Not a Monster question, but I'm certain people on here can help, it at least concerns a v-twin! I've got a 1988 Honda Hawk GT. Currently it has a Diablo Strada 160/60 on the back and a very old Michelin on the front.
Problem is, OEM size is 110/80-17 up front. Not many companies make this size anymore. In fact, I can only find a Pilot Activ & Bridgstone BT-45 in this size.
Part of the charm of the Hawk is it is super nimble and feels like it weighs half of what it really does. It's a very easy to handle bike. I don't want to lose that feeling. I'm concerned that changing tire size could take that away. Here's the points I'm trying to address.
1. What difference would changing to a 110/70 create in handling? Lots of options with this size. What about 120/70? It's my understanding that wider = slower turn in.
2. I've got Pirelli on the back, and wanted to stay with Pirelli up front. What kind of profile differences are there between the brands?
3. If I go to 110/70 that opens my options to Pirelli Sport Demon and Diablo Rosso. I'm assuming the Rosso is the stickier tire and would greatly out perform the Demon. I ride the Hawk pretty hard, would the Demon be ok or should I go with the stickier rubber? 120/70 means about anything, but Pirelli-wise adds in the Angel GT, which I really enjoyed on my 900SS.
4. If I stick with exact size, would be BT-045 be better or the Pilot Activ? The rear is almost new, so I don't want to swap both.
JM,
I am a Michelin or Dunlop guy, going with the 110/70 it would lower your front about 10mm; if you go 120/60 it would go an extra 5mm lower, but if you go 120/70 it would only be 5mm lower than with the OEM 110/80
So unless, you either stick with OEM sizing or replace both with same brand and check these out:
http://www.bikebandit.com/110-80-17-street-motorcycle-tires/n1348-4294966293-4294966933 (http://www.bikebandit.com/110-80-17-street-motorcycle-tires/n1348-4294966293-4294966933)
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/motorcycle/110%2080-17 (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/motorcycle/110%2080-17)
Go with the 110/70. Most likely it will actually improve the feel/nimbleness of the bike. Biggest trade off is that you may feel potholes a little more.
My bike calls for a 120/60 front, but I typically go 120/70 because they're easier to find.
A tiny little bit of aspect ratio on a bike like the Hawk is not going to make or break the bike. I would not go to the 120 size though. Stick with 110.
Thanks for the info guys! I was feeling the 110/70 would be the way to get. I felt the 120/70 would slow the turn, and I've already got a 160 on the rear when it should be a 150. I also think the 120/70 might be a heavier tire that maybe the already poor suspension didn't need the extra weight to manage.
I looked at a lot of those tires Carlos, a lot were cruiser tires, but I did see the Pirelli MT75. The only reason I was planning on staying with Pirelli right now as the fact I've got a barely worn Pirelli on the back. I have had good luck with Pirelli, but what usually determines my brand choice is what's the best deal when I buy :D
Rule - I did the same with my Monster, it runs a 120/70 instead of the 120/60.
I wanted to be sure, because in all reality, I ride the Hawk harder than I ride the Monster a lot of times. It's just so easy to ride that Hawk fast and drag things!
JM
OK, glad I could help . . .
pilot active, sport demon, bt45 are all cross ply tyres afaik. your rear is a radial, so i'd stick with radials at both ends if it is meant to have radials.
Thanks Brad! I hadn't discovered that about the bias v. radial. Luckily, I found a Diablo Rosso II in 110/70 take off from a kid that races Ninja 250s. It was only used for a couple races and still has plenty of tread. That'll give me a cheap way to try one the 110/70 on the cheap!
JM