

I do like how mine corners doesn't feel too slow to crank over, but his feel's a bit wierd. not just slow but a bit unstable(his has been down the road a few times by the look of his crash bars under the fairing).

My interest in upping to a 180 has nothing to do with look but more to do with cost.

I can get a pair of 120/70 and 180/55 michelin pilots or Pirelli Strada'sabout $350 on the rims.

Look forward to your feedback.

Thanks Greg

 

I went with a 120 / 180 setup for exactly the same reason ( deals on pairs of tyres )

I found the bike needed the sag setting properly to make use of the 180 and feel stable.

Final settings for me were 40mm sag at the front (use washers on top of the spring seat to raise it)
and 35mm sag at the rear ( altered with adjuster in side on std shock or castle rings on aftermarket shocks )

Final change was to drop the front forks through the yokes by 4mm. ( this quickens up the steering )

Using Conti Road Attacks - there was no chicken strip left on the rear 180 and the pegs could be grounded for fun.

If your going from a worn 170 to a new 180 it will feel so different anyhow that you will naturally adjust to the different feel.

 

I ride with a pair of Michlien Pilots{120,180}..Great tires,ive done 10.000k on them and still look like new,
I feel better on a 180 compared to a 170,just makes the bike feel more planted and its easier getting tires,
I ride a 95 model by the way..goodluck..

 

DeanO you are far too wise to have disappeared into the Blackbird ranks !
Good to see you again.
As for Greg's question, I can't tell you, handling-wise. I'm told they're quicker to turn with a 170
but I've had 180's on my bike from day one, as 170's are very expensive here, and not worth the effort. It's only 5mm each side of the tyre, anyway......
I too have Michelin Pilots (Road 2's) with 12000 K's up, Nakedgardner, and they are excellent.

 

Thanks Shadow1 - never really went away - just changed bike. Would never leave a good group of friends.

One more thing I forgot - When running the 180 on the rear and having got the bike set up - I was going through the tyres in pairs rather than rear first.

The bike does feel very planted with the 180 on but if you like the twisties be prepared to be replacing tyres in pairs.

Guess the even tyre wear is proof that the 180 rear IS doing more than the 170 was.

 

I put a Shinco 180 on my bike and I find the handling better at speed than the 170, but the 170 makes the handling more lighter.

 

Thanks Guys

I think I'll go down the road of 180 rear, Seeing it's a 5.5 inch rear rim I wouldn't see it beinga problem.

Thanks again Greg

 

Blackbird is 5.5" rear rim and that is 180 standard fitment.

 

The rim is wide enough.
I am riding 190/60 Dunlop sportmax D208 and as it is a bit higher profile i see no problem. Bike handles very well and corner taking speed is even better that it was with wore out 170 wide pirelli
I have also noticed that the front tire is wearing out a bit faster than it was with 170 on back - or my riding is just got a bit rougher

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