General question on tire size.

[mikeR1100R]

The question I have concerns my wife's '04 Ninja 250. The only 2 options we seem to have for tires are the OEM replacements which are Dunlop K 630. Rear size is 130/80 16 and front is 100/80 16.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/394/10265/ITEM/Dunlop-K630-Rear-Tire.aspx

The other option is Pirelli MT 75

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/10097/ITEM/Pirelli-MT-75-Rear-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=RichAutoComplete

We like the Pirellis better as they appear to be a more aggressive tread design and are cheaper. The problem is the rear is only a 120/80 16. Would there be a significant difference in handling with a slightly narrower tire? Georgi is a spirited rider, but obviously the bike is small and light.

Any thoughts, ideas would be appreciated.

[Selden]

The question I have concerns my wife's '04 Ninja 250. The only 2 options we seem to have for tires are the OEM replacements which are Dunlop K 630. Rear size is 130/80 16 and front is 100/80 16.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/394/10265/ITEM/Dunlop-K630-Rear-Tire.aspx

The other option is Pirelli MT 75

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/10097/ITEM/Pirelli-MT-75-Rear-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=RichAutoComplete

We like the Pirellis better as they appear to be a more aggressive tread design and are cheaper. The problem is the rear is only a 120/80 16. Would there be a significant difference in handling with a slightly narrower tire? Georgi is a spirited rider, but obviously the bike is small and light.

Any thoughts, ideas would be appreciated.

My wife also has a Ninjette, and the OEM tires are getting old, so this is of interest to me. In general, you can go one size up or down without much issue, although going to a larger size on a narrow rim can pinch the tire, changing the profile, and causing the tread to roll off faster, which can be detrimental to handling. A narrower tire should have the opposite effect, and you could hit the edge of the tread sooner, but I don't think the effect on handling is as pronounced.

[BrianM]

I know people have raced using the Dunlop GT501.

 

My wife's (1999 EX250) bike has Avon Super Venoms, but I don't think they make them any more.

 

Metzeler has a tire listed - Lasertec.

 

Interestingly Pirelli lists that they have no tire for the EX250.

 

Might check out this site - cannot speak to the accuracy of the information.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/What_tire_makes_are_available_that_fit_the_250%3F

[Guest Kakugo]

Hi Mike.

 

If they are available in the US you may consider the Pirelli Diablo Scooter. They are the right size. Only issue is they have a "P" rating (150 km/h top speed).

 

You can fit slightly different tyre sizes to the ZZR250.

A 100/90-16 front and a 130/90-16 rear can be fitted without any mod: due to the taller rear tyre gearing will drop a little but it's not a big deal.

Pirelli Sport Demon are available in these sizes. Bridgestone BT45 is another popular choice though it's getting harder to get.

Maxxis also makes a "sportish" tyre (V1 M6002) in these sizes but I am yet to hear single good thing about them.

 

Whatever you buy, please, please stay away from the K630. Like 90% of the Dunlop's from the period they are **** plain and simple.

 

 

[lkchris]

A "general" answer ...

 

The German automotive industry is considered the world leader due in large part to its successful coordination with government authority. Efforts, for example, to impose speed limits everywhere on the Autobahns have failed. There is very much a connection between university departments and car companies and the regulations devised.

 

In Germany, it's illegal to fit tires not specified by the manufacturer in the vehicle's type certificate. "Close enough" is not generally recognized as good enough, that is. In the USA, of course, we just get "permission" from forums ... whether there's any engineering validity or not.

[Mister Tee]

For what it's worth, some track riders install 190 series tires on 5.5 inch rims specified for 180 series tires and run them with good success. The profile is squeezed to give a larger contact patch at a high lean angle. The downside is they are a bit less stable in a straight line.

 

Do you happen to know what the width of the rims are? It may still be within the range of the two available sizes you mention.

[mikeR1100R]

Thanks to all who replied for the info and opinions. We're going with the Pirellis.

[Selden]

Pirelli MT 75 or Diablo Scooter? Either way, let us know how they work out. Although I think I know the answer, since tires go "bad" over a long period of time, so new tires almost always feel wonderful in comparison, especially the way they turn in faster.

[mikeR1100R]

I think we are replacing the original tires as the bike only had 1700 miles on it when we bought it last year. Georgi nearly tripled the mileage on it in a few short months. It's getting a new rear shock also.

 

We're going for the MT 75's.