Seems to be a 50/50 debate as to going to a 170 on a 4.5 rim.
My 01 750 has a 160 M3 Metzler. Put a new M5 on the front last fall, and is getting to the point of putting the same M5 on the rear. Would like to move up to a 170 - mostly for the look to be honest ... as I think the 160 is slightly narrow. 90% urban bike - rarely get out on the highways.
Would moving to a 170 be ok - or play it safe and stick with the 160?
Not too aggressive anymore ... haven't even hit the chicken strip bars on the M3's ... so won't be too concerned if a tad slower turning in.
Thanks in advance.
Stick with the 160 . . the 170 would get "too round" on the running surface and make the bike "slower" even on urban enviroment . . . tried it on my 620 with a friend's 170 & 180 . . . plus, you would need more power to move the bike
my $0.02
You would also slightly increase the radius of the tire since the profile stays the same. I wouldn't call it unsafe. Dunlop's recommendation for a 170 tire is a 4.5' wheel. Me, I agree with Darkmonster620's opinion on performance loss and wouldn't do it. Oh, more unsprung weight from a bigger tire too.
Quote from: howie on July 28, 2013, 05:39:39 AM
You would also slightly increase the radius of the tire since the profile stays the same. I wouldn't call it unsafe. Dunlop's recommendation for a 170 tire is a 4.5' wheel. Me, I agree with Darkmonster620's opinion on performance loss and wouldn't do it. Oh, more unsprung weight from a bigger tire too.
Correct howie . . . but, Metzeler's I've notice "tend to run wider" . . . and yes, the weight