Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys, need some quick advice for tire replacement. The stock tire is 160/60/17, but I called some local shops and some of them seem to think that that size is abnormally small.

I can't seem to justify that since it was a decision made by Ducati, so I'm assuming it would be in the best interest of the bike, but i need to hear it from you guys! For those of you who have replaced tires, what have you done? one shop recommended that I go up to 180/60/17 dual compound tire.

what do you guys say? how much should a replacement tire cost?

thanks in advanced

They manufacturers specs should be followed.

The 696 is spec'd to take a 180/55 as well as the 160/60... But the bigger tire will have more mass. More mass=more power needed to get it going and change it's direction.

Why do they think that's abnormally small? The base level monsters have had more narrow tires (and wheels) than the rest of the monster line from the get go.

i have a feeling that one shop did not know what they were talking about. The other shops who told me they thought the tires were small never worked on ducati's before

the 160 spec tire allows quicker turn in, handles the power to the ground without spinning and is lighter.

to go to the 180 you'll need a new rim and not sure if there is an issue with chain clearance needing the sprocket reversed in the front. people have done it here, search for 696 180 tire swap and Ducati performance rims for 696. I also think someone threw on a St2 rim.

The idea that it's abnormally small... leads me to believe their knowledge of a Ducati Monster is abnormally small.

any recommendations on tires? so far i have michelin pilot power 2cts as a recommendation

depends on your riding and budget requirements.
do you commute?
do you live in a rainy environment?
do you do track time?
do you push it to the limit in the twisties?
do you want a tire that lasts miles?
can you purchase replacements often?

Are you replacing both front and rear? Or just the rear?

good point, don't mix and match.

mostly commuting riding (60 miles a day to and from work ... freeway miles)
i live in so cal, so no rainy condition
i dont do anything crazy, but i do take on the cayons every now and then

A dealership told me to get a bt016, anyone experienced with that?

if you want to change your tire often... sure, bet they handle great, but a pure sport tire with your 60mi commute will square off quickly.

you definitely want to look into a sport touring tire preferable dual compound to handl the canyons as well as the commute

I have the same issue. I live in the hills but my commute to work is 44km one way on highway. I have the Michelin Pilot Road 2CT and they can handle everything well. a lot more confident in the rain than with my stock Battleax tires and they are not squaring as quickly.

But there are other brands of dual compound out there if you want to keep looking.

+1 on the 2ct

I've had mine for 2 weeks now and they feel confident.

But them online and bring them into the shop.

Find the sport tour equivalent of your front tire if you're not planning to replace the front as well. Mixing and matching brands usually ends in tears - or at least a oddly/crapply handling bike

I just replaced my tires with a set of Metzelers Interact M5 ...They are great. They are sticky and great feel in yeh rain.  I have already put 2000k on them and they are a big improvment from the Bridgestone. 

180s are kept in stock, 160s not so much.  Tire and rim are not compatible, your rim is too narrow.  And everyone is correct about the handling.  This is like a shoe salesman selling you a pair of shoes one size too large and telling you to wear two pair of socks.

Knew I shouldn't have bought those shoes..

you guys have been awesome! Thanks so much for the feedback.

Unfortunately, I was careless, and didn't notice that my stock wheel was so worn, the weaving underneath was exposed. Terrified for my life, and stuck at work, I had a friend drive with me at snail's pace to a local ducati dealer (thankfully there was one nearby) and got the bt016 installed. I tried asking for the michelin 2ct's but they didn't stock any at the time, and I didn't want to leave the lot without a new tire.

I hadn't checked the forum by then, so I didn't see your posts about the mix and match tires. Guys at the dealership told me my front tire was fine and that I shouldn't replace them for another 1k miles or so. However, the ride has improved dramatically. This explains the sluggish feel i've experienced recently with the bike. I shouldn't overlook checking the tires on a daily basis ... lesson learned. No one was hurt, and the bike is running good as new.

It was an interesting experience and I walked away with a good deal of new knowledge. Thanks again everyone! :)