Larger rear tire... adjustment to rear suspension?

[Journeyman]

I mean not smaller.... Not as wide.

That's what I thought you must have meant.

When I first went to a taller rear and shorter front tire the "flickability" of the bike was immediately apparent. At first I wasn't sure it was a good thing, then after a couple of miles it just felt like a different bike- more responsive and better in every way.

 

[1olbull]

I mean not smaller.... Not as wide.

I meant no offense. With that said, I think more aspect ratio (narrower) would improve turning and handling as well. Just sayin' . . .

 

[Mongler07]

I meant no offense. With that said, I think more aspect ratio (narrower) would improve turning and handling as well. Just sayin' . . .

that's what i was also trying to say. I'm not great with communication, but i am good with making and breaking things!

 

[Codawg]

When I had my Roadster, i went to the cheaper 55 ratio Bridgestone Exedra Max. It made the bike a bit taller and it was a decent tire. When I switched to the Avon Cobra Chrome in original 50 ratio, I liked it better and it was a bit more sticky and trustworthy on hard pulls. The real game changer in maneuverability is the smaller front tire. Putting the smaller Michelin Commander 3 on front was the best thing i ever did!

 

[Tal]

Putting a Bridgestone Exedra Max...55 profile on the rear will only lift the rear by something like 12mm...you will probably need to lift the rear hugger..(in front of the rear tire) a tad so you have more clearance.
As already mentioned it will actually help the stance of the bike.
I have used these tires on three Rockets now and love them. They have more tread across the tire and are also alot cheaper to buy.
I got 16000km's on two occasions from these tires and found them to give very good grip...probably due to the tread pattern and compound of the tire.
Just my two bob's worth.

 

[Mongler07]

All this talk about improving the handling just with a different tire makes me think about doing this also but then I remember that no matter how hard I ride my rocket I can always ride my other bikes harder and faster in the turns. I'm by no means a track guy and I'm usually the slow guy in a group, but I can ride so much harder on my 500 ninja than I ever could on the rocket and for that reason I just like the rocket for what it is.

 

[Codawg]

All this talk about improving the handling just with a different tire makes me think about doing this also but then I remember that no matter how hard I ride my rocket I can always ride my other bikes harder and faster in the turns. I'm by no means a track guy and I'm usually the slow guy in a group, but I can ride so much harder on my 500 ninja than I ever could on the rocket and for that reason I just like the rocket for what it is.

For 2+ bike guys it's not as big a deal. I went 2 bikes after my Roadster myself, but I put the 140/75 Commander 3 on it before I went and rode the twisted sisters and I'm telling you that tire makes a difference! Im going to put one on my R3GT and I'm not even waiting for the stock one to wear out!

 

[CrzystghndKC]

Good afternoon y'all... I read through this great forum that you could fit a 240/55r16 rear tire on the rocket 3 roadsters. This worked out wonderfully for me but I have a question about rake and trail (heard this from a mechanic, still looking into how it works).

The question is, do I need to adjust the rear suspension after fitting this new larger tire that is roughly 1" taller (original tire height was 25.4") to ensure the bike rides properly?

Bottom line I just installed a 240/55/16 Bridgestone on the rear and no problem works beautifully. Just do it and ride. I thought I should add I'm running an Avon Chrome 140/75/17 on the front and seems to be a sweet combo.

 

[Gregger]

PS: As Herman pointed out the 240/55 raises the axle .5". Now lower the front axle .5" and you will have a whole new, BETTER HANDLING, motorcycle!
If interested, I have prepared scale diagrams with all the pertinent dimensions (including rake and trail) for both stock and with suggesred tire changes.

@1olbull has posted several times in the past regarding the handling improvements when using a smaller front and larger rear tire on the older Rockets. Many of us have confirmed his posts. The only issue you have to consider is related to how much difference you can have between the front and rear related to stock. Too much could affect your ABS. 1/2 inch larger in the rear and 1/2 inch smaller in front shouldn't trigger an ABS fault. 1olbull did a fair amount of research on this. Read this post from 2020 specifically post 97 related to percentage differences. Best Tire Size for Handling When it comes to tires and sizes, he's the man...

 

[CrzystghndKC]

@1olbull has posted several times in the past regarding the handling improvements when using a smaller front and larger rear tire on the older Rockets. Many of us have confirmed his posts. The only issue you have to consider is related to how much difference you can have between the front and rear related to stock. Too much could affect your ABS. 1/2 inch larger in the rear and 1/2 inch smaller in front shouldn't trigger an ABS fault. 1olbull did a fair amount of research on this. Read this post from 2020 specifically post 97 related to percentage differences. Best Tire Size for Handling When it comes to tires and sizes, he's the man...

I have not noticed any harm to the ABS performance but I do try real hard not to engage that feature.