Tires
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,806
From: Atlanta, GA
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.
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.
Member
Squid
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
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???
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???
OUCH... MY A$$ HURTS!!!
SuperSport
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 707
From: Elba, Ny
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.,.
again.. no actual experience with this on the hawk itself.,.
Hmm?
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,069
From: San Gabriel Valley
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.
Fastest Color
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,091
From: Lithia, FL
+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
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-M...em110221519543
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
From: San Antonio, TX
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...
Administrator
World Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 105,287
From: Fulton, MO
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...
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 442
From: Little Rock, AR
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.
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.
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