tire size question - General Sportbike Discussion

Schniggy02zx6r · 10-26-2003, 05:17 PM

im buying a new set of rubbers for the ninja for next season, i want to stick with the dunlops, (d208zr) the rear is the same 180/55ZR17, no problem, however, the fronts come stock with 120/65 ZR17 and dunlop makes a 120/60 ZR17 and a 120/70 ZR17, whats the difference between the 60 and 70?

bikerboy · 10-26-2003, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Schniggy02zx6r
im buying a new set of rubbers for the ninja for next season, i want to stick with the dunlops, (d208zr) the rear is the same 180/55ZR17, no problem, however, the fronts come stock with 120/65 ZR17 and dunlop makes a 120/60 ZR17 and a 120/70 ZR17, whats the difference between the 60 and 70?

The number you are refering to has nothing to do with the width or height of the tire which is where the most problems can occur. The numbers that you are pointing out is the profile of the tire. Some tires are more low-pro than others. To give you an example of what I mean look at harley tires. The have a higher tire from the bottom to the bottom part of the rim. Appx 4-5 inches. Where as the sportbike tires are going to be anywhere from 1-3 in. .....

It shouldn't matter a whole lot. The taller tire may rub your fender though.......Get out and measure....I believe that is in mm....Not sure though...

Tick_9se7en3 · 10-26-2003, 06:38 PM

Well your tire you have is right in the middle of the two. It is the profile of the tire that, that particular number relates to. I'd go with the 60 because it is a little flatter than pointed like the 70 is, my guess would be that it would be better for stoppies.

*shugga* · 10-26-2003, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Schniggy02zx6r
im buying a new set of rubbers for the ninja for next season, i want to stick with the dunlops, (d208zr) the rear is the same 180/55ZR17, no problem, however, the fronts come stock with 120/65 ZR17 and dunlop makes a 120/60 ZR17 and a 120/70 ZR17, whats the difference between the 60 and 70?

Ok here is what all that means....

Well use 180/55/17 for example...

- The 1st # is the width of the tire in millimeters...
eg. the tire is 180mm wide
- the second # is called the aspect ratio. It is the percentage of the width of the tire makes of the sidewall height.
eg. the sidewall height is 55% of the width of the tire
- the 3rd # is the size of the rim
eg. the wheel on that bike is 17 inches.

This is standard for most all tires, cept for some goofy ones like quads, off road truck tires, farm quiptment, old classic tires, etc

Think of it... Your S10 comes with a 205/75/16. That a pretty tall tire compared to the height. Then you go for the lowrider look and do a 205/40/17 tire on new 17" wheels. This is a VERY small sidewall, also called a low profile sonce the profile is so low.

Does all this makes sonce? Anything else feel free to ask. I was an asst manager at a tire store for ahile. I had mad tire training.

Schniggy02zx6r · 10-26-2003, 09:56 PM

thanks guys, yeah it all makes sense now, i knew what the 120 and the 17 meant, just the other number, its all good now though, im gonna go with the 60, thanks again

10-26-2003, 05:17 PM	#1
Schniggy02zx6r Regular StuntLifer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: North Attleboro, MA Age: 26 Bike: 2002 Kaw Ninja ZX-6R Gender: Male Posts: 340	tire size question im buying a new set of rubbers for the ninja for next season, i want to stick with the dunlops, (d208zr) the rear is the same 180/55ZR17, no problem, however, the fronts come stock with 120/65 ZR17 and dunlop makes a 120/60 ZR17 and a 120/70 ZR17, whats the difference between the 60 and 70? __________________ Mike This Signature Space For Rent-PM Offers

10-26-2003, 06:38 PM	#3
Tick_9se7en3 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: 9se7en3, Morris Plains, Jerzey Age: 28 Bike: '98 CBR 900RR/ '03 XR 50 Gender: Posts: 599	Well your tire you have is right in the middle of the two. It is the profile of the tire that, that particular number relates to. I'd go with the 60 because it is a little flatter than pointed like the 70 is, my guess would be that it would be better for stoppies. __________________ Where is my liver???

10-26-2003, 09:56 PM	#5
Schniggy02zx6r Regular StuntLifer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: North Attleboro, MA Age: 26 Bike: 2002 Kaw Ninja ZX-6R Gender: Male Posts: 340	thanks guys, yeah it all makes sense now, i knew what the 120 and the 17 meant, just the other number, its all good now though, im gonna go with the 60, thanks again __________________ Mike This Signature Space For Rent-PM Offers