Noob tire size question
- Thread starter SonOfJorEl
- Start date
SonOfJorEl
.040 Over
I believe I came across a YouTube video of you doing a tire change today
1olbull
Riding Motor Since 1950
Indeed Mr. Bill, bringing the rear axle up ½" with the 240/55R16 aspect ratio and the front axle down ½" with the 140/75R17 or better yet, the 150/70R17 Road 5 or 6, is the perfect setup for handling in my 11 years of Rocket Roadsters hooning.
SonOfJorEl
.040 Over
Is the 150/70 R17 a rear tire? The websites which I usually check prices on are listing it as a rear tire. Just curious.
What Im also curious about is how much of a difference the W vs the V load speed rating makes.
Journeyman
"And this one is just right" ~ Goldilocks
It is a rear tire for smaller bikes. Some here mount it backwards on the front of the Rocket and swear by it. I tried it once and felt it took more effort to roll over in the curves, but once on a line it felt really good. The tread is Deep.Is the 150/70 R17 a rear tire? The websites which I usually check prices on are listing it as a rear tire. Just curious.
What Im also curious about is how much of a difference the W vs the V load speed rating makes.
Stillserving
LET'S GO BRANDON
I have run the
Bridgestone Exedra 240/55/R16
Michelin Road 5 150/70/ZR17 (mounted backwards)
combo last 3 tire changes and swear by it. I also went up 1/2" on the shock size when I went to the 444's., which increase the front bias a little more. No issues at all w/ ABS. I will never go to anything else. (Well, never is a strong word, but it would take some serious convincing to switch.)
Just to help a little on figuring tire size:
(Going with the front tire as a reference)
First number is width in mm
Second is aspect ratio (percentage of the width between the ground and the rim) - 70 (so, 70% 0f 150 mm is 105mm)
Next is rim size 17"
last is the speed rating
so... 150mm wide, 105mm from ground to rim and the rim size is 17"
should be no reason to charge anything different to mount any of the above mentioned tires, although I always mount my own ,so I can't say for certain.
Bridgestone Exedra 240/55/R16
Michelin Road 5 150/70/ZR17 (mounted backwards)
combo last 3 tire changes and swear by it. I also went up 1/2" on the shock size when I went to the 444's., which increase the front bias a little more. No issues at all w/ ABS. I will never go to anything else. (Well, never is a strong word, but it would take some serious convincing to switch.)
Just to help a little on figuring tire size:
(Going with the front tire as a reference)
First number is width in mm
Second is aspect ratio (percentage of the width between the ground and the rim) - 70 (so, 70% 0f 150 mm is 105mm)
Next is rim size 17"
last is the speed rating
so... 150mm wide, 105mm from ground to rim and the rim size is 17"
should be no reason to charge anything different to mount any of the above mentioned tires, although I always mount my own ,so I can't say for certain.
Tal
Living Legend
I can recommend the Bridgestone Xedra Max...it will lift the bike 12mm (I/2 an inch)...it wears well and is cheaper. Lifting the rear of the bike obviously will help the front to steer in better. No changes to rims or anything else is needed...
1olbull
Riding Motor Since 1950
Good move on the tire changes!
I really like your extending the rear shock length by ½". Does reduce rake/trail a tad more. My inseam just won't handle the increase in seat height.
BTW - Today was the first time I was interested enough looked into the newer R3s. I was disappointed to see they stayed with the same size wheels & tires
, but pleased to see they reduced rake by 4.1° and reduced trail by .49". 
This must improve handling over the Roadster, but I wonder what a ExedraMax 240/55R16 & a Road 6 150/70R17 run reverse would do?????
SonOfJorEl
.040 Over
I have to say I've learned something and I thank you all for being so helpful. I did some research on each of the tires myself and have finally purchased the Bridgestone for the rear and the Dunlop for the front. I think for the first change, this is a good start. I'll revisit the 150/70 R17 option on the next change and ill at least have something to compare. For now, looking forward to getting out of the stock Metzelers!
You all are Rockstars! Thank you
You all are Rockstars! Thank you
Journeyman
"And this one is just right" ~ Goldilocks
@1olbull I run the ExedraMax on the rear of my 3R (and Roadster). It definitely improved the handling. I'm vertically challenged too, but that change is worth it in terms of handling, cost, and even wear. I tried Shinkos for the first time on on the 3R and was surprised how well I liked them. I might go with the Road 6 next time on the 3R to see if I like it better than I did on the Roadster-I know you and many others love that tire on the front.Good move on the tire changes!
I really like your extending the rear shock length by ½". Does reduce rake/trail a tad more. My inseam just won't handle the increase in seat height.
BTW - Today was the first time I was interested enough looked into the newer R3s. I was disappointed to see they stayed with the same size wheels & tires
This must improve handling over the Roadster, but I wonder what a ExedraMax 240/55R16 & a Road 6 150/70R17 run reverse would do?????
+ Maybe not- that Road 6 is $250.
Last edited:
