Toto Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 2002 RT uses 170/60-17 REAR and I was recently told (of course it was a salesman) that I could run 180/55-17 without any change in performance, fit or wear. Anyone have REAL experience with this? Link to comment
AndyS Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 It may, but why would you want to deviate from the easily available standard fitment? Andy Link to comment
dirtrider Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 Afternoon Toto The KEY word here is “salesman”. While the 180/55-17 might fit the bike it takes a different rim width than what your 170/60-17 came mounted on. Therefore it WILL effect the handling, will effect the tire wear, not sure what performance you are talking about but probably there also. Link to comment
RT Russ Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 I was curious about the 180/55 as well. The Bridvestone BT-023 GT is only availble in that size. I love the 023GT on the front. Had the 023 non-GT on he rear. Loved it but wore it out much sooner than the front. Link to comment
ShovelStrokeEd Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 You can install the tire but with some caveat. Your RT has a 5.0" width rear rim. The minimum recommended rim width for a 180-55 section tire is 5.5" and 6" is preferred. What you will lose is tire profile. It will have a more rounded profile than desired or designed and the side walls will not support the tread as well as a proper rim width. This will certainly adversely effect the tire wear (it'll get a flat spot in the middle) and is likely to have a bad effect on the handling as well. I believe a K1200RS has a 5.5" rim, I know an R1100S Boxer Cup or Prep model comes with them. They can be bolted to your RT and should fit. (Sidewall to swingarm clearance may be a bit snug but that can be fixed with spacers, or a grinder Link to comment
Toto Posted March 18, 2011 Author Share Posted March 18, 2011 Thanks to everyone for input. Reason; Pirelli Diablo also only comes in that size and found a local dealer with a really great sale ($175 for the set - mounted). I'll stay with what I have and not mess with the unknown. Link to comment
AndyS Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I was curious about the 180/55 as well. The Bridvestone BT-023 GT is only availble in that size. I love the 023GT on the front. Had the 023 non-GT on he rear. Loved it but wore it out much sooner than the front. But rear tyres DO tend to wear out much quicker than the front. They are doing A LOT more work. Andy Link to comment
g_frey Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I think everyone else is harder on their tires in some way, mine wear out about the same time or the front wears out first. Link to comment
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