Anyone put smaller front tire on Touring

Has anyone tried putting a smaller front tire on the Rocket Touring, if so how did it work out, thanks, Tim

rocket51 said:

Has anyone tried putting a smaller front tire on the Rocket Touring, if so how did it work out, thanks, Tim

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Tim. My question would be why do you ask? - My POV is, one changes to resolve things.

I have just dropped to a 140/80 front on my 2009 R3 Standard. Because it was shredding V rated tyres and I've fitted a Z rated. It has coincidentally sharpened up the handling too.

Be aware that when you go slimmer and simultaneously lower profile you will be affecting steering geometry. This is not Per Se dangerous - but it make make your beast handle in a way you don't like.

I happen to be more used to sports bike chassis than cruisers - so welcomed the change. I've a friend who's more used to "cruisers" - he said it felt nervous - and so did he therefore.

I find this calculator useful Tire Size Calculator - Compare Tire Sizes

If the steering you find heavy - then it's worth a try. But be careful of load/speed ratings. And if unsure - small steps. I'd love to try a "T" rear size tyre on my Standard.

The Metzeler I have handles very heavy and seems unstable. This is the first bike I have owned with a 150 front tire, the 3 previous bikes I owned Stratoliner, Goldwing, and VTX1800 had 130 front tires and all handled much better that the Rocket touring in corners and curves. I bought the Rocket used and it had a like new Metzeler on it, but the tire tread was not even and after the 4k I put on bike the tread is still not even, the center tread is higher than the side tread, the side tread is wearing unevenly. I may have wrong air pressure or it may be a defective tire. I tried 40 lbs in tire but it was too harsh over bumps, I lowered to 36 lbs which made it smoother but harder to handle.

A common problem with the Metz is cupping. Avon Cobra is a better tire plus a lot of guys seem to like the smaller front tires.

rocket51 said:

I bought the Rocket used and it had a like new Metzeler on it, but the tire tread was not even and after the 4k I put on bike the tread is still not even, the center tread is higher than the side tread, the side tread is wearing unevenly.

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MMmm - So the touring fronts "cup" too.

I'll take a wild guess that where you are is warm->hot. If so find a Z or W rated tyre to fit the front - Problem maybe that a 16" rim is nowhere near a common as a 17". I'd suggest looking for a 140 first. But I'm always cautious.