Bigger tyre not better
#1
09-28-2006, 03:51 PM
Bigger tyre not better
Just had new chain, sprockets and rear tyre fitted to my '99 F-X. The chain was a DID 530 ZVM2 114 link - the sturdiest and best quality in my opinion. The previous owner/dealer had removed a link from the old chain in order to maintain tension if you can believe that. As a result, to get the right tension the rear axle was about 1 inch further forward than it should be, giving a short wheel base.
Anyway, a couple of interesting points:
1. From '96 onwards, Honda dropped a tooth on the rear sprocket - down from 42 to 41 (front still 17T). Any ideas as to why this was? Better cruising in top gear?
2. For the rear tyre, I decided to go back to the original 170/60 fitment. It was fitted with a 180/55 before by the previous owner. This wider tyre had worn a groove into the inside of the chain guard. Anyway, the handling of the bike has improved no end with the smaller tyre fitted. The bike changes direction so much better than before (especially in fast rounabouts/rotaries for us in the UK).
So, if you can cope with a slightly narrower rear tyre width, it's worth it as far as I'm concerned (the 170/60 is still a wide tyre to look at).
Anyway, a couple of interesting points:
1. From '96 onwards, Honda dropped a tooth on the rear sprocket - down from 42 to 41 (front still 17T). Any ideas as to why this was? Better cruising in top gear?
2. For the rear tyre, I decided to go back to the original 170/60 fitment. It was fitted with a 180/55 before by the previous owner. This wider tyre had worn a groove into the inside of the chain guard. Anyway, the handling of the bike has improved no end with the smaller tyre fitted. The bike changes direction so much better than before (especially in fast rounabouts/rotaries for us in the UK).
So, if you can cope with a slightly narrower rear tyre width, it's worth it as far as I'm concerned (the 170/60 is still a wide tyre to look at).
#2
09-28-2006, 04:16 PM
RE: Bigger tyre not better
A friend of mine has an Aprilia tuono and has changed from the 190 to the 180 for that reason.
Hey! With all of your clockwise round abouts, do you notice any more wear on the right side of the front tire? Maybe you can trade out with the guys with the CCW roundabouts at 1/2 tire life to get even wear. (just joking)
Hey! With all of your clockwise round abouts, do you notice any more wear on the right side of the front tire? Maybe you can trade out with the guys with the CCW roundabouts at 1/2 tire life to get even wear. (just joking)
#3
09-28-2006, 04:37 PM
#4
09-28-2006, 09:55 PM
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#5
09-29-2006, 07:28 AM
RE: Bigger tyre not better
Changed my tyres last month and went for a standard -170 section- rear tyre, couldn't agree more with you handling is so much easier. Also ditched McAdams for Mez4's, this may have helped as well. Take it the wear on chainguard would be due to "shortened wheelbase".
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ORIGINAL: Nelson
Just had new chain, sprockets and rear tyre fitted to my '99 F-X. The chain was a DID 530 ZVM2 114 link - the sturdiest and best quality in my opinion. The previous owner/dealer had removed a link from the old chain in order to maintain tension if you can believe that. As a result, to get the right tension the rear axle was about 1 inch further forward than it should be, giving a short wheel base.
Anyway, a couple of interesting points:
1. From '96 onwards, Honda dropped a tooth on the rear sprocket - down from 42 to 41 (front still 17T). Any ideas as to why this was? Better cruising in top gear?
2. For the rear tyre, I decided to go back to the original 170/60 fitment. It was fitted with a 180/55 before by the previous owner. This wider tyre had worn a groove into the inside of the chain guard. Anyway, the handling of the bike has improved no end with the smaller tyre fitted. The bike changes direction so much better than before (especially in fast rounabouts/rotaries for us in the UK).
So, if you can cope with a slightly narrower rear tyre width, it's worth it as far as I'm concerned (the 170/60 is still a wide tyre to look at).
Just had new chain, sprockets and rear tyre fitted to my '99 F-X. The chain was a DID 530 ZVM2 114 link - the sturdiest and best quality in my opinion. The previous owner/dealer had removed a link from the old chain in order to maintain tension if you can believe that. As a result, to get the right tension the rear axle was about 1 inch further forward than it should be, giving a short wheel base.
Anyway, a couple of interesting points:
1. From '96 onwards, Honda dropped a tooth on the rear sprocket - down from 42 to 41 (front still 17T). Any ideas as to why this was? Better cruising in top gear?
2. For the rear tyre, I decided to go back to the original 170/60 fitment. It was fitted with a 180/55 before by the previous owner. This wider tyre had worn a groove into the inside of the chain guard. Anyway, the handling of the bike has improved no end with the smaller tyre fitted. The bike changes direction so much better than before (especially in fast rounabouts/rotaries for us in the UK).
So, if you can cope with a slightly narrower rear tyre width, it's worth it as far as I'm concerned (the 170/60 is still a wide tyre to look at).
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