What tyres for an old R6?

[Walter Sobchak]

I've just bought an old R6 as a commuter, couldn't stand buying something like a CB500, anyway it's currently got mismatched tyres and I'd like to put a new set on, any recommendations?.

[Mr OCD]

If using as a commuter something like pilot road 3 / 4 or Metzler Z8 ...

Any modern dual compound black and round tyre will be fine ...

[sc0tt]

Slicks

[Walter Sobchak]

Very helpful Scott .
I was thinking of going with Dunlop Sortmaxes, I had a set on the RSV4 and they've lasted well, I'd prefer something something fairly grippy, will give look into Pilot roads too, thanks for the recommendation.

[Wildfire]

If you're going to use it in the wet and all weather Michelin Pilot Road 3 or 4. For something that is a bit more sporty, still good in all weathers Pilot Power 2CT.

[ccr32]

No credit for finding these, that goes to MTB... this was in the Bargain Crazy thread a little while ago:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

moanthebairns said:

http://www.bikespeeduk.com/pirelli-tyres/pirelli-a...

Pirelli st angels £150

[Biker's Nemesis]

If it's a really old R6 make sure the front tyre you buy is a 70 profile and NOT a 60 profile.

[sprinter1050]

I got a pair of the Pirelli Angels you can have cheap. £60 part used- about 200 miles on road bike. Drop me a PM via profile if interested. usual 120/70 x17 front 180/55x17 rear if they fit R6?

[Mr OCD]

Biker's Nemesis said:

If it's a really old R6 make sure the front tyre you buy is a 70 profile and NOT a 60 profile.

... and if you do fit a 70 profile make sure you drop the forks to compensate for the height increase.

[sjtscott]

My 99 R6 I owned for a couple of years came with track abused Bridgestone 020s - the previous owner a friend of a friend was a little odd I used to run original Pirelli Diablos back when I had it around 2005/2006 clearly those tyres have been more than superseded now. I ran them because I could get around 6000 miles out of a rear on a sport 600, on 'sports' road rubber for predominately commuting purposes.

Basically I'd fit any of the current sport touring rubber from Michelin or Dunlop.

Despite the 60 profile front limiting tyre choice somewhat I loved the way it handled

Edited by sjtscott on Friday 17th April 10:22

[Walter Sobchak]

Biker's Nemesis said:

If it's a really old R6 make sure the front tyre you buy is a 70 profile and NOT a 60 profile.

It's a 2001, it's got the newer style tail lights but otherwise it looks pretty much unchanged from the earlier ones, I don't know if it will take a 60 profile tyre as it is or wether I will need to drop the forks?.

[Walter Sobchak]

sjtscott said:

My 99 R6 I owned for a couple of years came with track abused Bridgestone 020s - the previous owner a friend of a friend was a little odd I used to run original Pirelli Diablos back when I had it around 2005/2006 clearly those tyres have been more than superseded now. I ran them because I could get around 6000 miles out of a rear on a sport 600, on 'sports' road rubber for predominately commuting purposes.

Basically I'd fit any of the current sport touring rubber from Michelin or Dunlop.

Despite the 60 profile front limiting tyre choice somewhat I loved the way it handled

Edited by sjtscott on Friday 17th April 10:22

Thanks for the advice.
I've heard they handle really well for their time, although I've never had one, I went for a CBR600RR in 2004 over the R6.
I'm quite looking forward to picking it up actually.

[Walter Sobchak]

sjtscott said:

My 99 R6 I owned for a couple of years came with track abused Bridgestone 020s - the previous owner a friend of a friend was a little odd I used to run original Pirelli Diablos back when I had it around 2005/2006 clearly those tyres have been more than superseded now. I ran them because I could get around 6000 miles out of a rear on a sport 600, on 'sports' road rubber for predominately commuting purposes.

Basically I'd fit any of the current sport touring rubber from Michelin or Dunlop.

Despite the 60 profile front limiting tyre choice somewhat I loved the way it handled

Edited by sjtscott on Friday 17th April 10:22

Thanks for the advice.
I've heard they handle really well for their time, although I've never had one, I went for a CBR600RR in 2004 over the R6.
I'm quite looking forward to picking it up actually.

[Biker's Nemesis]

No you need to make sure it has a 70 profile

The 60 causes a bit of tank slapping problems

I can't remember ever having to mess on with the forks

[sjtscott]

Biker's Nemesis said:

No you need to make sure it has a 70 profile

The 60 causes a bit of tank slapping problems

I can't remember ever having to mess on with the forks

Can only guess you rode its somewhat brisker on the road than me, didn't ever have a problem with mine
I seem to remember you have to check front mudguard clearance when fitting the 70 profile? I did look into it but didn't ever bother in the end. Original reason was that I wanted to run diablo corsa front and they didn't come in 60 profile.

[Jonjo91]

PR3s for all weather.
Great all rounder

[Biker's Nemesis]

sjtscott said:

Can only guess you rode its somewhat brisker on the road than me, didn't ever have a problem with mine
I seem to remember you have to check front mudguard clearance when fitting the 70 profile? I did look into it but didn't ever bother in the end. Original reason was that I wanted to run diablo corsa front and they didn't come in 60 profile.

Old R6

[sjtscott]

Biker's Nemesis said:

sjtscott said:

Can only guess you rode its somewhat brisker on the road than me, didn't ever have a problem with mine
I seem to remember you have to check front mudguard clearance when fitting the 70 profile? I did look into it but didn't ever bother in the end. Original reason was that I wanted to run diablo corsa front and they didn't come in 60 profile.

Old R6

I rest my case BN I didn't ride mine on the track LOL
OP for road riding you will have zero issues with a 60 profile.

[Walter Sobchak]

It's got a 60 profile on it at the moment, so when i change, go for a 70 profile, but to do that I need to drop the forks?.
I'm looking at getting a set of Pilot Power 2CTs got quoted £210 for a set, fitted which I think is pretty good.
For an old bike it feels pretty good handling wise.

[Walter Sobchak]

I took it out today and to be honest I did get a few shakes so am going to be ditching the 60 profile for a 70 front, will it be ok just fitting it as is or do I really need to drop the forks?, it looked like there was enough room under the mudguard.