Tyre sizes

[bonjeroo]

My bike came with Dunlop D607s fitted. I checked the tyre sizes this morning and see they are as follows:

Front: 110/80 R19 59V
Rear: 150/70 R17 69V

I have decided to fit Bridgestone BT020s. Checking on the FWR website - www.fwr.co.uk - I can only find the following sizes:

120/60-17
120/70-17
110/80-18
120/70-18

160/60-17
160/70-17
170/60-17
180/55-17
190/50-17
160/60-18

Which do I go for? I'm sure they will know this in the shop, but would prefer to have some opinions from GSers. Any other tyre suggestions for 100% road riding on twisty B-roads?

I have covered 4000 miles, including motorways, a track day at Brands and lots of twisties, and the D607s still look in excellent shape. To be honest, they don't need to be changed, but I have a few riding trips planned and am itching to try the 020s

Bonj

 

[Mouse]

Well it wouldn't hurt to put a 160/70-17 on the back. BUT you won't get any of those front tyres on the 1200, it has a 19" front wheel!

But but, other people have fitted 020s to their bikes, so the correct sizes must be available - I suspect that web site is out of date.

 

[bonjeroo]

Well it wouldn't hurt to put a 160/70-17 on the back. BUT you won't get any of those front tyres on the 1200, it has a 19" front wheel!

But but, other people have fitted 020s to their bikes, so the correct sizes must be available - I suspect that web site is out of date.

Thanks - I will give them a call before riding over. Cool signature by the way - Jesus Built My Hotrod.

What sizes have other BT020 users gone for?

Bonj

 

[Banjaxed]

Bonjeroo

I think you'll find that if you go to the Bridgestone website and choose the fitment selector, the appropriate sizes are shown (see below). My guess is that the other site only showed a selection of available sizes - probably the more common sports-tourer sizes. Straight swap for your dunlops.
Unless of course you WANT to change the size...

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Mouse

I'm not sure if the following applys to the GS but suspect it will do.

My experience is with Supermotos and nearly all SMs have a 4 1/2" inch (IIRC?) rim which is designed to fit a 150 section tyre.

Many SMs run 160's as a 'fashion thang' in the mistaken belief that it will offer more grip (I used to have to run a 160 slick when racing 'cos of the relative unavailability of 150's but always a 150 on the road).

The reality is that whilst the tyre will fit it is pinched out of shape.
The wider profile gives slower steering and due to the pinched profile irregular 'pitching' into bends as it is no longer a smooth curve.
Also, many SMs suffer from high speed stability problems running 160's.

Personally then, I would be disenclined to run a 160 on the GS.



Bonj

Just curious to know why you are going to 020's?

Like you I have the Dunlops and thought that my first job when I bought the bike would be to ditch them and get some 'decent' road rubber (ie 020's).
However, having got a few miles on the Dunlops now I really can not fault them and I wondering if I really need the Bridgestones??

Hoping to do some track days this summer so maybe I'll change my mind after that??

Cheers
Andres

 

[Mouse]

Fair point about the handling.

I've run a 180 section rear on my Fazer which should take a 160 (due to avilability). It certainly didn't improv the handling, but I don't think it made it worse. Case of suck it and see.

I echo your thoughts about the Dunlops too ... cracking tyres for road use.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Glad you rate the Dunlops too Mouse - I was starting to wonder if it was just me as they rarely seem to get a mention in amongst the 'usual suspects'.

I'll be doing two 1000 miles M Way blasts next w/e so will be interested to see how they stand up to that and how badly they square off.

Andres

 

[shez1]

Tyre Sizes 020's

Just fitted standard size BT 020's to the bike. Only done a few hundred miles, but so far they seem excellent. Lots of grip, stable, turns well into corners. Not been out in the wet yet, but rumours are they are very capable. I have tried most of the other GS tires (but not the new Dunlop’s), but the 020's are best to date. Second favourites are the Michelin Anarkees(?). One point of note is that the front 020 had 3 ml of thread new! Not sure how long they will last?

 

[bonjeroo]

Just curious to know why you are going to 020's?

Like you I have the Dunlops and thought that my first job when I bought the bike would be to ditch them and get some 'decent' road rubber (ie 020's).
However, having got a few miles on the Dunlops now I really can not fault them and I wondering if I really need the Bridgestones??

Hoping to do some track days this summer so maybe I'll change my mind after that??

Cheers
Andres

I'm pretty happy with the Dunlops but have read good things about the 020s. I haven't tried any other tyres and want to try a few before deciding which to stick with.

I was easily able to overtake sportsbikes on my Brands track day, so I don't think there's anything fundamentally wrong with the Dunlop's handling.

FWR have confirmed they have the correct sizes in stock, so I will be heading there after work.

Bonj

 

[JayGee]

Yep the Dunlop is a cracking tyre, rear now needs replacing at 5000miles but the front looks good for another 3-4000 so I'll just get a new Dunlop rear. Not tried the 020 on this bike but I can't see them being that much better.