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?.

[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.

[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odd I used to run original Pirelli Diablos back when I had it around 2005/2006 clearly those tyres have been more than superseded now.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odd I used to run original Pirelli Diablos back when I had it around 2005/2006 clearly those tyres have been more than superseded now.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.

[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.

[Walter Sobchak]

It's got a budget Maxis on at the moment which the previous owner put on to get it through the MOT, and a Bridgestone 023 rear, it tips in to corners pretty well but it doesn't feel that stable coming out of them on the gas.