Tires
 

Let me ask another ? how sensitive are SHs to tire size? I only ask as mine has a 120/60ZR17 front instead of the recommended 120/70ZR17.

It depends on what your goals are. If you just want something to keep the Hawk up off the ground and rolling, the 120/60 should work all right. If you adjust front ride height to compensate for the shorter tire, it might even work well.
Honestly, I haven't ridden a bike with that size front tire in more than ten years, although my CBR600F2 came from the factory with a 120/60. At the first tire change I switched to a 120/70 and never looked back. The 120/60 is an odd sized tire and not often used these days.

Sorry to slightly change the subject, but i didn't want to start a whole new thread for this.

I'm current running a 180/55/17 on the rear... i was thinking about putting a 190/50/17 . How would that affect my steering response and cornering speed. Any thoughts???

wider typically means less responce to turning, but i have no experience with the change on this bike... I like the fat back tire look, however the 180 isn't that damn narrow, so it works for me... But i think that there is the typical slight change in how quickly it responds to sharp corners, but for everyday riding, probably not even noticable...

again.. no actual experience with this on the hawk itself.,.

IIRC, from the various threads that have already been posted about this topic, the 190/50 rear will give you a lot less "flickability." The main benefit of having the 190/50 is you put more rubber on the ground when leaned over, aiding in putting lots of power down sooner. On the Superhawk, excess power is not an issue. I have heard that a 190/55 more closely approximate a 180/55 rear in terms of profile (less flat / more triangular), but that also depends on the tire you pick.

Finally found some of the older threads regarding tire size.... after reading what people had to say i'm definitely going with 180 on the rear.

Now the only question is Metzeler M3 or Pirelli Diablo Corsa III ?!!?!?!?!?!

Pilot powers.. I got more thatn 5k miles out of my last rear power... most of the people I read say they get 3500 out of other tires if they're lucky...

+1 on the Pilot Powers! I've got over 5K on mine and leaning towards replacing it soon, but still has a little life in it

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-M...em110221519543:gatlin::gatlin:

pilot power 2 is dual compound... i was considering those but the corsa III might be better.

Would a 120/60 quicken the steering a bit since it's a smaller circumference?? From my math, it looks like it would be 3" smaller around--or almost 1/2" less sidewall (which would be like dropping the trees down the forks 1/2"). If it's a sporty (more triangular) profile, wouldn't that make the bike less stable?? Not dangerous, but maybe not as confidence-inspiring. I'm not an expert, but I know some are lurking around in here...

I'd like to know if the Corsa III is better cuz I'll be buying a new rear soon too...:bitchslap:

Yes, your calculations are correct. The circumference doesn't matter. What you will gain in turning quickness you will lose in stability with a 120/60. If you don't have your suspension set up correctly this could lead to instability and possible tank slappers, ala 93-97 900RR with the 16" front wheel. If you want quicker turn in you're better off just going with the 120/70 and dropping the forks a few mm's. If you want more then you can shim the rear shock as well.

When I put my current Pilot Powers on, the dealer made a mistake and put on a 120/60. I rode it home about 6-7mi, mostly freeway mileage. It was noticeably twitchier, definite loss of stability...something I don't care for. Besides, I'd already dropped the front end 5mm and that was enough for me.
When I phoned the dealer, they replaced it with a 120/70 for free. I have always wondered about it with the stock front height, and about 120/65s...but never went back. My VTR's always been about right for my handling tastes.
Hope this helps.

i've been reading some of the old post and people have been talking wonders about the Corsa III.

not much has been written about the Pilot Power 2, only the PP, which people seen to like as well.

I love my Corsa III hold up well drive well. Nothing bad to say about them. maybe price but they all cost $