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.

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.

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.

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

Good to know guys. Thanks.

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

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.

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.

i've run both 120/60 and 120/70 on my zx10...
A few notes:

The 120/60:
*Looks goofy as hell with the gap it leaves at the fender

*Lowers the front end so I couldnt load my bike on the trailer without scraping unless i propped up the ramp up some

And as was said... in theory, since it lowers the front end you would think it quickens turn in. however, due to the difference in the actual shape of the tire, it is actually slower. It felt as though my front end was pushing ALOT.

Its pretty much the same comparison as the 50 or 55 series in the back. I have run a 180/55, 190/50, and 190/55... and i prefer the 190/55.... its a little wider so i feel more stable, but the profile of it makes it feel more like the 180 for turn in.


Of course no matter what tire you're running, if you're suspension isn't set right and your pressures are out of whack, it won't matter what tire you have

Damn you're smart! Did you happen to sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night?:lol:

Seriously, you make a lot of sense. I was trying to say a lot of that on another thread but got all derailed on the bike specifics. One of these day's I'll have to try the 190/55 on this bike but shit, I spend an hour on my bike suspension whenever I change tire brands/models. If I do the 55 series, I'll need to take a week off work just to set it up! Besides, with the lift I have in the back, I'd need a parachute I'd fall into corners so fast with a 190/55.