New tire recommendations - 4,000 mile trip planned next summer

[Neoday2]

So it sounds like a set of radials are in my future.  Thanks for all the input!  Even though it is mid November and I live in MN, we aren't forecasted for snow for a while yet.  Maybe I'll have one more tour before the snow/salty roads set in. 

[Neoday2]

Looking at the Avon Storm 3D Radial.  They have the standard size for the rear but the front is a 120/70-17 as opposed to the 120/80-17 that is stock.  Will I run into issues with the 120/70 or should I look for another radial front tire in the 120/80 size?

Thank you again for all the input, it is really appreciated.

[Harvy]

Looking at the Avon Storm 3D Radial.  They have the standard size for the rear but the front is a 120/70-17 as opposed to the 120/80-17 that is stock.  Will I run into issues with the 120/70 or should I look for another radial front tire in the 120/80 size?

Thank you again for all the input, it is really appreciated.

Your tyre height will be 120x70/100 = 84 instead of 120x80/100 = 96, a difference of 12mm - which will make the circumference a wee bit smaller, which in turn will make your speedo even more optimistic than it already is.
Apart from that, hit smaller bumps! so as not to damage your rim.

Harvy

[aviationfred]

Looking at the Avon Storm 3D Radial. Will I run into issues with the 120/70 or should I look for another radial front tire in the 120/80 size?

Thank you again for all the input, it is really appreciated.

I have done both of the FZR front and GSXR rear wheel mods. I have been using 120/70/17 tires for 3 years with zero issues concerning having not enough side wall to absorb bumps.

As far as the difference in tire diameter and speedo error. I use a 120/70/17 front and a 180/55/17 rear. I also have a GPS digital speedometer and a digital tachometer. According to the sprocket gearing and tire size charts. My indicated speed is within 1 mph of what the chart states RPM and speed should be.

Fred

[markmartin]

I have the FZR front with a 120/70-17 tire and did bend a front rim when I hit a sharp 2"? transition in the pavement while leaning into a moderate turn going 50mph or so.  I think air pressure was more  of a factor than sidewall height, but I can't prove that theory.  I've since upped my tire pressure to 42 psi  front and rear.  The front tire wears with less cupping at this pressure.  I've yet to test this set up's ability to withstand road hazards and bending rims and hope I never do.

[Arnie]

I think you've got sizes a bit mixed up here.
The later model FJs (88+) stock front tire size is 120/70x17
The earlier models use a 120/80x16

If you've got a OEM 17" front wheel, the factory size is 120/70
Arnie

Looking at the Avon Storm 3D Radial.  They have the standard size for the rear but the front is a 120/70-17 as opposed to the 120/80-17 that is stock.  Will I run into issues with the 120/70 or should I look for another radial front tire in the 120/80 size?

[Neoday2]

correct, I got the numbers wrong on that last post. Stock rim, current size is 120/70-17  Good catch!