FZRSupport: the FZROnline Archive

Its time to replace the front tire on my '93 600 but some i see go with a 120 instead of the standard 110 width. How will this affect handling? Also are there any issues with it fitting inside the stock front end setup?...or on the rim?

I went from a 120 to a 110 on the front. At the same time I went from a 130 to a 150 in the rear.

I would say the most significant thing was that the front end felt lighter. Turning the forks seemed a lot easier than before, especially at lower speeds. Also it seemed to follow grooves on the free way a little more than before.

On the other hand, this setup vs my old setup inspires more confidence in the turns, so I have been able to lean the bike over more (from what I can feel). I wouldn't say this was due to the smaller front tire though, just an effect of going from incorrect to correct tire sizing.

My speedo seemed to read more accurately with the 120 than with the 110.

I've run both but like the 110 more. The 110 is smaller so it's less rotating mass making turn in easier, the down side if you do a lot of interstate riding is it has a less stable feel on broken pavement for the same reason it turns in easier. Less rotating mass.

personally id go with the 120 its alot better. not cause im positive they are the best thing on earth , but because thats what alot of new sport bikes run and im sure there is a reason for it. more contact patch comes to mind

from the dunlop website:

Correct rim width may be crucial to handling and stability. A tire that is installed on a rim wider than recommended will have a flattened profile, and a rider may easily reach the edge of the tread during cornering. A narrow rim will alter the tire profile, concentrating tire wear in a very small area during cornering, with a smaller contact patch during braking. Remember: Tire clearances are important.

Just know what you're getting yourself into with a slightly larger tire on a narrow rim.

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocen ... s.asp?id=5

Ok guys, ask the girls what's best, fatter or thinner

apsolus wrote:personally id go with the 120 its alot better. not cause im positive they are the best thing on earth , but because thats what alot of new sport bikes run and im sure there is a reason for it. more contact patch comes to mind

Could be due to the fact that a lot of new sport bikes also run a 3.5 inch front wheel, instead of the FZRs 3 inch front. On a stock wheel, I would stick with a 110. However, my 400 runs a 120/70 on a 3.5 inch wheel.

RoadDogma wrote:

apsolus wrote:personally id go with the 120 its alot better. not cause im positive they are the best thing on earth , but because thats what alot of new sport bikes run and im sure there is a reason for it. more contact patch comes to mind

Could be due to the fact that a lot of new sport bikes also run a 3.5 inch front wheel, instead of the FZRs 3 inch front. On a stock wheel, I would stick with a 110. However, my 400 runs a 120/70 on a 3.5 inch wheel.

RD,
you got it in one . The STOCK rim had the steering geometry designed round it , loading a 120 on there does just that load it and the FZR 's nimbleness has gone.

Fair point interstate riding is pretty straight lines so the 120 will not show up as being a crap handling tyre. for the FZR.


I have never understood the mentality of fitting FAT as* tyres on a bike they were never meant for, you want fatas* then buy the bike they were meant for or if you are cheap just the rims at least you will then be riding safer.

As for contact patch hmm the times I have seen some 120lb guy put 35lbs of air in the tyre OR some 300lb put 35lbs in a tyre. That 35lbs is a GUIDE you have to use your common sense & set the contact patch for you OR you & your pillion rider.

Dry sand is ideal for this sprinkle a little on the ground get on the bike and roll thro it the tyres will pick some up and you can see how much of the rubber contacts the floor. ADD or let air out as need be do that until you are happy with the contact area. Then measure it and make a note of what it is COLD.

If you go for a ride and pull in the gas station and use that pressure for the tyres it will be WRONG warm tyres increase the pressure by expanding the air.

thanks all for sounding in on this! I decided to go with a 110 Bridgestone on the stock 3.00 in rim.

vmaxmike wrote:thanks all for sounding in on this! I decided to go with a 110 Bridgestone on the stock 3.00 in rim.

Smart move

Yeah smart move, had the 120 on the dragon on the FZR and wished it was a 110

I agree. You made the right call.