160 vs. 180 Tire Width

[FJ1100mjk]

Everyone:

Thanks for all of the feedback. Good to know that everyone likes their (respective) wider tires, and that you have good reasons to run what you run.

Marty

[FJ1100mjk]

I put a Suzuki 4.5" rear wheel on my FJ back in '98, about 100,000 kms ago.
I have had a number of radial tires on it, all but the current one 160/60s (currently trying a 170)
The change to the handling has been significant, due mainly to the short sidewall height and the radial construction.  I guess the weight difference could have also helped as did the change of shock and ride height.

My other bike is a modern 750 V-twin 'nakid' and came with a 6x17" rear wheel with (choice of) either a 190 or 180 radial.  The handling is much quicker than the FJ, but the bike is also almost 150 lbs lighter, a couple of inches shorter in wheelbase, and much steeper head angle.

These 2 bikes are very different and its difficult to ascribe the handling differences to tire width.

My opinion is that the change to the 17" wheel with a modern radial has been the most significant improvement in the handling of the FJ.  The 160 width tire has adequate load rating (unless you tour with the kitchen sink and you and your pillion are a combined 450 lb plus) and helps make the FJ less ponderous.

Wrap up - The 160 works fine.  If you want a more stylish "phat rear", get a 5.5 and a 180.
Note: If you're an actual racer, use the 160.

Arnie

I did a comparison of load ratings and maximum weight per load rating, on the bias-ply rear Avon Roadrider (150/80-16) and the radial Avon Storm 3D X-M (sizes 160/60-17 and 160/70-17)

Roadrider (150/80-16) V Speed Load Rating: 71 (761 lb)

Storm 3D X-M (160/60-17) W Speed Load Rating: 69 (716 lb)

Storm 3D X-M (160/70-17) V Speed Load Rating: 79 (963 lb)

Interesting that a 160 width tire can be had in a load rating that far exceeds the old bias-ply 150 (just keep it under 149 MPH), and that the lesser load rating of the 60 series is within a reasonable amount relative to the 150's.

Good to know that the 160 has worked well for you with a usage of 100,000 km (62,000 mi).

[Arnie]

Just a couple of comments

Those speed ratings are for SUSTAINED (1 hr+) running at listed speeds

Is that last, Storm 3D X-M (160/70-17) V Speed Load Rating: 79 (963 lb)
specifically a "touring" tire?  If so, they've probably re-inforced the sidewalls, and have a thicker tread section of maybe harder (or more carbon black) rubber.

Arnie

[FJ1100mjk]

Is that last, Storm 3D X-M (160/70-17) V Speed Load Rating: 79 (963 lb)
specifically a "touring" tire?  If so, they've probably re-inforced the sidewalls, and have a thicker tread section of maybe harder (or more carbon black) rubber.

Arnie

Dunno. It's just listed under the rest of the sizes for the Sport Touring Storm 3D X-M, that have lower load index ratings. I assume its higher load rating is due to a heavier duty carcass.

Did also find it interesting, but not suprised, that the radial 17 inch front tires have a lower load index rating than than the bias-ply 16 inch Roadrider.

Roadrider (120/80-16) V Speed Load Rating: 60 (551 lb.)

Storm 3D X-M (120/70-17) W Speed Load Rating: 58 (520 lb.)

Michelin Pilot Road 3 (120/70-17) W Speed Rating: 58 (520 lb.)

[stua1959]

Just found this thread, I run Bridgestone BT 23 160/70 17 on a 4.5" Suzuki rim and a 110/70 17 on standard front rim. The tyre is nothing outstanding but it was the only pair available in these sizes. I feel the 110 front works better than a 120 on the standard front ie: I am using more of the side tread, less chicken strips and the rear is nearly the same overall diameter as a 16" rim with the Avon azzarro I had on previously so I didnt have to change the sprockets. Not as sexy as a 180 but works for me

[billwest]

I went with the Suzuki 5.5" rear wheel, and always use a 170 x 60 x 17.
On the front I run the slightly wider front wheel off a '88/'89? Genesis (direct swap) with the 120 x 70 x 17.

Handling for me was a great improvement.
I tried the 180 x 55 on the rear, but I figured there may be clearance problems.
I also ride Kawasaki 1200's (ZRX, ZZR, and ZX12R for a while) so I am used to the wider rear tyres.

Bill.

[Sabre093]

I currently run a 4.5 GSXR with a 170...no complaints here did the dragon and it performed great!