120/60/17 vs 120/70/17

RedRider2k2 · 04-22-2009, 01:05 AM

Time for some opinions on front tires. Anyone used both? Any idea what the differences would be? I currently have a 120/60 on and was wondering what kind of changes to expect if I change it up.

JoJoYZF · 04-22-2009, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRider2k2

Time for some opinions on front tires. Anyone used both? Any idea what the differences would be? I currently have a 120/60 on and was wondering what kind of changes to expect if I change it up.

A few guys on my bike specific forum run 120/70 even though stock is 120/60 on my bike because they say it quickens the turn in. Some of them also adjust the forks slightly for the added height from the tire.

Amber Lamps · 04-22-2009, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoJoYZF

A few guys on my bike specific forum run 120/70 even though stock is 120/60 on my bike because they say it quickens the turn in. Some of them also adjust the forks slightly for the added height from the tire.

makes sense.

racedoll · 04-22-2009, 10:26 PM

Hubby's sleeping so I can't verify, but I would think the 60 would make the front lower - raising the back, which in turn makes the bike turn quicker... but could also make it easier to lose too.

I think you might also have to factor in the tire brand. If I remember correcly some manufacturers have the same size tire - 120/70 but the actual dimensions of it are different therefore you have to set the bike up accordingly.

101lifts2 · 04-23-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racedoll

Hubby's sleeping so I can't verify, but I would think the 60 would make the front lower - raising the back, which in turn makes the bike turn quicker... but could also make it easier to lose too.

.....

Yeah it will make the bike turn in slower because effectively the front end is raised.

RedRider2k2 · 04-23-2009, 12:58 PM

Good to know guys. Thanks.

dReWpY · 04-23-2009, 03:53 PM

70series tires makes the bike turn in faster, its due to the profile, quicker turn in because the profile is more like a triangle

JoJoYZF · 04-23-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 101lifts2

Yeah it will make the bike turn in slower because effectively the front end is raised.

Wouldnt that raise the center or gravity and make the bike want to tip easier? Im honestly wondering cuz Im not sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewpy

70series tires makes the bike turn in faster, its due to the profile, quicker turn in because the profile is more like a triangle

Thats what Ive heard too.

101lifts2 · 04-24-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoJoYZF

Wouldnt that raise the center or gravity and make the bike want to tip easier? Im honestly wondering cuz Im not sure.

Thats what Ive heard too.

When you lower the front end you increase the front end rake and the bike will turn in quicker. This is why people raise the fork tubes 5mm or 10mm.

Homeslice · 04-24-2009, 08:25 AM

Yeah if you switch to the 70 you will need to raise up the fork tubes. In exchange you get a better selection of tires, plus a better sidewall that is more suited for cornering. Gives you more margin to play with. On my SV I don't remember having any chicken strip on my 60 series but after I switched to 70 I had a big one.

04-22-2009, 01:05 AM	#1
RedRider2k2 Holier Than Thou Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: N.B, Canada Moto: 06 ZX10R, 18 400 Ninja, 11 KLX250s Posts: 463	120/60/17 vs 120/70/17 Time for some opinions on front tires. Anyone used both? Any idea what the differences would be? I currently have a 120/60 on and was wondering what kind of changes to expect if I change it up. __________________ Good judgement is the product of experience...Experience is the product of bad judgement. Sometimes The Faster It Gets, The Less You Need To Know. But You Gotta Remember The Smarter It Gets, The Furthur It's Gonna Go.

04-23-2009, 12:58 PM	#6
RedRider2k2 Holier Than Thou Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: N.B, Canada Moto: 06 ZX10R, 18 400 Ninja, 11 KLX250s Posts: 463	Good to know guys. Thanks. __________________ Good judgement is the product of experience...Experience is the product of bad judgement. Sometimes The Faster It Gets, The Less You Need To Know. But You Gotta Remember The Smarter It Gets, The Furthur It's Gonna Go.

04-22-2009, 10:26 PM	#4
racedoll AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: '04 Kawasaki ZX6RR Posts: 3,392	Hubby's sleeping so I can't verify, but I would think the 60 would make the front lower - raising the back, which in turn makes the bike turn quicker... but could also make it easier to lose too. I think you might also have to factor in the tire brand. If I remember correcly some manufacturers have the same size tire - 120/70 but the actual dimensions of it are different therefore you have to set the bike up accordingly.

04-24-2009, 08:25 AM	#10
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Yeah if you switch to the 70 you will need to raise up the fork tubes. In exchange you get a better selection of tires, plus a better sidewall that is more suited for cornering. Gives you more margin to play with. On my SV I don't remember having any chicken strip on my 60 series but after I switched to 70 I had a big one.