Tire size differences (front)

[the_Journeyman]

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.

[DarkMonster620]

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.motorcycle-superstore.com/motorcycle/110%2080-17

[rule62]

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.

[the_Journeyman]

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 

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

[DarkMonster620]

OK, glad I could help . . .

[brad black]

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.

[the_Journeyman]

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