Oversized rear tyre track rubber

[Mike600F]

Afternoon all!

I've been busy lately writing up my thesis, and not made it on in a while so I hope you're all well!

Hand in is end of next month and as soon as I'm done: I'm going to all the trackdays I can cram into the rest of the summer, which brings me to my question:

I have a CBR600F (98) with a standard 160/60/17 rear tyre size. Unfortunately a lot of the raved-about track tyres (supercorsas come to mind here!) only come in 180+ rear sizes, and for no other reason than I fancy giving them a try, I'm considering fitting them to my spare standard rims and having a go.

A quick google suggests that they'll fit ok on the rim and not contact the swing arm, unless anyone knows differently?

Google also says handling will be affected for the worse - is there different rear profiles/front sizes that minimise the effect? 180/55 vs 180/60 or (180/60 & 120/60) vs (180/60 & 120/70) for example? Lots of keyboard warriors arguing opposite cases on this point - thought I'd consult you lot for a definitive answer (Oh, the irony!! haha).

Or, bearing in mind that they're spare rims, would you just grab a set of slicks (I know nothing about this option: presumably they come in 160/60/17 from somewhere?)

Just before the track-gods hammer me for not needing high-performance tyres: I know i'm probably not near the current grip level of my PP3's, but my curiosity needs satisfying: "Shut up and take my money!"

Be interested to read your replies - thanks boys and girls.

Mike.

[Mike600F]

Tall_Paul said:

Supercorsa's don't come in 160/60?

Might wanna tell oponeo and tyreleader

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/moto-tyre-details/pirelli-...

http://www.tyreleader.co.uk/motorbike-tyres/pirell...

GOOD MAN! Had what I thought was a pretty good scout around looking for them - apparently not good enough.

moto_traxport said:

Also check your spare wheel is actually a 5" rim - says what it is on the inside of one of the spokes.

My spares are actually the originals (had the extra set sprayed, and then swapped them out with new tyre when the original were spent)!

moto_traxport said:

160/60's sit nicest on a 4.5" rim. Your model of CBR600 has a 5" rim which means you can use 160/60's, 170/60's (quite an old size now) and 180/55's. I've used them all on my old CBR600 and it was happy with all of them although I preferred the 160/60's for the steering it gave me (tiny percentages here by the way).

Some racey 180's now come in a taller profile - 180/60. These are fairly new and weren't around when I was using my 600 but should fit on the rim but obviously watch the hugger and front of the swing arm.

Front tyre - just fit a 120/70 and be done with it.

Sounds like you've wondered the same things as me. The 120/70 front is used to keep the bike "level" with a larger rear (180/55) tyre in I take it?

Yazza54 said:

What size is the rear wheel. The 180/60 is designed to fit a 5.5 inch rim. You can get away with fitting it to a 6 inch but I doubt you're gonna be anywhere near that.

I would not fit it to a 5 inch rim.

You may likely have clearance issues to the swingarm and chain too. Plus it will affect the geometry being a taller tyre.

180/60 is actually a fairly big tyre. It's taller by default than standard then you'll be pinching it by fitting to a 5 inch rim which could really fk the handling up.

Edited by Yazza54 on Friday 29th May 15:26

It's a good point about the chain - moto_traxport were you running the standard chain size, or did you downsize at all (I realise this is a TINY saving in space)?

Probably going to give the 160 supercorsas a go, but still interested to know for future reference!

[Mike600F]

Epic - I'll have a look on the bay first then!

[Mike600F]

interesting that pirelli don't think they make a 160 either!

http://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorcycle/all-...

wtf would you not publish ALL the sizes online??