bridgestones!!

[HansO]

very well Phil, you convinced me when times come I shall do the switch to the smaller size thanks for all that pertinent in
one question since I use only the front brake will a 130 put enough rubber on the ground that a full brake application will scrub the speed as well as a 150

.now what is SKIP full handle got to send him a PM

"xhdskip"

 

[zimtuff]

There is a massive improvement that a smaller sized front tire will deliver. The Michelin Commander II 140/75 17 or the B'stone Exedra Max 130/70 17 will both make the bike feel hundreds of pounds lighter, dramatically improving turn-in, tracking and overall handling including much, much better cornering at any and all speeds. The 240 Exedra Max in the rear mated to its 130 sister (that sounds bad) up front also reduces the rake angle from about 32 degrees stock to about 30 degrees, thus providing alot of the benefits already mentioned.

The 130 is that much better than the 140. I know, coz' I've run them both. The stock 150 size was selected by Triumph strictly for looks and it (they) actually compromises the R3's handling characteristics and overall behavior over the road. Either of the two front tires mentioned, should, properly mounted, balanced and maintained, give their users noticeably better mileage than any 150 sized tire, as well.

Does the smaller circumference tyres look odd in the front fender?

 

[CanberraR3]

I'm sure Phil will give you his impressions but from the pics I've seen it looks a bit odd. I'm waiting on delivery of a second fender (hint hint ) so I can experiment. I plan to redrill the mounting holes to allow it to sit lower and closer to the tyre. The shape won't be perfect and I think it will need some other trimming but I'm sure it will look better than a big(ish) gap. I'll provide feedback on how I go.

 

[dadsrevenge]

How much taller the Bridgesone over the stock Metzler?? I would love to change to the Bridgestone but I cannot afford any extra inches. Vertically challenged.

 

[CanberraR3]

Just under 1/2 inch taller - .48" to be precise.

 

[Watcher]

now see us red headed step kids on our tourings can get the same size that are stock in the max just had to mess with ya guys

 

[1olbull]

your handling improvem

There is a massive improvement that a smaller sized front tire will deliver. The Michelin Commander II 140/75 17 or the B'stone Exedra Max 130/70 17 will both make the bike feel hundreds of pounds lighter, dramatically improving turn-in, tracking and overall handling including much, much better cornering at any and all speeds. The 240 Exedra Max in the rear mated to its 130 sister (that sounds bad) up front also reduces the rake angle from about 32 degrees stock to about 30 degrees, thus providing alot of the benefits already mentioned.

The 130 is that much better than the 140. I know, coz' I've run them both. The stock 150 size was selected by Triumph strictly for looks and it (they) actually compromises the R3's handling characteristics and overall behavior over the road. Either of the two front tires mentioned, should, properly mounted, balanced and maintained, give their users noticeably better mileage than any 150 sized tire, as well.

TriumPhil,
Having now ran two front tires since the OEM Metzler, I agree with your handling improvement comments regarding a smaller front tire.

I started this 10,000 mile + ride-a-bout with brand new tires. The Michelin Commander II 140/75R X 17 was a good handler but a POS for wear. It was bald after 4506 miles. I am now running a Dunlop 140, which is all I could find out on the road at the time. It is just OK and I shall replace it with the front Bridgestone Exedra Max 130/70R X 17 that you speak of.

FYI - Out on the road, I got 7450 miles from the rear Excedra Max. After a week in CO, a week in AS and a week in the Smokeys running twisties, I am very happy with that mileage and put on another in St. Louis.
Two weeks to go on the long ride . . .
Best Regards,
1olbull

 

[peter k]

Having the 130 on the front


Obviously a smaller foot print how does this affect the braking on the front

 

[TriumPhil]

Regarding the looks of the 130, well, that's totally subjective. I thought that I'd hate the gap and have to drill and drop the fork guards and fenders, but it's grown on me and I think it gives the ole' girl a very racy, kinda' slammed look.

As for wear on the Michelin 140 goes, all I can tell ya' is that I rode the piss out of the thing and it was easily good for 10K miles (even though I removed it at about 8,300). Either ole bull's tire was defective, improperly mounted, improperly balanced, improperly inflated or he rides on roads made from 40 grit sandpaper. I'm not pickin' on ya' bull, but something's wrong with that picture... maybe something you should speak to Michelin about as they tout that particular tire as an extended mileage product.

Peter, the bike responds and behaves better in all respects, including braking

 

[1olbull]

Having the 130 on the front
Obviously a smaller foot print how does this affect the braking on the front

peter k,
I have had NO problems with the front brakes and i am a 90% front brake user mostly using the rear for trail braking in the twisties. My brother's Stratoliner is the same weight motor and comonh the dual disks and a 130 front.

I will indeed improve the front suspension springs after returning from my ride-a-bout.
Best Regards,
1olbull