Triumphrat

Wombat · 04-09-2009, 04:06 PM

I am about to replace my MEZ4s with some new Pilot Road 2s and have a question regarding sizing for the rear tire.

The OEm size for the rear is 160/70/17 and I can only find 160/60/17 or 170/60/17s

I am well aware of the differences in the physical sizes of the tires, but would like to know how these differences would be liikely to change my TBS.

Will the 170 work ok or should I stay with the 160 and live with the 'slightly higher revs?

tbh9088 · 04-09-2009, 04:46 PM

I just went from a Metz Z6 160/60 to a Z6 170/60 on the rear of my '98 TBS. It's really a small change, and I noticed no adverse handling qualities. I didn't do the math on the revs, but figure I've lost about 100 rpm or so at 70mph - enough to notice, but not enough to really matter.

My only complaint with the larger tire is that when the bike is on the centerstand, the 170/60 tire rests on the ground. The 160/60 was suspended, so I could freely rotate the wheel to lube the chain. I've solved the problem by placing a 1/2" thick piece of wood underneath the center stand pegs.

Next tire change I'll go back to the 160/60 for the convenience. Were it not for that, the choice is virtually a wash (for me).

IrlMike · 04-09-2009, 04:54 PM

Haynes says 160/70 stock for the TBS, but could be wrong. (Tho' my TBS buddy agrees...)

I'm using a 170/60 Dunlop Roadsmart on my Legend (like very much esp wet grip) - no problems at all except the same centrestand issue. Sorted with 1/4" plywood in my case, as required.

Mike

denny · 04-09-2009, 07:10 PM

My '98 TBS had (and still does)160/70.
That could have changed with other model years.

peterrose · 04-14-2009, 10:23 AM

I've just fitted a 180/55 BT021 rear tire to my 95 Sprint.

It had a 170 on there before which looked way too thin.

I took it out yesterday to scrub it in and now have no chicken strips left on it, no handling or gearing problems.

cafetbird · 04-14-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterrose

I've just fitted a 180/55 BT021 rear tire to my 95 Sprint.

It had a 170 on there before which looked way too thin.

I took it out yesterday to scrub it in and now have no chicken strips left on it, no handling or gearing problems.

That's great, Peter - but really not relevant to the discussion on the TBS...

peterrose · 04-14-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafetbird

That's great, Peter - but really not relevant to the discussion on the TBS...

Wel I know it's great, what I don't know is what the hell TBS stands for ???

Throttle body Syncronization ?

Twin brake set-up ?

.... sounds like it could be something to do with your final gearing but then I'd guess that the 170 tire would end up with a slightly larger diameter thus raising your gearing, not dropping it as you imply.

Pete. ( Who'd love to join in if he knew what the hell your all talking about )

TonyD · 04-14-2009, 04:56 PM

ThunderBird Sport, Pete. (The clue's in the Forum title - Hinckley Classic Triples 885cc Classic Styles T3s: Legend, Thunderbird, Thunderbird Sport & Adventurer)

peterrose · 04-14-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyD

ThunderBird Sport, Pete. (The clue's in the Forum title - Hinckley Classic Triples 885cc Classic Styles T3s: Legend, Thunderbird, Thunderbird Sport & Adventurer)

MMMmmm....okay...... but I was saying that I had no problems going up a size on the rear which is exactly what he wants to do.

I should have added that it was a 170/60 to a 180/55 which I belive you need to do in order to keep the diameter basically the same, so if he does go up a size to 170 he ought to change to a 60 profile.

denny · 04-14-2009, 07:21 PM

Some folks have changed to a 170/60 on the TBird Sport rear.

A couple have said that turn in was noticeably slower.
Others have not noticed that. That probably depends on your riding style and the type of roads you ride on the most.