Tire sizes
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
Well I ordered some pirelli sport demons yesterday
110 70 17
150 70 17
Looks like this will lower the front end by 12 mm (just under half a inch for all the Americans out there) but hopefully it will be ok.
110 70 17
150 70 17
Looks like this will lower the front end by 12 mm (just under half a inch for all the Americans out there) but hopefully it will be ok.
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
I am running the same front tire and its not very noticeable.
I am also running a 140 rear to keep from having any more "bubble" to the tire than already there.
Its a decent combo, in the first 150 miles i was comfortable enough to have my knee 4" off the ground, which is saying a lot for me.
I am also running a 140 rear to keep from having any more "bubble" to the tire than already there.
Its a decent combo, in the first 150 miles i was comfortable enough to have my knee 4" off the ground, which is saying a lot for me.
I noticed there are a few of you saying not to go with a 120 on the front, and a few that are doing it. I ordered a 120 on accident the other night, and I'm not sure if I should return it and get a 110. I really need to be back on the road asap. Why would a 120 be a bad idea? They are Pirelli Sport Demons on an '89 cane 600. Thoughts?
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
With a 120 being too wide for the wheel it could make for some "squishy" feeling at highway speeds in a turn since the tire is able to flex the sidewall more.
probably not a dangerous thing once you learn how it feels, but be careful none the less.
These tires feel different than the others i have run in how they drop into corners, but once you learn how it tracks the road its a blast.
probably not a dangerous thing once you learn how it feels, but be careful none the less.
These tires feel different than the others i have run in how they drop into corners, but once you learn how it tracks the road its a blast.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 452
Likes: 1
From: Northern California
I've been comparing specs on different tire sizes, and it appears the Dunlop GT501 rear tire in a 150/70-17 is designed for an optimal rim width of 3.5". It also happens to be basically the same diameter as the stock 130/80-17.
Anyone currently running a 150/70 combined with the stock size 110/80 front? I'm mainly concerned about fitment to the swingarm and fender. I don't expect any big handling changes considering the tire is designed to fit on the stock size rim and it's the same diameter, but if anyone has any experience with the combo I would appreciate whatever info you may have.
Anyone currently running a 150/70 combined with the stock size 110/80 front? I'm mainly concerned about fitment to the swingarm and fender. I don't expect any big handling changes considering the tire is designed to fit on the stock size rim and it's the same diameter, but if anyone has any experience with the combo I would appreciate whatever info you may have.
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
I was running an Avon 150 with a 110 front and it handled like it has square tires. But the profile of the Avon's suck anyway.
If the dunlop 150 had a profile more like the pirellis they would probably handle really great, but from the pics of the tire I've seen it will probably handle like a normal 130 or 140 on the rear.
Too, it also depends what kind of riding you will do. If your an aggressive rider in the curves the "mushroom" profile like the sport demons is great for playing into a turn.
Whereas if you just ride highways and slow down for sharper curves the dunlop would be fine.
Its all personal preference.
If the dunlop 150 had a profile more like the pirellis they would probably handle really great, but from the pics of the tire I've seen it will probably handle like a normal 130 or 140 on the rear.
Too, it also depends what kind of riding you will do. If your an aggressive rider in the curves the "mushroom" profile like the sport demons is great for playing into a turn.
Whereas if you just ride highways and slow down for sharper curves the dunlop would be fine.
Its all personal preference.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 452
Likes: 1
From: Northern California
Thanks Zophar that's the kind of info I was looking for. I bought a set of the Michelin Pilot Activ tires in stock sizes a couple years ago and get the same kind of square feeling from them also. They don't inspire a lot of confidence when leaned over hard in the corners, which is my favorite kind of riding to do 
My first choice was actually to go with the sport demons, but I can't find the front 110/80 anywhere. They still list it on the Pirelli website, but no dealers seem to be offering it. I already have the rear end of the bike jacked up a bit with a Fox twin clicker, so I'm not sure if dropping the front end more with the 70 series tire would be good or bad.
I guess there is only 1 way to find out for sure!
My first choice was actually to go with the sport demons, but I can't find the front 110/80 anywhere. They still list it on the Pirelli website, but no dealers seem to be offering it. I already have the rear end of the bike jacked up a bit with a Fox twin clicker, so I'm not sure if dropping the front end more with the 70 series tire would be good or bad.
I guess there is only 1 way to find out for sure!